Foam windscreens and pop filters are intended to
provide protection against low velocity moving air,
such as would be encountered from performers exhaling
onto the mic. Foam windscreens also protect sensitive
condenser mics against the motion of room air caused
by normal ventilation ducts as well as from the physical
act of moving the microphone while mounted on a boom
pole.
Although some handheld performance mics come equipped
with built-in wind or pop protection, condenser microphones
should never be used without a protective windscreen!
Do not expect a foam windscreen to function adequately
out of doors. Even on calm days, there will occur occasional
soft gusts of wind that will penetrate the foam and
cause audio overload. Employ a blimp type windscreen,
such as a Rycote. However, it is beneficial to use a
slim foam windscreen inside of the blimp, providing
that at least 1/2" or more of airspace remains
between the foam and the inner walls.
Foam windscreens also provide a quick means of altering
the color and appearance of microphones. Some sound
mixers place a white band of tape around the front tip
of the windscreen. This facilitates the camera operator
identifying the microphone through even a dim viewfinder,
where otherwise it might go unnoticed until brightly
projected during dailies.
