MXL2001 w/ pop filter

[chazba]

I've had the mxl2001 for several years now and thought it was"just ok" for a non-profit institution like my home rig. I built a homebrew pop filter from an embroidery hoop and some scrap grillecloth held in place on the shockmount by an alligator clip. Don't ask what the clip's previous function was. The sound of the 2001 seemed to smooth out to the point where it's tolerable, even kinda nice.
Does somebody understand the physics of pop-filters well enough to explain why a couple of square inches of grillecloth would affect the sound that much. Shouldn't it be acoustically transparent???


chazba

 

[MCI2424]

I've had the mxl2001 for several years now and thought it was"just ok" for a non-profit institution like my home rig. I built a homebrew pop filter from an embroidery hoop and some scrap grillecloth held in place on the shockmount by an alligator clip. Don't ask what the clip's previous function was. The sound of the 2001 seemed to smooth out to the point where it's tolerable, even kinda nice.
Does somebody understand the physics of pop-filters well enough to explain why a couple of square inches of grillecloth would affect the sound that much. Shouldn't it be acoustically transparent???


chazba

If you are talking about any source that creates air disturbances (vocal, drums etc) than the pop filter will break up any directed air blasts which tend to create harshness or distortion but anything in the way of any signal will slightly change the sound (as well as change reflections).

 

[hairylarry]

Some vocalists

Hi,

Some vocalists require a pop filter. Others don't need one at all.

I make mine from hangar wire bent into a circle with a twisted handle. Then I stretch a foot from a pair of pantyhose over the wire, wrap it around the handle and duct tape it into place. Then I bend the end of the handle into a U and bolt it onto a disassembled mic clip so it will thread onto a mic stand.

They are always recommended with LDCs. Even some great dynamic vocal mics like the EV PL80 need a pop filter with some vocalists.

If they are working right they cut out the wind blasts that cause the pops while barely changing the vocal sound being recorded.

Many people hate the 2001 but for my low raspy voice mine works fine. My guess is your voice carries some short wind blasts with it that were hurting your sound maybe without even popping noticeably. By stopping those wind blasts you were eliminating that problem and hearing how good you actually sing.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

 

[chazba]

Thanks Hairy...It did improve the sound, but the singing still sucks. I still have major problems handling vowel sounds and sometimes intonation too.
Funny that you should mention the EV PL80. I used one for maybe 15 years and just gave it to my daughter to use in her band. Maybe the best dynamic I ever had. Beats any Shure .


chazba

 

[hairylarry]

Larry Donn, Merle Travis, Frank Sinatra

Hi,

I've heard the PL80 was Frank Sinatra's stage mic. Just hearsay.

But I know this for a fact. I was jamming with Larry Donn and I noticed he was singing through a PL80. I mentioned that it was the same vocal mic I was using. He said it used to be Merle Travis' mic. He bought it from Merle's wife after he passed on.

So tell your daughter. Not only did all those famous people use that mic so does Hairy Larry.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry