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Three layers, and one refusal

KayNicam 3-layer cover

The only three-layer filter here — mesh, metal and foam — slipped over the microphone head on an elastic strap, with a published capsule diameter range and a bullet that names the one microphone it will not fit.

KayNicam three-layer pop filter cover on a microphone

KayNicam 3-layer cover

The only three-layer filter here — mesh, metal and foam — slipped over the microphone head on an elastic strap, with a published capsule diameter range and a bullet that names the one microphone it will not fit.

Layers
Three: mesh, metal and foam — the most layers published on this shelf. One filter here publishes two, the rest publish none
Mount
Slips directly over the microphone head on an adjustable elastic strap. No gooseneck and no clamp
Capsule diameter
Microphones 1.2 to 2.1 in across — the only capsule range published on this shelf
Frame
A sturdy ABS frame with a fine mesh screen
Stated incompatibility
NOT FOR BLUE YETI, printed between triangles in its own bullet — the only microphone any listing on this shelf names as incompatible
Stated compatibility
AT2020, AT2035 and the AT40 series among others
In the box
1 pop filter. KayNicam states the microphone is not included
Gooseneck length
Not applicable — there is no gooseneck. One filter on this shelf publishes 12.4 in
Amazon reference
B0DLH2KJM5
EAN
5410478717747
  • Three layers of three different materials — the most published on this shelf
  • The only listing here to publish a capsule diameter range, so the fit can be measured
  • Over the capsule rather than in front of it, so the air is stopped at the point it arrives

Best for: A capsule between 1.2 and 2.1 inches where a clamp has nowhere to go — and not a Blue Yeti.

Check price on Amazon

Specifications

Layers
Three: mesh, metal and foam — the most layers published on this shelf. One filter here publishes two, the rest publish none
Mount
Slips directly over the microphone head on an adjustable elastic strap. No gooseneck and no clamp
Capsule diameter
Microphones 1.2 to 2.1 in across — the only capsule range published on this shelf
Frame
A sturdy ABS frame with a fine mesh screen
Stated incompatibility
NOT FOR BLUE YETI, printed between triangles in its own bullet — the only microphone any listing on this shelf names as incompatible
Stated compatibility
AT2020, AT2035 and the AT40 series among others
In the box
1 pop filter. KayNicam states the microphone is not included
Gooseneck length
Not applicable — there is no gooseneck. One filter on this shelf publishes 12.4 in
Amazon reference
B0DLH2KJM5
EAN
5410478717747

Three layers: mesh, metal and foam. An ABS frame. An adjustable elastic strap that slips over the microphone head. Microphones 1.2 to 2.1 inches across. And, in its own bullet:

▲▲NOT FOR BLUE YETI▲▲

That bullet is the most useful sentence on this shelf. Nine filters here, and eight publish what they fit — seven microphones named on one, six on another, virtually any microphone or stand on a third. This is the only listing that publishes what it does not, in capitals, between triangles, about one of the most-sold microphones in the world. A maker that turns away that much traffic in advance has worked out that a refused sale is cheaper than a refund.

The capsule range is the other figure nobody else gives. 1.2 to 2.1 inches is a measurement a reader can take with a ruler, where the rest of this shelf names models and hopes.

Three layers is the most material in the air path on this shelf, and each layer works differently: mesh scatters a plosive by making the air turn, metal diverts it, foam absorbs it. One filter here publishes two layers of nylon mesh with an air gap, and that is the only other layer count on the shelf.

The limit is where all three sit. They are on the capsule, so the plosive meets them at full strength, a centimeter from the diaphragm. A filter on a gooseneck sits a few centimeters away, and the air has already begun to spread before it arrives — which is why the distance is part of how a pop filter works, and why a two-layer filter in front can outperform a three-layer cover on top.

It also cannot be positioned. No gooseneck means the filter is wherever the microphone is pointing, and one filter here publishes 12.4 inches of adjustable reach.

And the foam layer carries the usual cost: the page for another filter on this shelf puts it plainly — foam takes a little high frequency with it, which is audible on a sung vocal.

Availability

Catalogued and unsold: the American Amazon shop lists the reference with nobody behind it.

Read from Keepa on the day this page was last revised; stock and price both move without notice.

The questions players ask

Why does naming an incompatible microphone matter?

Because it is the only sentence on this shelf that prevents a return rather than promising a fit. Nine listings here, and eight publish what they work with — seven microphones on one, six on another, *virtually any* on a third. This one publishes what it does not: ▲▲NOT FOR BLUE YETI▲▲, in its own bullet, in capitals, between triangles. The Blue Yeti is among the most-sold microphones there is, and a maker that rules it out in advance has decided a refused sale costs less than a refund.

