Pop Filter

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cjacek

cjacek

Analogue Enthusiast
hi again !

i'm just curious ... why attach a "pop filter" to a condenser mic ? i know that this device reduces "pops" when singing but for what else is a filter like this used for ? (i hope i have the description correct. it's a round thing that u attach about 8 inches from a mic and u sing through a pantyhose like material).

thanks,

dan
 
A pop filter is used strictly to minimize plosive (P, B, T syllables) sounds while recording vocals.... It is generally not needed for any other applications...

Bruce
 
Listen to the Righteous Brothers' "White Cliffs of Dover" .. on the line that goes "...will go to sleep..."
You will notice that the "T" in "To" is really powerful. A pop screen would've eliminated that.

Isaiah
 
And all U need for a pop filter is a cloths-hanger and some pantyhose. Just bend the clothshanger into a circular shape and then stretch the pantyhose as tight as U can without ripping it around the clothshanger.

Although I make mine with those wooden embrodary things....... they are circular pieces of wood that can be tightend....... I'm not explainin it very well but I will try to find a pic..........

Sabith
 
VICTORY!!!!!!

my god that took me along time to find this stupid pic....
but this is what I'm talking about..... itz called an embrodary hoop, or a quilting hoop, they come in a bunch of different sizes. And they work really well, plus they are cheap

http://shop.fartycrafts.com.au/public/item.ehtml?id=12970

thats a bunch of different sizes, but U get the idea.

Sabith
 
Those are nice...... but that would cost me $45 up here in Canada....... and I don't have that kinda money to spend on a pop filter........ especially when mine has so much more personallity............ heheh.... the pics comin soon

Sabith
 
I picked up a plastic version of the "embriodery ring plus pantyhose" at Steve's Music in Ottawa. It included a mic stand fitting and I don't remember exactly how much it was but it was only $10 or $20.

I hate to give those guys a plug, their recording/keyboards sales guys are so snotty and stand-offish unless you're dripping cash (unlike their guitar sales guys who have always been very helpful to me).

Cheers,
Mike.
 
I deal with the guys at Steve's (Ottawa) all the time - they're great! If you waste their time with nonsense (and I'm not saying that you do that!) for sure they'll blow you off - but I've always found them to be genuinely interested in making sure you get the equipment you need (as opposed to what they want to sell you!)

Talk to Fred on the keyboard side next time - tell him Bruce sent ya!

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound
 
Let me add a note to Bruce's comments about gear shopping.As a former salesman and music store manager, these guys want to see a commited buyer.
The kids who want to "jam" on every ax in the store without any idea of making a purchase are not going to get much of a salesman's time.
On the other hand,a committed buyer who is ready to close the deal once he finds the product he wants will find salesguys tripping over each other to serve him.
Do your early research checking with musician buds,using forums like this one etc.Figure out (roughly)what you want.Check the prices and sales.Have the money in your pocket.Use language that lets the salesman know you are a serious prospect.Then he WILL let you have all the time and hands-on trial necessary to close the deal.
Make up your mind and be sure what you want.Then negotiate price.Nobody pays retail for equipment,mfg suggested list is a joke.
Oh yeah,pop filter,get one.

Tom
 
time=money right? Unless you have alot of spare time isnt it cheaper to just go buy one at geetar center? :D
 
Hey Sabith, how do you attach your home made filter. I would like to do this as well but have not attempted it yet because of coming up with the attaching part. I have the stuff to make the filter.

Your help is appreciated.

Joe
 
I think Sabith's got a following starting here.. Money making potential buddy!!
 
Why attached a Pop Filter to your condensor mic ?

Pertaining the initial question ... a pop filter also blocks off any liquid that may come directly from your mouth. Condensors doesn't like anything humid.

Infact I just made one yesterday with my extra pantyhose (eh hem) and some knitting material.
 
Reply to JC Lives:

Most embroidery hoops have a screw that tightens the hoop. What I do is to take apart a cheap mic stand clip and put the hoop's screw through the part of the mic clip that screws onto the mic stand. You may have to drill a hole in the clip - although some clips already have one. Tighten the screw up and it works great. Hope you follow me -but it does work.
 
Thanks Bruce, next time I'll ask for Fred.

You're right, I'm not a music shop widdler (I don't have rehearsed try-out pieces for keyboard or guitar like some people) and I avoid music shops at the weekend because of the widdlers. I do go prepared and I don't try to impress the salesmen by spouting jargon or boasting about my gear or gigs. But that could be the problem.

They might be thinking "this guy knows what he wants" and leave it at that but that's not what I expect from salesmen. I expect some curiosity as to why I want the product and what I intend to use it for (all Sales 101 stuff). When I bought my mixer, it was like shopping at Wal-Mart.

Coming from London, England, I'm used to going downtown and playing off several big stores against each other and the salesmen working very hard to persuade me that they have the best deal for me. So Tom, I believe it's up to the salesmen to suss out if I'm a serious prospect or not and the only way to do that is to talk to me and ask questions. That's why I choose off-peak times so that the salesmen have time to do talk to me. Yes I may have money to spend but there's no way I want them to be sure that I'll spend it at their store until I tell them it's a deal. Unfortunately Steve's is the only store in Ottawa with any real selection of recording gear so I don't think they're at all as frightened of a prospect going elsewhere as the guitar salesmen are.

I think next time, I'll appear less decisive, e.g. "I'd like to buy a condenser mic" rather than asking for a specific model, and see what Fred can do for me.

Cheers,
Mike.
 
iqi616....

Fred also has his own project studio (for his own use) and he knows his stuff as far as engineering chops. He doesn't recommend garbage just to make a sale and his advice/recommendations have always been well-regarded. He can definitely be of help to you.

Good luck,

Bruce
 
Mike the Brit
Cheers mate!
Yes indeedy,"qualifying" the prospect is step #1 for the salesman.That's asking questions about the gear he wants and how ready he is to buy.They want to weed out the lookers right away and devote their time to actually making a sale.
The fun part of the dance for me was always the "close".I liked to use the assumed-close,where you ask the customer questions which all assume he is ready to close the deal;
"will you want a gig bag or a hard case to go with that D'Angelico New Yorker?"not only assumes the close but starts the lucrative add-on boogie.
Those who take the time to learn the language of negotiating deals will never pay full pop in the music business.Mike,make sure these guys know you are serious,
"Look,what's your best price on that if I give you cash right now?"Reach into your pocket in anticipation.The salesman will salivate like Pavlov just rang the bell.
He won't let you cheat him (don't worry,make your best deal).A guy who comes in with cash and makes a deal gets remembered amid the "widdling" masses.Happy hunting!

Tom
 
Pop Filter mount.
Don't complicate things and don't drill a hole in your mic holder. Place the hoop in the mic holder with the screw under the edge of mic holder. Secure with a rubber band. Works for me and doesn't weaken a mic holder I might need one day. Oh yeah, I'm cheap.
 
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