The Blue Raspberry microphone is a condenser mic that offers plenty of versatility for podcasters. It delivers studio-quality sound in virtually any environment, sending it directly to your computer or mobile device.
This microphone uses a patent-pending internal acoustic diffuser design inspired by the treatments found in concert halls and studios. It works hard to focus your voice while minimizing background noise.
When you have a Blue Raspberry to use, your studio can go with you for portable podcasting fun.
Adding a pop filter to your setup will bring out even more of the benefits that come with this microphone.
Related: Do I Need a Pop Filter for the Rode PodMic?
What Are the Benefits of a Pop Filter for Podcasting?
When you see musicians and voice artists recording in a studio, you almost always see a pop filter in front of the microphone in use.
Each language has unique plosive sounds that occur when specific words are spoken. In English, it’s commonly associated with the letters “B” and “P.” Since they occur in natural speech, the microphone picks up on the extra emphasis needed to annunciate them.
Since extra air is needed to create those phonetics, the Blue Raspberry (and any other microphone) picks up the audio from that momentary breeze.
Lip formation is another element of plosive sounds. Try to form the word “baby” right now. Do you feel how your lips come inward to make the “B” sound?
Now, try saying the word “salad.” Do you feel how your teeth come together to produce the “S” sound?
The pop filter acts as a shield between those sounds and the microphone. When you have one placed correctly, you can disconnect the plosives from the audio. That makes the audio more consistent, making your podcast feel more streamlined and professional to the average listener.
What to Consider When Adding a Pop Filter?
When adding a pop filter to a Blue Raspberry microphone setup, you’ll want to consider three specific things to ensure your podcast benefits from this investment.
1. Shape
The Blue Raspberry mic is reminiscent of the old microphones you could see on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. You’ll need a pop filter that accommodates the shape of the equipment.
Although a flat filet pop filter is often the most cost-effective option to use, this design requires the podcaster to speak directly to the center of the unit.
Using a curved pop filter makes more range and movement possible during the recording. The plosive-reduction effect occurs at any angle.
2. Size
The size of the pop filter must correspond with the Blue Raspberry microphone to be effective. Its diameter should cover the speaking area where you do the most talking.
A pop filter with a wider diameter is more practical if you tend to move while recording a podcast. When you sit at a desk or table while working, you can choose something with a smaller size.
3. Mounts
A pop filter’s mounts are a crucial part of the decision-making process. Most designs come with a gooseneck shape that screws to a frame and clamp. The neck needs to be long enough to correctly attach the filter between you and the microphone.
Sound vibrations can travel through a pop filter if you’re close to it while speaking. Some setups benefit from a separate mount to avoid audio transfers into the recording.
What If I Don’t Have a Pop Filter for My Microphone?
Without a pop filter, you can still have a successful recording experience with a Blue Raspberry microphone. Here’s how
- Try speaking away from the microphone to ensure your voice’s angle doesn’t add plosives or other sounds into the recording.
- When you smile while saying words with “B” or “P” phonetics, it reduces the impact of the popping sounds coming from your lips.
- Place a pencil in front of your mouth while speaking into the mic to create a barrier that interrupts the airflow.
If you’re just getting started with your podcasting career, a nylon mesh pop filter does a great job of reducing plosives. You can see if you prefer this sound compared to your unmodified voice.
When you’re ready to maximize the advantages of the Blue Raspberry, consider investing in a metal pop filter. This option tends to be smaller, making it less obstructive while recording. The components are more durable, and most designs have wider holes to prevent blocking specific audio frequencies.
A pop filter with a Blue Raspberry mic is a great combination for beginners or expert podcasters. You’ll hear the difference immediately, and so will your audience.
