Pop filters and/or foam covers?

[BPatubo]

I'm already using one of those foam microphone covers on my Behringer C-1 and I'm wondering if I should get a pop filter/screen. If I get a pop filter, would I use it along with the foam cover? Or is the foam cover good enough and should I stop thinking about getting a pop filter?

[womengrow]

I think the foam cover is meant to act as a pop filter or wind filter. Using both is probably overkill. The proof is in the final product: since you are recording with the foam cover now, do you get a lot of pops? If you don't, you definitely won't have to worry about buying a pop filter. If you do get more pops than you'd like, remove the foam cover and try a pop filter.

[anotherquizshow]

I've heard that the foam cover reduces the sound slightly, but I like the foam cover better that the pop filter.

I always seem to have to wrestle with the pop filter to keep it in place near the mic. The foam is right up on the mic, and it doesn't block my view behind the mic like the pop filter does sometimes. That's helpful if I'm reading something (computer screen) behind the mic.

Like Erika said, you don't need both. You can experiment to if there's a sound difference between the two. Here's the pop filter I use:
http://www.anotherquizshow.com/gear/NadyPopFilter

Michael

[Dr. Trey]

The pop filter is probably more transparent than the windscreen. Either way the sound is altered, but for the more transparent of the two, I would go with the pop filter especially if all you want to do is eliminate transients. By the way, i have had success using a wire hanger and panty hose to eliminate pops. I mean if you want to save money and looks don't matter.

[X Pat Radio]

Originally Posted by BPatubo

I'm already using one of those foam microphone covers on my Behringer C-1 and I'm wondering if I should get a pop filter/screen. If I get a pop filter, would I use it along with the foam cover? Or is the foam cover good enough and should I stop thinking about getting a pop filter?

If you want a pop-filter, make your own. Just google it man. I made mine for $3

[tabulator32]

I've had quite a bit of success reducing and eliminating pop and sputter just by being aware of where the microphone is located in relation to my mouth.

Placing the mic directly in front f your mouth picks up a lot more breath and noise and holding it off slightly to the side.

[jeffoest]

I have used a pop filter ever since I started recording (before podcasting). When I started podcasting, I didn't have an extra pop filter for my podcasting partner so we made one out of a coat hanger and nylon stockings. It worked JUST as well. Then again, real pop filters are pretty cheap anyways. We eventually just got another one.

I think the foam cover on a microphone is generally referred to as a 'wind screen'. As in most cases, you have to live with certain compromises when recording mobile vs. recording in the studio. And the wind screen is used because pop filters are generally unusable outdoors. It's a compromise of sorts.

So, yea - pop filters are your best bet for your best quality sound. BUT, you know, if you're ok with the sound you're getting from using the foam filter and you like the benefit of better access to reading material, that's cool too. A bit of off-center mic technique can compensate for it to some extent.

[Craig]

If you're using vertically-mounted mic you can also use a pencil for a pop filter. Just use a couple of rubber bands to hold the pencil vertically against the face of the mic, centered directly in front of the mic element.

Craig

[Steve Pinder]

I use the pop filter screens in the studio for the MXL990, but when we're at a show, I will use the MK-319 and will need to get the covers for them, because it would be better for an arena.
The pencil idea is cool though.

Steve Pinder
www.karatekast.com

[clithers]

Whether for podcasting or any other purpose, I always find the best results are achieved by setting up for the situation.

• Studio voice work: a fabric pop-shield gives a full tonal range with clean result and allows close mic use with almost no pops.
  Indoor interviews, foam filter or keep the mic a bit away from the subject.
  ALL outdoor work: "hairy" wind guard with open-cell foam layer and fur fabric outer-layer.

I got a perfectly good boom mic stand and pop shield from turnkey for £20 - I never did look good in a stocking mask anyway!
The truth is you get the best sound you can and in difficult situations imperfect sound is usually better than no sound at all, but use your own critial ear to hear what's there rather than what you want to be there.
Peter