Listening to your favorite songs or podcasts may think that getting good quality recordings is a breeze. However, if you try it, you will find that it is not that easy without the right equipment and techniques. Fortunately, you can easily build an indispensable tool, the pop filter, with objects found in every home. With the new filter you will be able to eliminate these annoying "pops" that occur when you pronounce the "P" and "B" sounds in recordings.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Filter with Iron and Tights
Step 1. Fold an iron coat rack into a circle
Pull the "bottom" of the triangle away from the hook, as if it were a bow. You should get an almost square shape.
Step 2. Keep pulling on the squared sides to get a more circular shape; it doesn't have to be perfect
If you can't fold the coat hanger, try using pliers to get a better grip. If you have a vice, you can also pinch one side of the hanger into the tool and pull the other
Step 3. Spread a pair of tights or tights over the circle
Pull them as far as possible to get a smooth, drum-like surface. Secure the excess fabric around the hanger hook. Use duct tape or a rubber band to hold the extra piece in place and keep the fabric taut.
Step 4. Place the filter in front of the microphone
You have to leave about 3-5 cm between the microphone and the filter, which should not be in contact. Put your mouth in front of the filter when recording. There is no "right" way to do this; whatever method you use to hold the filter in front of the microphone will do. Below you will find some ideas.
- If you wish, you can straighten the hanger hook and fold it into a wider curve, then tape it to a point on the microphone shaft behind it. Bend the iron according to your needs, in order to bring the filter exactly in the right place.
- Use a clamp to attach the filter to the microphone pole. You can find small, inexpensive clamps at almost any hardware store.
- Tape the filter to a second microphone stand and place it in front of the first.
- Be aware that some microphones absorb sound from above, others from the front. Place the filter directly in front of the recording surface of the microphone.
Step 5. Sing or speak into the microphone through the filter
Now, you are ready to register. Turn on the equipment and position yourself so that the filter is between you and the microphone. You should keep your mouth a few inches from the filter. Good luck!
Listen to the "P," "B," "S" and "CH" sounds of the recording. You shouldn't hear any clipping of these sounds if the volume levels are configured correctly. Conversely, if you didn't use a pop filter, you might experience a lot of distortion in your recording. Click here for a great semi-technical guide to clipping (and how to avoid it!)
Method 2 of 3: Embroidery Hoop Filter
Step 1. Get an embroidery frame
Step 2. Stretch some embroidery nylon onto a hoop
An embroidery hoop is nothing more than a hoop made of metal or plastic that holds a piece of fabric in place while you sew. All sizes of rims will do, but a frame of about 15cm in diameter is the same size as many pop filters on the market.
Embroidery hoops usually have a fairly simple hook on one side. Open the hook and place the fabric over the inner hoop so that it is stretched over the edges on all sides. Put the inner circle back into the outer one and close the hook, making sure the fabric is still taut. If you need help, search the internet for information on embroidery hoops
Step 3. Alternatively, use the mosquito net material
It may sound strange to you, but stiffer fabrics are better pop filters. If you have the metal or plastic mesh that is usually used for mosquito nets on doors and windows, know that it is the ideal material. Just stretch it over the embroidery hoop just like you would any other fabric.
You can find the netting for mosquito nets in large hardware stores. It doesn't cost much, but you'll probably have to buy a whole roll of material instead of the small amount you need
Step 4. Put the frame in front of the microphone
Now just place your new pop filter. As mentioned in the previous section, one of the easiest ways to do this is to glue, tape or clamp the outside of the circle to a microphone stand. You can also tie the frame to a stick or straightened coat hanger, then attach them behind the microphone.
Sing or speak through the filter and into the microphone as you normally would. With this method the filter has only one layer, but it should work just as well
Method 3 of 3: Filter with Coffee Jar Lid
Step 1. Remove the plastic lid from a large coffee jar
With this method, you will use the lid to create a circular frame for the fabric that will act as a filter. The cap can be any size you like, but hard lids with a diameter of 15 cm are usually more suitable.
Hard plastic lids are the best. Those that are flexible and that bend are not as suitable
Step 2. Remove the center of the lid, leaving only the edge
Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the entire middle section of the lid. Once finished you should have a hard plastic circle. Discard the cut off part of the cork.
You may need a drill, awl, or saw to start cutting the hardest lids. Be very careful when using those tools. Remember to always wear a pair of heavy work gloves and safety glasses
Step 3. Spread pantyhose or nylon over the empty part of the lid
Now that you have a hard plastic circle, you only need a layer of porous fabric to make the filter. Tights and stockings are ideal. Just spread one over the circle, pull it tight, group the excess on the bottom and secure it with rubber bands or tape.
You can also use embroidery material or a mosquito net as mentioned in the previous sections, but it's more difficult. You can use clamps, clips, or tape on the edge to keep those materials taut
Step 4. Use the filter as already indicated
Your pop filter is ready to use. Use tape or clamps to position it in front of the microphone as described for the previous methods.
Advice
- Some sources recommend putting a sock over the mic as a quick alternative to the pop filter. Experts disagree on this method: some say the results are comparable to those of a commercial filter, while others argue that a real filter offers better protection against distortion and clipping.
- Plastic ties are durable and simple tools for holding a homemade pop filter in place. However, if you make a mistake, you will need a knife or a pair of scissors to cut them and try again.
- Speaking or singing slightly to the side of the microphone (rather than directly in front) can also reduce clipping of P, B, etc. sounds.
