Most of us that record close vocals use or should use pop filters when recording. There are many companies that produce pop filters, from the cheap product you might find on ebay that is likely to fall apart after screwing it on your microphone stand 3 times, to ones that last a life time but cost a relative small fortune for a piece of metal and/or fabric.
The guys at Pop Audio have come up with an interchangeable pop filter that wont break the bank and is extremely well made.
Fabric
The classic dual layer fabric filter. Constructed from two layers of acoustically transparent fabric. This is the classic that everyone knows. Apparently, many engineers that were consulted during the design process still wanted/liked using a fabric filter due to familiarity, so they spent a lot of time sourcing the best material for the job. Their tests have found that this fabric filter outperforms others on the market for acoustic transparency. It’s still cleanable like the metal, but most users find they like to simply replace the filter when it becomes dirty or if they damage the fabric as it is the cheapest filter replacement to buy.
Metal
Robust and easy to clean, this filter is perfect for recording both on the road and in the studio. Built from two metal disks, each punched with hundreds of 0.8mm diameter holes, this filter offers great acoustic transparency whilst being strong and ready for life on the road. This is the one to use and abuse, it can be easily washed and cleaned multiple times and chucked around when being transported without getting damaged. It’s also still very transparent but is favoured for it’s ruggedness.
Foam
The ultimate solution for the most critical recording situations. For the purest, most uncompromised sound, the hydrophobic 20ppi foam filter provides extreme levels of transparency whilst preventing air blasts and moisture from damaging your microphone and ruining your recordings. This is the most acoustically transparent filter (no more than +/- 0.5dB change in frequency response over the audible range) and is the recommended filter of choice for studio sessions where you favour absolute transparency. However it’s also the most delicate material so for obvious reasons it should be handled with a little more care.
Twist And Click
All of the filters are quickly interchangeable by a simple twist and click mechanism, so you can try out the different materials and decide what works best for your recording situation.
The build quality is absolutely fantastic, this thing should last you years of heavy use.
The Arm
As simple to use as a gooseneck, but without any of the hassle. Using the unique ball and socket joint arm, you can position your filter however you want whilst being guaranteed the highest level of strength and stability.
The Clamp
The strongest clamp but also the easiest to use. No more damaged stands, constant readjustment or broken clamps. Using a butterfly design and lined with high friction rubber, the clamp is quick and easy to position yet grips strongly to resist vertical and rotational movements. This a clamp you can rely on.
Price
- Studio Edition £55/ €79 (3 filters, Fabric, Foam, Mesh)
- Classic Edition £40/ €59 (Fabric filter only)
- Replacement Filters, Foam and Metal £15/ €19, Fabric £10/ €14
Conclusion
We get in quite a lot of expensive products to review on the Expert sites, compressors, microphones etc. When I was asked to review a pop filter I’ve got to admit I wasn’t exactly chomping at the bit waiting for the postman to arrive, but Ive got to say this product is one of the best products I’ve seen in a long time. I tried a little abuse with the arm joint, it consistently stayed in position unlike my other high priced pop filter. The build quality and the performance of the pop filter is excellent. If anyone asked me what pop filter they should buy I would not hesitate to say the Pop Audio Studio Edition, and thats why I offered it Editors Choice.
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