The Best Microphone Pop Filters + Budget Option
Musician's Gear Double 6"
Street Price:
Manufacturer:
The Musician's Gear Double Pop Filter employs an interesting method of removing the B and P consonant plosives - two pop filters divided by around half an inch of air space. This configuration has double the efficiency of conventional pop filters, the first filter redirects the plosive consonants to the open space in between which disperses the excess air pressure, while the second filter further disperses any unneeded air movements while allowing the sound to pass through clearly. Other features of this pop filter include standard flexible gooseneck for positioning and a c-clamp for securing the pop filter on a mic stand.
Features:
- Diameter: 6" Dual Filter
- Gooseneck: 11.5"
- C-Clamp (welded assembly)
Pros
For close mic vocal recording, the Musician's Gear Double Pop Filter continues to get the job done reliably well, as attested to by many users. Many claim that it outperforms other conventional pop filters, prompting some of them to retake some vocal recordings for the added clarity. Some have even used it for capturing whistling, which is quite impressive for a filter that's affordably priced. Others also comment on the sturdy and stable assembly of this filter, stating that it is easy to set up and that it stays in plays for a good amount of time.
Cons
There are a few who are concerned with the extra weight of the double screen assembly, and its effect on mic stand balance. The clamp also got a few complaints, because it does not match the thinner extension arm that holds the mic, adding to the balancing issue.
Overall
If you are into close-mic singing, or you're looking to record plosive heavy singing and whistling, then this is an affordable pop filter to have ready.
Shure PS-6 Popper Stopper
The PS-6 Popper stopper offers 20db to 30db of plosive reduction The material also filters out around 3db at the 8khz to 9khz range to reduce harsh sibilance. This makes it great for louder singers or more high-frequency sensitive microphones.
Features:
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 14"
- Four-layer screen
Pros
Users like the amount of attenuation it offers for even the most intense vocals. While not transparent, users say it's their go-to filter for more aggressive vocal styles. It is also said to be easy to set up by some reviewers.
Cons
Some people didn't like the fact that the high frequencies have some attenuation. Singers with lower registers and deeper voices do not benefit from it. The filter itself is slightly more opaque than most and may obscure the singer's view of the mic and lose track of where to position.
Overall
For ease of set up and ability to stand up to the most aggressive of vocal styles, the PS-6 Popper Stopper from Shure scores high marks for reliability. Bear in mind that the filter may color the sound to the detriment of singers with mellower tonalities.
Stedman Proscreen PS101
Instead of going for the usual nylon mesh filter material, the Stedman Proscreen PS101 comes with a metal screen. The louvered metal diverts plosive air downwards while allowing sound to pass through clearly to the mic. This results in good pop filtering without the durability issues inherent to cloth or nylon mesh. The filter diameter is 4.6" while gooseneck is 20" long.
Features:
- Diameter: 4.6"
- Gooseneck: 20"
Pros
Good reports continue to pour in for the Stedman Proscreen PS101, with many specifically commending it for its plosive blocking capability. It has been used along side many popular mics, including the Blue Yeti and the AT2020 - with very good results, as attested to by many users.
Cons
Some users were not too happy with its small diameter. Other than that, there are many more good things mentioned than bad.
Overall
The Stedman Proscreen PS101 is a good quality metal pop screen that will make a good addition to any home recording studios.
Stedman Proscreen XL
The Stedman Proscreen XL Pop Filter features a 6" diameter filter that's made using a material that they designed and patented. While they did not give the exact details, some have described the filter material to be more like metal, that louver plosives to stop them from reaching your microphone while keeping the sound uncolored. The company describes the material to be easy to clean and reliable. Other features include a 13" flexible gooseneck and a nylon-tipped clamp that is meant to avoid scratches on your mic stand. Finally, the Stedman Proscreen XL Pro Filter commands a premium price relative to others, but it was still able to satisfy most of its users and achieve one of the top ratings.
Features:
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 13"
- Nylon-tip clamp
- Angled filter openings that force the plosive energy downwards away from the mic
- Washable filter
Pros
The Stedman Proscreen XL Pop Filter continues to get good market feedback, with many reporting that it exceeded their expectations both in terms of performance and value for money. Many reported that the unique material of this pop filter works really well, resulting in cleaner recordings, while others found the adjustability and reliability to be well worth the extra investment.
