A few simple steps can help you avoid ruined takes and let you get the best vocal recordings possible. Find out how in this short tutorial.
A pop filter or pop shield is an essential studio accessory for recording any type of vocals. But why, and how should you be using it? In this short video from the course Audio Mistakes 109 - 10 Common Vocal Recording Mistakes, expert producer Joe Albano reveals the answer to these questions, and more.
Audio Mistakes 109 - 10 Common Vocal Recording Mistakes
The primary function of pop shields is to prevent the plosives - that's "b" and "p" sounds to you and me, from ruining a take. As a vocalist makes these sounds they send a blast of air towards the mic and if not intercepted, it will overwhelm the diaphragm and cause distortion. Some mics do have built-in pop filters, but they aren't always successful so it's always good to use an external one as well. Joe runs through varions positioning and distance options to show you how best to screen out plosives when recording. Be sure to check out the other videos in the course to learn how to avoid many other vocal recording mistakes!
Hollin Jones Hollin Jones was classically trained as a piano player but found the lure of blues and jazz too much to resist. Graduating from bands to composition then production, he relishes the chance to play anything with keys.
A sometime lecturer in videographics, music production and photography post production, Hollin has been a freelance writer on music technology and Apple topics for well over a decade, along the way publishing several books on audio software. He has been lead writer at a number of prominent music and technology publications.
As well as consultancy, full-time journalism, video production and professional photography, he occasionally plays Hammond, Rhodes and other keys for people who ask nicely.
Hollin is Contributing Editor at Ask.Audio.
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