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Are you looking for a Blue Yeti pop filter? That’s great, because, relative to price, a Blue Yeti pop filter will produce the biggest improvement in the sound quality of your spoken word or vocal recordings. It will eliminate pops and blasts caused by plosives in words starting with P, B, K and T. I explain more in an article about what causes a microphone to pop.
. I bought a Blue Yeti USB microphone for recording tutorials at my desk. Having used the Yeti extensively, I can answer the question, “does the Yeti Blue need a pop filter”. In most cases, yes, the Blue Yeti does need a pop filter or foam windscreen, especially if you’re inexperienced at recording your own voice.
For this independent review and guide, I bought and tested six popular Blue Yeti pop filters. I judged them on how effective they were at preventing pops, whether they obscured my view when reading a script, and how they look on camera.
After my reviews, you’ll find details of how I conducted the pop filter tests, the test scores, and a video. But for now, let’s get into the review of the 6 best Blue Yeti pop filters.
Blue Yeti Pop Filter Reviews and ratings
These pop filters fall in one of two camps, they either fit directly onto the Blue Yeti or they have a gooseneck that is screwed onto a stand. My experience was that the gooseneck types were much easier to use with the Blue Yeti on a mic stand or boom arm but were not as good when connected to the Blue Yeti’s desktop stand.
The following reviews are listed from most effective at preventing pops to least effective. I have given each pop filter two ratings, both are out of a possible 10. The first rating is the Anti-pop rating or how good the filter is at stopping pops. This is the most important rating. But I have also included a second rating, the overall rating, that includes the attractiveness and the usability of the pop filter.
1
Gator Frameworks metal screen pop filter
Anti-pop rating: 9.9/10
Overall rating: 9.0
- Mid-priced studio mesh pop filter.
- Circular metal screen construction on a gooseneck mount that attaches to the microphone desktop stand or a conventional mic stand or boom arm.
- The distance between the pop filter and the mic grille can be adjusted.
- Suitable for a cardioid polar pattern.
- Excellent at preventing pops.
Gator Frameworks metal screen pop filter
This Blue Yeti pop filter is a thin metal disc with a mesh of diamond-shaped holes stamped into it. In fact, the bottom of each diamond-shaped hole is curved and at an angle. This causes the moving air to change direction and be deflected downwards and away from the microphone. So, while the other windscreens and pop filters work by diffusing the moving air, this design deflects the air so it cannot hit the mic’s diaphragm and cause a pop. Meanwhile, the sound wave passes through unaffected.
The metal screen has no outer ring since the diamond grille pattern makes the metal sufficiently rigid. The screen attaches to a gooseneck that clamps onto the Yeti’s desktop stand or a microphone boom arm. The gooseneck is flexible but stiff enough to prevent any sagging. Because the screen has holes, isn’t too wide, and lacks an outer ring, you can actually read a script placed behind this pop filter. This gave the Gator Frameworks pop filter a significant practical advantage when recording a voiceover. In my tests, it also was the top performer in dealing with pops.
It also looks professional and if you want a pop filter that works, get this one. However, because of its minimal design, the rim of the metal screen is exposed and can catch on loose clothing. The Gator Frameworks pop filter is on a gooseneck, which was the best in this test. The end that fixes to a mic stand has a knurled metal, making tightening it easy. The others pop filters with goosenecks had plastic screw knobs. Since this pop filter covers one side of the microphone grille, it is best suited for the Yeti’s cardioid polar pattern.
- Metal Screen Pop Filter with 12.4-Inch Gooseneck
- Shields Vocal Recordings from Popping Sounds while Preserving Vocal Quality
- Angled Slats on Metal Grille Divert Air Downward for Cleaner Take
- Great for Podcasts, Broadcasts, Streaming, Content Creation, & Vocal Recordings
Last update on 2024-08-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2
Aokeo microphone fabric mesh pop filter
Anti-pop rating: 9.8/10
Overall rating: 7.9/10
- Budget mesh studio pop filter.
- Circular double-layer fabric mesh pop filter on a gooseneck mount that attaches to the microphone desktop or boom arm stand.
- The distance between the pop filter and the mic grille can be adjusted.
- Suitable for a cardioid polar pattern.
- Looks OK on video.
- Great at preventing pops.
Aokeo fabric mesh pop filter
The Aokeo design has a dual layer of fabric mesh, with an air gap between the layers, mounting in a plastic ring. Pops are diffused by the first layer of fabric mesh, with the air gap letting the air spread slightly before the second fabric layer provides further diffusion. The ring is about 5¾ inches across and is attached to a 15-inch long gooseneck, that clamps onto the Yeti’s desktop stand or a boom arm. The gooseneck is flexible but stiff enough to stay in place. The weight of the pop filter does not cause any sagging once the pop filter is positioned in front of the microphone.
