Microphone Pop Shields

Subject: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: GUEST,Old Time Tom
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 08:19 AM

So how do Pop shields work ? Do you put them over the microphopne or wear them over your mouth ?

My grandaughter's latest young chap is a recording industry engineer
she met at a rock music festival

She says he mentioned to her that Folk Singers need to use Pop shields to prevent us sounding like Pop singers.

Do any mudcatters use them, and how well do they work ?

Naturally I dread the idea that I might sound like a Pop singer.

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: GUEST,#
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 09:01 AM

The singer sings through the shield toward the mic.

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 09:35 AM

The mic shields prevent "p" popping, or help anyway. The first few recordings I made with Margaret Nelson, we were recorded by sometime MC contributor Paul Stamler. He made shields by cutting up panty hose, so we dubbed those crotch filters. I found I could avoid the p popping by singing over the mic, not into it. More recently mic filters are still in evidence, though I don't think they're made with cut up panty hose anymore.

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 03:31 PM

they're very cheap - cheaper than panty hose, and coat hangers and they work fine, they stop exploding consonants when you record. you don't need them for live work.

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 03:50 PM

Our priest uses what we call a "Madonna mike" - it hangs on his ear and loops around to a spot in front of his mouth. We switched him from a clip-on cardioid mike because the rustling of his vestments in the microphone was driving the congregation batty. I can't get him to use a pop shield because he thinks it makes the microphone too visible. But he has a tendency to nod off when he doesn't have a speaking part. I think a pop shield would mute his snoring a bit, but I may never get the chance to experiment to see if my theory works...

-Joe-

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 04:37 PM

I used one for recording, to counter the unwanted pops when a p sound is sung. I experimented with old tights stretched over a coat hanger, with limited success. Eventually I got a proper one that clips on the mic stand. Much easier.   I find that singing at open mics, I still sometimes get the pop, but I try to remember to move away slightly, which seems to work, more or less.

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 04:41 PM

yeh the panty hose and coat hanger trick - its one of those pieces of music folklore -like boiling strings.....

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 04:42 PM

"Pop Shields: Why You Need Them
Recording Tips"

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may05/articles/popshields.htm

Subject: RE: MIcrophone Pop Shields
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 08:51 PM

I should explain this was back in the 1980's when we did the panty hose thing. I know there's cheaper, better designed things now.

Subject: RE: Microphone Pop Shields
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 12:53 AM

I guess pop shields are different from the wind shields that come with many microphones. The soundonsound article above says wind shields do very little good, so maybe they won't stop the snoring sounds from our priest...

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Microphone Pop Shields
From: Tootler
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 04:36 AM

Is the OP referring to singing live or recording?

In a recording studio, a pop shield is standard equipment.

When singing live, pop singers tend to sing with their mouth virtually in contact with the mic. On stage, dynamic mics seem to be standard and though they are less susceptible to pops you still get them. To avoid them, position the mic a little below your mouth so you're singing over it and stand back a bit.

With people who like to sing in contact with the mic, the soundman will take steps to minimise pops at the desk - except in open mics where you have to remember to stand back!

Subject: RE: Microphone Pop Shields
From: Will Fly
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 04:54 AM

It's worth remembering, Joe, that the sponge mic windshields do have other uses.

I friend of mine was playing guitar and singing with a less than safe sound system - got a shock when his lips touched the metal mesh of the mic.

I always use a mic cover.

The phrase "bicycle clips" is a good one to use for pop testing...

Subject: RE: Microphone Pop Shields
From: GUEST,.gaygoyle
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 05:18 AM

WiillFly - see you one and go you one better.

Imagine a public secondary school (ages 14-18) talent show night.
The young soloist is hand holding the metal screened mic without its foam cover. Her teeth braces touch the mic and become enmeshed.. She falls into convulsions on the stage as the electrity flows...and flows and flows.   UGLY and no parents in the audience.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

small>The foam covers are invaluable to help the performers and sound man keep the channels straight