If you read my article on improving audio quality, you’ll see it’s more directed towards beginner to intermediate users. Much the same applies to this page on pop filters too!
Let’s be honest, professionals out there know everything they need to know about what products are best for producing the desired results.
All that’s being said, everyone needs to start somewhere. That’s when it becomes hard to know what to get to improve sound quality for your videos, podcasts or songs. There are many factors to consider, and even when you feel you found the right product, one more factor can stand in the way; and that’s price!
In this article, we will discuss one tactic that is used to improve sound quality. That’s through the use of pop filters, and particularly ones compatible with the Blue Yeti.
If starting out, it does not take breaking the bank to get your vocals to sound great. That’s not to say that these pop filters are the best in the market (they are not).
However, they do a great job for the price and will serve you well until you feel the time has come to step up your game.
What Is A Pop Filter & Why Do I Need One?
[highlight-it color-1]Typically, a pop filter screen is made of one or more layers of semi transparent material stretched over a frame (usually circular). The material is designed to allow sound to pass through, but also cut out the high and the low end of the pop.[/highlight-it]
During speech or singing, we have many stop words that produce a type of “popping” sound, and Chantelle Henriques eloquently describes popping by doing a small test to understand it.
Say the word “Stop” out loud and carefully listen to the “P” at the end of the word. You’ll here a popping sound, and it is that popping effect that microphones pick up and accentuate in the audio (horrible).
Plosive sounds are those heard on letters like “p” and “b,” and they occur naturally in speech. If you imagine that you are holding a lit candle in front of your mouth while you’re speaking, these sounds would make the flame flicker.
– Chantelle Henriques
Can I Get Any Pop Filter For My Mic?
Yes, technically any pop filter (in terms of eliminating plosives) will work on any mic. However, the main issue is the fixture and if it can be conveniently attached to your mic. The Yeti is a very convenient mic designed with USB plug and play capability. It’s therefore important to note, not all pop filters are designed to fit on the original Yeti stand.
Things To Consider When Buying A Pop Filter
There are many factors to consider when purchasing your Blue Yeti pop filter. This can range from having a gooseneck long enough to allow flexibility in determining the correct distance from the screen to the mic, to whether the clamp attachment is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the filter. However, for simplicity, we look at 3 primary main factors.
Pop Shield Screen Size
It goes without saying that the screen area must be large enough to cover your microphone’s receiving end. Luckily we have you covered as the filters we recommend are designed specifically to fit the Yeti and sufficiently cover it up.
Best Screen Shape For Popping & Plosives
To simplify matters, we will say that there are two types of pop filters:
For the price, flat filters are the way to go, but it requires that you speak directly into the centre of the filter, whereas, curved filters give you the flexibility to move around while recording as you can work from an angle.
Mount Attachment & Fixture
There are different attachments on filters, and as you are a Blue Yeti fan, you need to find a pop filter that can be mounted on this specific microphone stand.
We’ve got you covered, and without further ado, here are the best pop filters for your Blue Yeti microphone in relation to price.
1. AUPHONIX Pop Filter For Blue Yeti
The Auphonix pop filter is made in both 4″ & 6″ screen diameters, both of which are big enough to occupy the surrounding area of the microphone’s head.
The simple clamp is designed to sit snuggly to the side of the Yeti stand, all that’s left is to tighten it up. The other advantage of the clamp is it can be attached to other mic stands of different shapes and sizes.
The gooseneck is easy to move at different angles but also keeps its rigidity when selecting the desired position (it stays in place and does not drop).
A good budget pop filter that does exactly what it says on the box.
2. InnoGear Blue Yeti Screen [360° Neck]
The two-screen system is designed so the first screen dampens the air blast, with the gap in the middle dispersing the shock waves, and the second screen makes sure any residual pop is completely contained.
The clamp like many, has a scratch-proof gripper and capable of being fastened on most tubular boom arms and mic stands up to 1.6″ in diameter.
The InnoGear pop filter mount is free angle adjustable, so not only can you adjust its position with the gooseneck, but you can swivel it too, giving you maximum flexibility in positioning your filter against your mic.
3. HDE Yeti Pop Filter Shield: 6″ Shield
Yet an other double meshed filter that not only reduces wind interference and plosives, but also acts like a Blue Yeti mic cover preventing saliva from entering your hardware and potentially extending its life span.
The HDE pop filter, a 360° flexible gooseneck that allows for trouble free positioning and placement, yet strong enough to support the weight of the shield.
The clamp is designed to attach to most mics including desktop USB microphones and screws on easily.
- Shield diameter: 6-inch
- Flexible gooseneck: 14-inch (2-inch adjustable)
The Bottom Line
A pleasant listening experience is paramount and puts your listeners at ease as they listen to what is being said in comfort. Therefore, selecting any of these filters will help deal with those unwanted popping noises that ruin your hard work.
Simply put. Any filter is better than none. And there isn’t very much difference in performance between these three mentioned on this article.
The AUPHONIX Pop Filter is my choice because of it’s dual-layered mesh bringing double the effort in reducing plosives. Just as importantly, the gooseneck has a lovely balance between being easy to move while maintaining rigidity. This means keeping the screen up firmly at any position without it constantly dropping.
FAQ
Is a pop filter really necessary?
Yes a pop filter is worth it. No one is saying you have to go all out getting the best or most expensive one, however, any pop filter is better than non. Bad audio recording is likely to be a bad user experience for your listeners, so get a pop filter, even if it is $10.
Is a pop filter or windscreen better?
Pop filters are more suited for indoor studio recording whereas, windscreen is more designed for outdoor recordings where wind might come from different directions. The curve on the windscreen attempts to shield a greater area of the mic to reduce wind noise.
Blue Yeti Foam Cover Recommendations
Don’t forget, pop filters do not only come in shield form. If you are looking for a less conspicuous solution, then maybe you should consider a Blue Yeti foam cover instead?
Here are a few colorful choices!
Remember, these don’t only act as an audio filter, but also help protect your mic from dust, saliva, moisture damage and unwanted wind noise.
