Windshields and Popfilters

This category contains Windshields and Pop-filters. Windshields or windscreens are used to protect microphones that would otherwise be buffeted by wind or vocal plosives from consonants such as "P", "B", etc. Microphone windshields are often made of soft open-cell polyester or polyurethane foam and fit over the microphone grille. Optional windscreens are often available from the manufacturer and third parties. Windscreens of various colors can be used to distinguish one microphone from another on a busy, active stage. Pop filters are circular nylon-mesh screens that clip to the mic stand and sit a couple of inches in front of the mic. It serves to reduce or eliminate 'popping' sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing. Pop filters are generally used in a studio environment, while windscreens are typically used outdoors. Windscreens are also used by vocalists on stage to reduce plosives, though they may not be as acoustically transparent as a studio pop filter. Large, hollow windscreens are used to surround microphones for outdoor location audio, such as nature recording, electronic news gathering, and for film and video shoots. The blimp is essentially a hollow cage or basket with acoustically transparent material stretched over the outer frame. Many have the option of a secondary cover over the outer shell. This is usually an acoustically transparent, synthetic fur material with long, soft hairs. Common and slang names for this include "dead cat" or "windmuff". The hairs deaden the noise caused by the shock of wind hitting the blimp.