Introduction: How to Make a Very Cheap Homemade Pop Filter

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This is a very quick and easy way to make a homemade popfilter for recording vocals.

"A pop filter or pop shield is an anti-pop noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce popping and hissing sounds in recorded speech and singing. It can also protect against the accumulation of saliva on the microphone element." -Wikipedia

Step 1: Gather Materials

For this you need just a few materials:

  • 1 pair Pantihose
  • 2 spring clamps
  • 1 wooden dowel (about 3 feet in length)
  • 1 cardboard box
  • Glue (I used wood glue)
  • Scissors

I think the total of these materials was around $5. I'm sure there are alternatives. I picked up most of these supplies at wal-mart. They only had C-clamps so I had to go to a hardware store to get the other clamps.

Step 2: Cut Apart Cardboard

Here I used a utility knife to cut away the top part of the cardboard box. I used used a pencil and marked the bigger part of the box so I knew both pieces would line up before I cut them apart.

Step 3: Pantihose

Here you pull the panty hose over the inner cardboard ring. Then put a ring of glue around the outside. Slide the outer cardboard ring over the top of the inner. You also want to make sure that the pantihose are pulled tight before you glue it. Then let it set and have the glue dry.

Step 4: Rod.

Here you take the scissors and basically score the rod. Just move them in a circle. I cut the rod pretty much in half. Once the rod is scored, then just bend it over a corner.

Step 5: Add the Rod to Filter

Now you cut off the excess pantihose from the filter. Use the scissors to drill a small hole in the edge of the filter. Make sure you don't make the hole too big. You want the rod to barely squeeze into that hole. Once it's big enough push the rod a small way into the filter. You can even glue it if you want, but I didn't find it necessary.

Step 6: Put on Mic Stand and Rock Out.

Now all you need to do is attach the filter to your mic stand. Here you can use the clips to adjust the height at the distance. I've read 2 inches from the microphone is standard but it's something you'll have to play with on your own to get a good sound.



Enjoy.