- Double Layered Screen Pop Filters: The first screen blocks air blasts as any pop filter normally…
- Universally Compatible: Adjustable screw rotating clamp with scratch-proof gripper can secure…
- Adjustable Gooseneck: The steel metal gooseneck holder fully supports the filter’s weight and keep…
- Functions: Banish the dreaded hissing and lisping sounds that come when pronouncing the letter “S”…
Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3
Sunmns Furry Windscreen
Anti-pop rating: 9.4/10
Overall rating: 8.7/10
- Budget dead cat windscreen.
- Artificial fur fabric windscreen
- The elasticated rim holds the windscreen in place, even when inverted.
- Effectively a dead cat type filter.
- Suitable for all four of the Yeti’s polar patterns.
- Looks OK on video.
- Small form factor.
- Good at preventing pops.
Sunmns furry windscreen
This is essentially a furry wind muffler for the Blue Yeti, like the dead cats used on shotgun microphones. The elasticated banding is about half an inch wide, making it a snug fit that ensures the material lies flat against the microphone’s body. The windscreen is a single layer of furry material, whereas more expensive dead cat designs often incorporate an inner foam layer. Even so, the Sunmns fury windscreen performed well, stopping most of those plosives. It scored well in my tests, looks good, and only minimally obscured the view beyond the microphone. This windscreen is compatible with the Yeti, Yeti X, and probably a few other microphones and digital recorders, like the Zoom H4n.
Since this furry windscreen covers the entire microphone grille, it is suitable for any of the four polar patterns available on the Yeti.
- Improves the recording quality by reducing unwanted noises and wind interference
- Design for wind noise reduction when recording in outdoor or adverse environmental
- 0.6” width elastic band opening, easy to take off the windscreen muff and fixed
- The mic cover can be easily installed without any tools to keep your microphone away from saliva and…
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4
Aokeo metal mesh pop filter
Anti-pop rating: 9.4/10
Overall rating: 8.2/10
- Budget mesh pop filter.
- Curved rectangular metal mesh on a gooseneck mount that attaches to the microphone desktop or boom arm stand.
- The distance between the pop filter and the mic grille can be adjusted.
- Suitable for a cardioid polar pattern.
Aokeo metal mesh pop filter
This Blue Yeti pop filter is a single layer of thin metal with a regular array of circular holes. My best attempt at measuring indicated the holes to be 0.75mm in diameter with a pitch of 1.25mm. The metal grille is mounted in a curved rectangular frame 110mm (4.3 inches) by 140mm (5.5 inches), which is attached to a 16-inch gooseneck that clamps onto the Yeti’s desktop stand or a boom arm. The gooseneck is flexible but stiff enough to stay in place. The weight of the pop filter does not cause any sagging once the pop filter is positioned in front of the microphone.
Because of the pop filter is only 4.3 inches wide and the holes are sufficiently large to see through, it doesn’t completely obscure the view of a script (although the solid edge gets in the way a little). Its attractive appearance looks good whether you are recording a voiceover in a booth or a YouTube video.
It has a sturdy appearance and is easy to set up. In my test it performed better than I expected, scoring 9.3 for pop reduction.
Since this pop filter covers one side of the microphone grille, it is best suited for the Yeti’s cardioid polar pattern.
- Pop Filters: With it, you can record freely without worrying about “pops” and noise. This pop filter…
- Universally Compatible: Adjustable screw rotating clamp with scratch-proof gripper can secure…
- Adjustable Gooseneck: The steel metal gooseneck holder fully supports the filter’s weight and keep…
- Functions: Banish the dreaded hissing and lisping sounds that come when pronouncing the letter “S”…
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5
Moukey Metal Mesh and Fabric Windscreen Filter
Anti-pop rating: 5.6/10
Overall rating: 8.2
- Budget pop filter.
- Three-layer metal mesh and foam pop filter that clamps on the side of the Yeti so the mic-to-pop filter distance cannot be adjusted.
- Suitable for a cardioid polar pattern.
- Looks good on video.
- Works OK if you are not too close to the microphone. It’s much better if you combine it with a foam windscreen cover.
