Podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium in recent years, and this is a market that shows no signs of slowing down.
There are podcasts available on a host of different topics, from politics to comedy, and this can be a great way to share information and promote your business.
One of the most important things to ensure when setting up your own podcast is that the sound is clear and audible – after all, the main connection that you have with your audience is via audio.
Part of this includes making sure that you have a quality microphone and extras such as pop filters to guarantee crystal clear audio – and we have put together all that you need to know to set up your new pop filter.
What Is A Pop Filter?
A pop filter (see also ‘Homemade Pop Filter‘) is a device used to reduce background noise by removing low-frequency sounds, which tend to occur at lower volumes than higher frequencies.
This is particularly useful for recording podcasts because it will help to remove any unwanted background noises, such as traffic or other people talking.
Pop Filters For Audio Recording
There are many options out there for pop filters, but they all work similarly. They use a combination of high-pass and band-pass filtering to cut off certain frequencies.
The end result is that these frequencies are removed from the final recording, leaving only those that are louder than the others.
The best option for audio recording is one that has multiple settings so that you can select what frequencies you want to remove. Some models also offer adjustable gain controls, allowing you to adjust how much you want to attenuate.
The first thing you should do when buying a pop filter is to make sure that it offers enough settings to cater for your needs.
You don’t necessarily need a model that comes with loads of features, but something that gives you control over the frequencies that you want to remove is essential.
Types Of Pop Filter
When choosing a pop filter, you’ll notice that there are two types: passive and active. Passive filters simply block out the frequencies that you choose, while active filters amplify them.
Pop Filters Vs Passive Filters
There are two main types of filters that you can buy; passive and active. Both work by removing unwanted frequencies from your recorded audio.
However, they differ slightly in their design and function. Let’s take a look at what each type of filter does and how they’re used.
Passive Filters
A passive filter is one that doesn’t require any power to operate. Instead, they rely on resonance to remove unwanted frequencies from the signal. They also tend to be cheaper than active filters.
Active Filters
An active filter requires power to operate. As such, they’re generally more powerful than passive filters. They also allow for better control over the frequency range that they remove.
Which Is Better?
The best way to decide whether a passive or an active filter is right for you is by looking at the specific needs of your project. If you’re working with vocals, then an active filter may be the best choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re producing electronic dance music, then a passive filter might be the best option.
You may find yourself wanting to use both types of filters, depending on your requirements. If you’re looking to record a podcast where you want to keep some background noise, then a passive filter might be ideal.
However, if you’re looking to remove specific frequencies, then an active filter would be better suited.
What Are The Advantages Of A Pop Filter?
If you’ve ever tried recording a podcast without a pop filter, you probably noticed that the volume was too quiet. As well as being annoying for listeners, this could lead to problems with your equipment.
Some main advantages of a pop filter (see also ‘What Does A Pop Filter Do?’) include:
It Allows You To Record At Lower Levels
As mentioned above, having a pop filter allows you to record at lower levels. This means that you can get away with using less expensive microphones, which are often easier to handle than more professional ones.
It’s even possible to use a pop filter with condenser mics, which are usually very sensitive to external noise.
It Protects Your Equipment
Another advantage of using a pop filter is that it protects your equipment. Without a pop filter, you run the risk of damaging your microphone, headphones, or speakers.
By reducing the amount of background noise, you give yourself a greater chance of getting good-quality recordings.
It Improves Sound Quality
Another benefit of using a pop filter during audio recording is that it improves sound quality. When you have a lot of background noise, it makes it harder to hear the details within the music.
Using a pop filter will help to reduce this problem, making your recordings clearer and more enjoyable to listen to.
How To Install A Pop Filter
Once you’ve decided on a pop filter, you can start installing it. There are many different ways in which you can go about doing this, but we’ll show you the most common methods below.
Step 1 – Attach The Pop Filter To Your Mic Stand
To attach your pop filter to your mic stand, you’ll need to drill holes into the top of the pop filter. Once you’ve done this, you can screw the pop filter onto the bottom of your mic stand.
Step 2 – Attach The Pop Filters To Your Microphone Headphones Or Speakers
Once you’ve attached your pop filter to your microphone stand, you’ll need to attach it to your headphones or speakers. In order to do this, you’ll need to unscrew the screws holding the pop filter together.
Then, simply place the pop filter over your headphones or speakers.
Step 3 – Plug In And Test
Now that you’ve finished setting up your pop filter, it’s time to test it. Simply plug your headphones or speakers into your computer and turn them on.
Now, play some music through your headphones or speakers and see how loud the music sounds when compared to before you installed the pop filter.
You should now notice that the music sounds much louder and cleaner. This means that you’ve successfully set up your pop filter!
Final Thoughts
A pop filter such as the AT2020 can be a great way to improve the quality of your podcast, and ensure that your audio is crystal clear for every episode – all of which helps to ensure that your audience can enjoy your content in the highest possible quality!
Another solution is using a Windscreen instead of a Pop Filter to reduce background noise and make your podcast sound a little more professional.
