As an instructional designer who’s been recording projects in my home studio for years, I’m always looking for budget-friendly hacks to improve my studio setup. Getting the clear sound professional voiceover artists and podcasters have can be tricky, and the cost of good equipment can add up fast.
To save money on some of the equipment that you need, you can try some homemade options, including one of my favorites — using a sock as a DIY pop filter.
I’ll go over the benefits of using a pop filter and show you how to make homemade pop filters in this guide. Pop filters come in handy with vocal recording, podcasting, voice over work, and so many other applications, so whatever kind of recording you’re doing, you’ll want to read this.
What is a Pop Filter and How Does It Work?
Some think that a pop filter is a tool designed to reduce the noises that are near the microphone. Though a pop filter can’t help with background noises, it does a great job of cutting down on explosive sounds. It can eliminate most or all of the popping sounds that occur when you use certain sounds and the noises associated with people who laugh to talk close to the microphone.
A pop filter both reduces the air pressure to prevent those sounds from coming through and acts as a filter to keep the microphone safe from saliva.
Does a Sock Work as a Pop Filter?
I’ve found that a sock can work as a DIY mic pop filter and save you some money because you can use one that you already have around the house. The trick I’ve learned, though, is that you need a thin sock that won’t drown out your voice.
If you use one that is too thick, you may find that you need to speak louder to get the microphone to pick up on your voice.
I recommend that you check out the pros and cons of using a sock as a pop filter before you start implementing my tips for making your own.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Low price
- Protects against moisture
- Lightweight and easy to transport for on-the-go recording
- Readily available – can be found in most households
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- May not work as well as professional pop filters
- Can block your voice
Check out this video to see how and why you might use a sock as a pop filter.
Sometimes you need even more than one sock 🙂
Guide to Making a DIY Pop Filter with a Sock
One of the best things about using a sock as a pop filter is that you don’t need to spend a lot of time setting it up with your microphone.
The hardest part is simply finding the right type of sock to make a pop filter with.
If you choose one that you already have, make sure that you wash it first. Here’s a pro tip though — do not use fabric softener with it as this can lead to pilling and cause the fabric to run onto your microphone.
Thin and lightweight socks work best as homemade pop filters. You can also use thicker socks such as those designed for skiing and snowboarding. I often find that these socks keep the microphone from picking up everything that I need it to pick up though.
After finding the right type of sock, slide the open end over the top of the microphone. Gently pull down on the sock until the toe section covers the device. If you wear a larger size or find that the sock is too big and pools around the base, you can cut it. I recommend cutting off the top of the sock above the ankle. It depends on the size of the sock that you use and the size of your microphone.
You may want to use zip ties, too. Zip ties are perfect for securing the pop filter to your device and keeping the excess fabric out of your way. You just need to wrap one around the base of the microphone and tie it shut. Having a knife or a pair of scissors nearby can help you remove the tie when needed. If you have a larger mic or stand, you may want to use multiple zip ties.
If you’re not sure about the sock methods, watch this video to see some other tips you can try to make a pop filter.
It may be not that easy but it’s worth it!
Other Ideas to Make a DIY Pop Filter
Using a sock isn’t your only option to make a pop filter.
A popular DIY pop filter uses both a pair of pantyhose and a wire coat hanger.
You need to focus on the bottom of the hanger, which is the part that holds your clothing. Twist and bend the wire until you form a round shape. You can then slip the pantyhose over the wire and use a rubber band to secure it to the curved part.
I find it helpful to cut off the portion of the pantyhose that overhangs the filter to get it out of my way.
An embroidery hoop that you pick up from a craft store works just as well.
Though you can use pantyhose or tights, I like chicken wire or a metal screen. As long as you don’t sit on top of the microphone, the metal does a good job of keeping saliva away from it and blocking some of the sharp and soft sounds that you otherwise hear.
When using chicken wire or screen, you need wire cutters to cut it to the right size and shape. You can also use embroidery material inside the hoop to make your own pop filter.
Get a look at some of the cheap DIY methods that might work for you in this video.
Useful Resources
- To Pop Filter or Not: Are Pop Filters Necessary?
- Pop Filter vs Foam for Recording Vocals
- Affordable Ways To Improve The Quality Of Your Recordings
- The Best Voice Over Microphones for Narrating, Vocals, and Voice Acting
- How Do Dynamic Mics Work?
- What is a Condenser Microphone?
Final Thoughts
Eliminating the sounds that come from talking into your microphone is easy with the right type of pop filter. You’ll find dozens of commercial pop filters that you can use as well as microphones that have built-in features, but not everyone wants to spend that kind of money.
Thankfully, DIY pop filters are really easy to make and can be just as effective as a microphone pop filter you buy online.
Most of the YouTube content creators also use pop filters for the mics. If you need to choose a microphone for YouTube check this article.
Have any questions about making a pop filter at home? Comment below and we’ll help you out.