Cons
Speaking of investment, a few users found the price to be too high for a pop filter, but they are easily overwhelmed by those who say otherwise. A small number of users said that it doesn't stop hard/loud plosives well with some reminding that proper vocal techniques are still required to get the most out of this premium filter.
Overall
If budget is not an issue and you're looking for a reliable non-fabric mesh, then this American-made high-quality pop filter is highly recommended.
Mikrofonen Hakan P110
The Mikrofonen Hakan P110 can be considered a premium pop filter for those who demand absolute transparency with their vocals. The specially designed hydrophobic foam not only keeps plosives at bay but it also protects your microphones from moisture and saliva that may corrode and damage them.
Features:
- Replaceable hydrophobic foam for moisture wicking
- Transparent Filter and Mount prevents tonal coloration
- 1" Mounting clamp and flexible gooseneck
Pros
Although the manufacturer states the filter does not "color" the sound, one user mentioned her voice sounded clearer and higher in fidelity than usual. Clarity is a recurring comment with reviews.
Cons
Some found it too expensive for a pop filter - this is definitely aimed at the premium end of the market.
Overall
The Hakan P110 by Mikrofonen is a top of the line pop filter that's great for people who want absolute clarity with their vocal recordings.
Budget Option
Dragonpad USA Pop Filter
The Dragonpad USA Pop Filter is a value-priced offering with a 6" filter and a 13" gooseneck.
Features:
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 13"
- Screw Clamp
- Double mesh filter
Pros
Nearly every positive review of the Dragonpad USA Pop filter refers to its price. Many reviewers note that it does the job well and there isn't much to complain about given the price. The clip is said to be better than most other filters in this price range.
Cons
Although many reviews mention the clamp quality being good, the clamp still isn't as good as it could be. Durability was an issue that came up in several negative reviews saying that the filter's clamp broke after a few uses, so handle with care if you choose this budget option.
Overall
If you feel like a pop filter shouldn't be an expensive premium accessory for your studio or broadcast setup, the Dragonpad USA Pop Filter is the best among its price range.
Things to Consider When Buying a Pop Filter
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Filter Material
Most manufacturers choose to build their pop filters using nylon or other fabric materials, usually because they are cheaper and more importantly they get the job done. Others utilize woven or perforated metal, of which some claim to provide improved clarity and transparency, specifically in the upper frequencies. There is no definite answer as to which is better, many experienced users still prefer nylon mesh material, while more premium builders prefer metal.
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Filter Diameter
The standard filter diameter that many pop filters follow is 6", but there are smaller ones, with 4" being the most common among them. The bigger the pop filter diameter is, the more room for movement the vocalist has. This allows for natural body movements while recording, instead of being strictly in one position which can sometimes kill inspiration and vibe. Smaller pop filters are ideal for small mics and small recording spaces, they are also lighter, which reduces the stress on the gooseneck, resulting in increased stability.
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Gooseneck Quality
The length, flexibility and stability of the filter's gooseneck plays a very important role in positioning the filter. You don't want a filter that droops and requires constant adjustments, and you also don't want a neck that requires too much effort to bend to position.
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Mounting and Compatibility
Most pop filters come with clamping and mounting mechanisms that allow for secure attachment to mic stands, and they should be fine if you use stand-mounted mics. However, if you're using a desktop mounted mic, especially for home recording, you'll want a pop filter that can clip on the desk, or on the mic itself.
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Another Way to Use a Pop Filter
I sometimes use pop filters when miking bass amps for slap bass players. This playing style usually has really fast speaker movements, and I usually use dynamic mics, but when using a condenser I like using a pop filter as a means to smooth out the sudden rush of air (transients) from the speaker.
Best Pop Filter Selection Methodology
First published on November 2, 2016 written by Alexander Briones and last updated on August 8, 2019 by audio engineer Raphael Pulgar with contributions from Mason Hoberg.
First, we looked for pop filters that are readily available from US music gear retailers. We then made a short-list and compiled related data about them, including user ratings, reviews, forum discussions, expert opinions. You can view our short-list in the Music Gear Database. The data we gathered for this 2019 update tallied to over 9,900 sources, all of which were then processed by the Gearank Algorithm to produce our ratings out of 100. We selected the best from the list according to rank. We also picked out a good budget option. For more information about this process, see How Gearank Works.
Comments
As a result of the recent
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of the recent update to this guide, there were 3 pop filters that were removed from the recommended list above, however you can still read about them here:
The following pop filters
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The following pop filters came off our recommended list above due to our recent update, but you can still read about them:
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