How to Make a Very Cheap Homemade Pop Filter

Intro: How to Make a Very Cheap Homemade Pop Filter

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.

Comments

[a splosion]

Thank you! I used your idea of using a cardboard cylinder (oatmeal container) in building my own pop filter. I also used ideas from https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cheap-Microphone-Pop-Filter/ .
Thanks again!

[xamox]

No problem. Hopefully it worked out well for you.

Keep on jamming!

[mxx]

Great! I'm going to make a similar one, though a bit smaller, for a desktop mic.

[stubbsonic]

That looks great! Thanks!

I did a version of this kind of pop filter with a set of embroidery hoops from a craft store (they come in different sizes). I fastened the hoops to a cheap mic clip so it could be positioned with a second mic stand. Your clamp method is clever!

[ccncdc]

Nice! You could also use a coat hanger to attach it to the mic stand, and even make the ring, then bend a loop at the end of your coat hanger to go between the mic clip and mic stand. I think cheap trick did something like this for their first few recordings.

[dfedde]

thank you for posting this i have bin messing with pantyhose and mics for a while but, i never got a good pop filter

[PsyOp]

Awesome setup! LOve the idea!! :) You are talented

[xamox]

Thanks. The clamps are kind of ghetto but they allow you to adjust it really easily.

[Gypsyman]

i use the speaker covers from old school head phones, but yours looks a lot nicer, so good job!

[guitarman63mm]

I'm sure that it works well, I've made some makeshift ones myself, although I currently use a machined metal one over my condensers.

[DIY Dave]

Is that mic a shure sm57?

[xamox]

Good Call. Yes is it.

[xamox]

Yeah the pantihose covers both sides. As for the sound it depends on your recording setup, how you want it to sound, etc.

[incorrigible packrat]

Nice! Do the pantyhose cover both sides of the cardboard ring? Does it matter, acoustically, if they do or don't?

btw If you can get hold of an old embroidery hoop, from a thrift store or somewheres, it might make for an even easier build...

[xamox]

Thanks. My buddy was ripping on me for posting this online, glad to see I've already have two people who like it.

[GorillazMiko]

Nicely done. I have a great microphone (too bad LinuxH4x0r!), and we need one of these. Great job! +1 vote.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Nice! too bad I don't have a good mic