Three layers over the capsule, or two layers in front of it?

Different trades. Three layers — mesh, metal, foam — is more material in the air path than anything else here, and each layer is a different mechanism: mesh scatters, metal diverts, foam absorbs. But all three sit on the capsule, where the plosive arrives at full strength, rather than a few centimeters away where it has already spread. A two-layer filter on a gooseneck gives the air a gap to lose energy in. This gives it three obstacles and no distance, and it mounts where a clamp cannot go.

Instruments it is stated to fit

More pop filters & shields

  • Pop Audio Studio Edition pop filter package with three interchangeable filters

    Pop Audio Studio Edition

    The only package here that supplies a choice: three interchangeable filters in foam, metal and fabric, on a ball-and-socket arm with a quick-release clamp — so the filter is matched to the source rather than to the budget.

    What it is
    Three interchangeable filters in one package — foam, metal and fabric — with unique attachment points for each. The only choice of filter material on this shelf
    Arm
    A ball-and-socket joint arm, which Pop Audio states gives the best available combination of flexibility and strength — the only ball joint on this shelf
    Clamp
    Quick release, stated for fast set-up — the only quick-release clamp here
    Stated purpose
    Three filters for three environments, to achieve the best acoustic transparency
    Layers
    Each filter is a single material. The point is swapping them, not stacking them — two filters on this shelf publish two and three layers instead
    Diameter
    Pop Audio puts nothing in writing on this. One filter here publishes 6 in
    Clamp capacity
    Pop Audio puts nothing in writing on this. One filter here publishes shafts up to 18 mm (0.71 in)
    Weight
    980 g (34.6 oz) in the product record — by far the heaviest item on this shelf, and it is three filters and an arm
    Amazon reference
    B071W68CXX
    EAN
    0813906020016
    • Three filters in three materials, so the filter is chosen per source rather than per purchase
    • A ball-and-socket arm rather than a gooseneck — it holds a position instead of creeping back
    • No diameter and no clamp capacity published

    Best for: A room where several voices and several microphones pass through one stand, and the filter should change with them.

    Check price on Amazon
  • SoundAssured pop filter on its gooseneck and clamp

    SoundAssured Pop shield

    The least expensive pop filter on this shelf, with a 360-degree swivel mount, a screw that holds it in place and seven microphones named as compatible — and no mesh layer count published at all.

    Mount
    A 360° swivel mount on a flexible gooseneck, with an adjustable clamp and a securing screw which SoundAssured states stops the filter falling
    Stated compatibility
    Rode PSA1, ATR2500, the MXL series, Blue Yeti, Blue Spark, Blue Snowball, Samson C01U — seven microphones named, the longest list on this shelf
    Layers
    SoundAssured puts nothing in writing on this. Two filters on this shelf publish a layer count — two and three
    Diameter
    SoundAssured puts nothing in writing on this. One filter here publishes 6 in
    Gooseneck length
    SoundAssured puts nothing in writing on this. One filter here publishes 12.4 in
    Clamp capacity
    SoundAssured puts nothing in writing on this. One filter here publishes shafts up to 18 mm (0.71 in)
    In the box
    1 pop shield. SoundAssured states plainly that the microphone is not included
    Material
    SoundAssured puts nothing in writing on this — not mesh, not metal, not foam
    Amazon reference
    B01N4EXHJJ
    EAN
    0738095387262
    • The least expensive pop filter on this shelf
    • Seven microphones named as compatible, which is the longest list here
    • No layer count, no diameter and no material published — nothing about the filter itself

    Best for: A first pop filter for one of the seven microphones it names, where the price decides it.

    Check price on Amazon
  • Youshares foam windscreens for Audio-Technica AT2020 microphones

    Youshares AT2020 windscreens

    Two foam windscreens rather than a pop filter: they slip over the capsule instead of standing in front of it, they are made for the Audio-Technica AT2020 and AT2035, and there is no mount at all.

