How to make a Microphone Pop Filter for under $10.00

The video is introduced by explaining what a pop filter is and why a person who records podcasts should build one. At 1:30 the instructor introduces the materials needed to make the filter. At 2:00 he begins instructing viewers on how to make the microphone filter beginning with the treatment of the nylon...

By YouTube Genie, video courtesy YouTube

The video is introduced by explaining what a pop filter is and why a person who records podcasts should build one. At 1:30 the instructor introduces the materials needed to make the filter. At 2:00 he begins instructing viewers on how to make the microphone filter beginning with the treatment of the nylon.


At 4:00, the instructor shows viewers how to assemble the nylon and the embroidery hoop. He cautions people who are working alone that they must be clever in stretching the nylon tightly over the hoop without an extra pair of hands for help. At 8:05, once the filter is in place, the instructor begins to talk about the quality of recording vocals.

If a person speaks nearer to the microphone, his or her voice sounds deeper. When speaking further from the microphone more of the high notes are caught by that transmitted resulting in a higher pitched sound. Ultimately, the filter is able to prevent the hisses and pops that occur with a naked microphone. Often times, though the speaker is unaware of a problem when he or she listens back to what has been recorded, every p, t and s sound stands out with a distinct popping or hissing.

Expensive recording tools can prevent this problem, but if the podcast is only a hobby, the recorder might not want to spend too much money on a solution to the popping. To make a microphone pop filter for under ten dollars, all that is needed is a four-inch, wooden, embroidery hoop, a one foot length of slip tubing, a ten inch by two inch moldable gauge, a ratcheting zip tie a single black nylon, clip pliers, scissors and a screw driver.

This cheap solution will resolve every pop and hiss making the final recorded podcast sound professionally made. The assembly of the filter takes under ten minutes. To begin, the builder should take the nylon and cutting the toe away, then the leg. The remaining nylon tube should be cut lengthwise and laid flat. The length of the nylon will be roughly twice the breadth. Folding it once over will make a square and provide a double barrier.

The builder should then take the nylon, folded in half and stretch it over the small round of the embroidery hoop. Once it is stretched tight, the larger round of the hoop should be slipped over the nylon on the small round and tightened with the screw fastener. After the hoop is assembled with the nylon stretched tightly over it, the excess fabric should be cut away. Taking the slip tubing and fastening it to the base of the microphone stand, the builder provides an anchor point for the hoop.

The tubing is best positioned roughly two inches from the microphone at a obtuse angle to the mesh. Once the tubing is in place, the hoop can be fastened to the area just below the microphone using the zip tie. The zip tie can securely join with the tubing by lining up the screw fastener and end of the tube. The excess on the zip tie should be cut away. For a professional appearance the moldable gauge can be slipped over the tubing to make a uniform black pop filter, once assembled a podcast can be recorded free of hissing and popping sounds.

Publication date: Friday December 31, 2010
Author: YouTube Genie, video courtesy YouTube