This pop filter is compatible with most condenser microphones, including the Blue Yeti, Yeti Pro and Yeti X, however, it is not suitable for Blue Yeti Nano. It comes with two plastic mounting rings with non-slip rubber pads. These can accommodate microphones with diameters of 49-54mm or 66-60mm. For the Yeti, you should use the larger ring. The mounting ring clamps onto the Yeti’s body between the logo plate and the grille. Ensure the mounting bracket for the pop filter points upwards and is on the same side as the Yeti’s Blue logo. There are two securing bolts, one to fasten the mounting ring on the microphone and one to attach the pop filter panel to the mounting ring. The bolt at the rear of the ring is immediately above the Yeti’s gain knob, which makes gain adjustment fiddly.
The mounting ring is plastic but is durable enough if you intend to permanently leave it on your microphone. Rather than pulling the ring open to slip it around the Yeti’s body, I recommend opening the ring slightly larger than the diameter of the Yeti and then slipping it down over the microphone. The pop filter then screws onto the mounting ring in front of the Blue Yeti’s grille. Installation only takes a minute or so.
The pop filter has three layers. The outer one is a perforated metal panel with 16 rows of 1/8-inch circular holes, then there’s a middle fine metal mesh layer, and finally, a thin high-density foam layer. The inner side of the pop filter sits about 5/8 inch (16mm) from the mic’s grille, which I would consider a little close. However, if you are 8 or 10 inches away from the microphone, the Moukey pop filter it works satisfactorily. For extra pop protection, you can fit a foam windscreen (like the Mudder windscreen) over the Yeti’s grille.
Since this pop filter only covers half of the microphone grille, it is best suited for the Yeti’s cardioid polar pattern.
- Wide Application – Moukey pop filter includes two adapter rings so it is suitable for 49-54mm &…
- Three Layers Filter Mic Shield – Three layers design include metal panel layer, matal mesh laye and…
- Easy To Set Up – Two adapter ring match pop filter in a special appearance design. Functionally…
- Protective Effects – Metal mesh matches plastic frame in a special appearance design. It can prevent…
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6
Mudder Blue Yeti Foam Cover Windscreen
Anti-Pop Rating: 4.0/10
Overall Rating 7.0/10
- A budget high-density foam windscreen.
- Fits snuggly on Yeti’s grille and stays in place, even when inverted.
- Has a small form factor.
- It’s suitable for all the Yeti’s polar patterns
- Looks good on video and looks familiar to viewers.
- Stops saliva and keeps Yeti clean.
- An average performer but much better than nothing.
The Mudder is a simple foam windscreen, like the ones you frequently see reporters using on TV. It is black and made from high-density foam, i.e., it has a high pores per inch (PPI) count. The windscreen is specifically designed for use with the Blue Yeti and Yeti Pro. It slips snuggly over the Yeti’s metal grille and will stay in place even if you invert the microphone. The foam cover reaches below the bottom of the Yeti’s grille, ensuring there are no gaps for stray wind to get into the mic. I measured the foam windscreen to be about 75mm tall and 90mm wide, with the foam being 13mm thick.
The main purpose of most cheap foam windshields, like this one, is to protect the microphone from saliva, dust, and light plosives. The test results confirmed my opinion, with the Mudder foam windscreen being the least effective at stopping pops. However, if you are not going to be too close to the Blue Yeti, or if you can soften your plosives, the Mudder foam windscreen will work for you. To be honest, even if I am using another pop filter, I keep a foam windscreen on my Blue Yeti for dust protection and hygiene purposes. Since the Mudder is cheap, I wouldn’t be without it.
Since this foam windscreen covers the entire microphone grille, it is suitable for any of the four polar patterns available on the Yeti.
- Note: the mic cover is designed for the Blue and Pro condenser microphone, package not included Blue…
- Function: the foam cover is made of high density foam, it helps improve recording quality by…
- Application: protect your Blue,microphone from dust and saliva, good for indoor and outdoor use
- Good choice for musical instruments, podcasting, voice-covers, interviews, field recordings,…
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Blue Yeti Pop Filter Review Video
Read on for more details of how I tested these pop filters, see my results league table. If you’re looking to buy a Blue Yeti, here’s an excellent deal on Amazon.
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality…
- Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and…
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you…
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in…
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How I tested these Blue Yeti pop filters
I tested the pop filters by recording in my voice booth with a Blue Yeti Blackout microphone. The mic was mounted on s Blue Microphones Radius III shock mount that was on an InnoGear large microphone boom arm. I positioned myself 6 inches from the microphone, and where possible I placed the pop filter 4 inches in front of the microphone. I recorded 3 takes with each pop filter/windscreen into Adobe Audition on my PC. As a reference, I also made a Control recording without any filter or windscreen. Later I also made a recording with me 10 inches from the microphone.
I judged each filter on a few factors, although the first one of how good it is at preventing pops, must be the overriding one.
- Pop prevention.
- Ease of installation.
- View obstruction.