    What it is
    Two foam windscreen covers that slip over the microphone. Not a gooseneck pop filter — there is no mesh, no gooseneck and no clamp
    Quantity
    Two, which is the only multi-pack on this shelf besides the three-filter package
    Stated compatibility
    Audio-Technica AT2020, AT2020USB and AT2020USB+, with the AT-2035 named in the title
    Material
    Quilted foam, which Youshares states is durable and easy to clean
    Stated purpose
    Noise cancellation and background noise, plus protecting the microphone from dust and moisture
    Weight
    18 g (0.6 oz) — the lightest item on this shelf
    Mount
    None. It is held by its own elasticity over the capsule
    Layers
    One, of foam. Two filters on this shelf publish two and three layers of mixed materials
    Amazon reference
    B06XQ1MCHP
    EAN
    0724190511824
    • Two in the pack, so one can be washed while the other is in use
    • No mount to fail, no clamp to find a shaft for, and nothing to droop
    • It is a windscreen, not a pop filter — foam on the capsule is less effective against plosives than mesh at a distance

    Best for: An AT2020 or AT2035 that has to travel, where a gooseneck and a clamp are two things too many.

    Check price on Amazon

Elsewhere in the cupboard

  • Martin guitar starter pack with capo, clip-on tuner, strap and colored picks

    MARTIN 18PROMO0002

    A capo, a chromatic clip-on tuner with pitch calibration, a two-inch nylon pickholder strap and six medium-gauge picks in six colors. The better-specified tuner on this shelf, and the narrower pick selection.

    Tuner
    Clip-on, chromatic, with a high-definition screen and pitch calibration, stated for guitar, bass, ukulele and violin. Battery included. The only tuner on this shelf that publishes either chromatic operation or calibration (maker’s bullet)
    Capo
    Stated one-handed operation, consistent fretting, and an adjustable fit for almost any neck profile (maker’s bullet)
    Strap
    Black nylon with leather ends and a built-in pick holder. 2 in wide, adjustable 40 to 60 in (maker’s bullet)
    Picks
    Six celluloid picks, medium gauge, rounded tip, in black, red, green, white, blue and purple. One gauge for all six — where another box on this shelf supplies four gauges (maker’s bullet)
    Pick gauge in millimeters
    MARTIN puts nothing in writing on this. *Medium* is stated and no figure is given; one box on this shelf publishes 0.46, 0.71, 0.96 and 1.2 mm (0.05 in)
    Capo clamping range
    MARTIN puts nothing in writing on this. Neither of the two capos on this shelf publishes a neck thickness or a clamping range, and *almost any neck profile* is the maker’s wording
    Tuner accuracy
    MARTIN puts nothing in writing on this — chromatic operation and calibration are stated, a cent figure is not
    Recorded size
    229 × 203 × 152 mm (9.02 × 7.99 × 5.98 in) in the product record
    Manufacturer reference
    18PROMO0002
    Weight
    320 g (11.3 oz) in the product record
    Amazon reference
    B0DFQHYFFJ
    EAN
    0729789679527
    • A chromatic tuner with pitch calibration, which no other tuner on this shelf publishes
    • Leather ends on the strap, which is one of two straps here to state them
    • Six picks in one gauge, where the shelf’s own reasoning says to try both ends of the range

    Best for: A player who wants the tuner to be the good part of the bundle, and has already chosen a pick.

    Check price on Amazon
  • McGrey KS-100 single-braced X-frame keyboard stand

    McGrey KS-100

    The standard single-braced X-frame at the standard price: five height positions, folds flat, and holds a portable keyboard steady enough for practice.

    Type
    X-frame, single braced
    Height
    Five settings
    Folds
    Yes, flat
    Amazon reference
    B00LW6STYU (identical on 6 markets)
    EAN
    4260368344864
    • Folds flat, which matters if the keyboard has to be put away between sessions
    • Five height positions cover seated and standing playing
    • Single-braced X-frames flex under a heavy instrument — this is not a stand for an 88-key weighted piano

    Best for: A portable 61- or 76-key keyboard that gets moved or stored.

    Check price on Amazon
  • McGrey MBS-01 tripod microphone stand with boom arm

    McGrey MBS-01

    A conventional tripod boom stand with a swivel arm of about 75 cm (29.5 in), height to roughly 154 cm (60.6 in), and — the part that is often missing — a microphone clip and cable clips in the box.

    Type
    Tripod with boom arm
    Height
    Adjustable to about 154 cm (60.6 in)
    Boom length
    About 75 cm (29.5 in)
    Included
    Microphone clip, cable clips
    Manufacturer reference
    00034629
    Amazon reference
    B00LW6TI22 (identical on 5 markets)
    EAN
    4260368344888
    • A microphone clip is included, which a surprising number of stands leave out
    • Cable clips keep the lead off the floor and away from feet
    • No UK offer at the time of writing

    Best for: A first microphone stand where nothing else should have to be bought.

    Search Amazon for this model

All pop filters & shields