Lesson Plan: Build Your Own Pop Filter

Written By Jim Frankel

The following lesson plan is from my publication for MusicFirst titled Podcasting Across the Curriculum. It serves as both an informative lesson on audio production as well as a practical lesson where students use common household objects to build their own pop filters that can be used when recording vocals. I used to do this lesson with my students back in the mid-2000’s and they always did a great job with it. If you’d like to preview the curriculum and the many resources included with the MusicFirst Classroom, just fill out this form. I hope you enjoy this lesson with your students!

This lesson will explain the function and purpose of pop filters for microphones when recording the human voice, and learn how to build own pop filter using materials found around most homes.

Objectives:

  • The learner will understand the functionality of a pop filter and why it is used when recording the human voice.

  • The learner will follow step-by-step instructions to create their own pop filters using common household items.

Materials:

Procedure:

  • Teacher will play the two suggested videos on pop filters for Students.

  • Teacher will explain what is meant by a “plosive” by reviewing the included dictionary link.

  • Teacher will ask Students to hold their hand up in front of their mouths and then say the words: Pop, Candy, Turtle, Balloon, and Kite. Students should feel a puff of air on their hands when they say each word. This puff of air can cause a popping sound when speaking into a microphone – especially when in close range.

  • Teacher will then distribute the Step-By-Step Pop Filter DIY Project handout and review with Students. Ideally, Teacher will have access to enough of the three items required for the project to distribute to Students. If Students are going to use materials from their homes, Teacher should be prepared to provide materials to those students who do not have access to the materials at home.

  • Teacher will demonstrate how to build the pop filter as described in the handout as a model for the class.

  • If class time is going to be used, Students should start building their pop filters.

  • After sufficient time, Students should show their pop filters to the teacher. If they are building them at home, they can either bring them in for inspection or take a picture and submit to the Teacher.

  • Teacher should demonstrate how to attach the pop filter to a tabletop microphone stand by bending the straight end of the coat hanger around the stand. Tape might be required to secure it in place.

Extensions

  • Have students experiment with using and not using a pop filter when reciting the famous rhyme, Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers. Which recording sounds better?

  • Have students experiment with other materials such as a sock or a T-shirt when making pop filters.

Student Handout

What is a pop filter, and why should you care?

Think about how soundwaves travel: soundwaves are series of air molecules bumping into each other. When we speak, we push vibrations of air molecules out of our mouths. Some words that we speak cause that air to “pop” out. There are a few special consonant sounds that are known as plosives. Plosives include words that start with the letters P, B, T, and K (there are others, but this is a good start). Let’s start with the letter P. Say the phrase, “Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers,” with your hand in front of your mouth. You should feel small puffs of air for each word in that sentence. These puffs of air can cause a popping sound in your recording, especially if your mouth is close to the microphone.

A pop filter eliminates those pops by blocking the puffs of air from coming into contact with the microphone. There are many pop filter models available for purchase, but the good news is, you don’t really need to buy one. You can make it yourself! Use the Step-By-Step Pop Filter DIY Project handout to learn how to build a pop filter out of three simple items: a wire coat hanger, nylon stockings or socks, and rubber bands. It’s easy to make and it will make your podcasts sound even better!

Step-By-Step Pop Filter DIY Project

Step 1: Gather your materials.

All you need for this project is a wire coat hanger, nylon stockings or socks (color doesn’t matter), and rubber bands. You can ask your parents or a trusted adult to provide you with these materials. If they don’t have them readily available, just ask your teacher.

Step 2: Make the "frame".

Bend the wire coat hanger into the shape of a circle. You will adjust the size of the circle later.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pop-Filter

Step 3: Cover the frame.

Pull the nylon stocking or sock OVER the hanger so that the entire circle is covered.

Step 4: Reshape the filter

Shape the stocking-covered-circle to the desired size. It should be about three to four times larger than the microphone head itself.

Step 5: Secure the covering.

Use the rubber bands to secure the end of the stocking or sock where the circle and the top of the hanger meet. This will help secure the stocking or sock over the wire hanger.

Step 6: Attach and adjust.

Bend the hook part of the hanger around the microphone stand and work the hanger until it is about 1 to 2” in front of the microphone and that it shields the entire microphone.

That’s it! You are now ready to use your very own pop filter with your microphone. Happy recording!

If you made your own pop filter, use this space to tell about it. Consider these questions:

  • Did you do it at home, school, or someplace else?

  • How long did it take?

  • Did you encounter any challenges or glitches?

  • If you were to do it again or teach someone else, what might you do differently?

I hope you find this lesson plan both practical and fun. If you use it with your students I would LOVE to see the results!

Jim Frankel
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