- On-camera appearance.
Pop Filter Test Results, Ratings, & Summary
The following table has the results of the test. If you just want to know how well each pop filter did in my test recordings in reducing pops, look at the Pop Reduction Rating column. The figure is out of a maximum possible of 10. The pop reduction rating is based on the average number of pops across three test recordings with each pop filter. The higher the number the better. So a score of 10.0 would mean 100% of potential pops were prevented, and 0 would mean no potential pops were prevented.
The Total Rating in the table is more subjective. To the Pop Reduction Rating, I added my view of how easy it was to install the pop filter, to what degree the filter blocked the view of a script, and whether the filter looks distracting in a video recording.
As I said, the Total rating is subjective and you may disagree, however, the Pop Reduction Rating is based on my test recordings and is the best figure to use in judging which of these is the best Blue Yeti pop filter.
Pop Filter | Pop Reduction Rating | Ease of Installation | Script Viewability | Appearance | Total Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mudder Foam Cover | 4.0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 7.0 |
Moukey Pop Filter | 5.6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6.8 |
Sunmns Furry Windscreen | 9.4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8.7 |
Aokeo Metal Mesh | 9.3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 8.2 |
Aokeo Fabric Mesh | 9.8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7.9 |
Gator Frameworks | 9.9 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 9.0 |
Results summary
If you want the best Blue Yeti pop filter, in terms of its ability to eliminate pops, look at the Pop Prevention column in the table above. The rating is out of 10 and based on the average number of pops from three recordings with each pop filter or windscreen and compared to the control recording when no pop filter or windscreen was used.
My Total rating of these pop filters considers how easy I found the filters to install, how well I could see a script placed beside the microphone, and my opinion of how the filter looked on video. Obviously, this last factor is irrelevant if you are recording a voiceover or podcast where you are not seen. Also, you may disagree with my opinion on how attractive the filters look.
Best Performing Blue Yeti pop filter
The Aokeo fabric mesh and Gator Frameworks metal screen pop filters were almost equal in terms of preventing pops, with the Gator Frameworks filter slightly ahead. What also made the Gator Frameworks better for me was that it was easier to work with and looked slightly better on video.
The diameter of the Gator Frameworks pop filter was less than the Aokeo fabric filter, and I could see my script through the metal screen of the Gator Frameworks filter but not through the dual fabric mesh and the plastic edge of the Aokeo.
Best Value Blue Yeti pop filter
If your buying decision is based on performance and price, then the Aokeo fabric mesh pop filter is the way to go. It is almost as good as the Gator Frameworks metal screen filter but comes in at about a third of the price.
Highly commended Blue Yeti pop filter
The Sunmns Furry Windscreen Wind Cover, at the time of writing, is the same price as the Aokeo fabric pop filter and is almost as good at eliminating pops. Furthermore, it scores well under my other criteria and you can use the Sunmns windscreen as a dead cat on digital recorders like the Zoom H4n.
Real-world takeaway
All my test recordings were conducted with me at 6 inches from the Blue Yeti. However, when I increased that distance to 10-12 inches, even the poorest-performing pop filter/windscreen from my tests did a decent job. So, if you will be speaking at normal voice levels, and don’t need to be close, even the Mudder foam windscreen should keep your pops under control.
Final thoughts
Any of these windscreens or pop filters will deal with pops if used in the right way and if you don’t over-emphasize your Ps and Bs. However, in the real world that isn’t always possible. Fortunately, even the most expensive pop filter in this test is likely to be affordable for most creators. My advice would be to buy the best you can afford, and if you are creating videos, consider how the pop filter looks.
Generally, I would recommend getting the Mudder Blue Yeti Foam Cover windscreen along with the pop filter of your choice. It will enhance the effect of the pop filter, but also protect the microphone from dust. Even when I am not using my Blue Yeti, I have the foam cover over the mic’s grille.
You might also like…
- How far should pop a filter be from the mic and you
- How to Stop Microphone Popping: What you need to know when recording voiceovers
- Stop Audio Popping: What is a microphone pop filter and how to set it up
- Upgrade your Blue Yeti Microphone to USB-C for under $10
- Adapters to connect Blue Yeti USB mic to USB-C computers and smartphones
Source: 1
Tosh Lubek runs an audio and video production business in the UK and has been using the Canon EOS R since it was released in the Autumn of 2018 and the Canon EOS R6 in 2020. He has used both cameras to shoot TV commercials broadcast on Sky TV, promotional business videos, videos of events and functions, and YouTube creator content. He has also won several international awards for his advertising and promotional work. You can meet him by visiting his “video booth” at HashTag Business Events across the country.
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