If you are questioning what is the fuzzy thing on a microphone, you have come to the right place. The fuzzy thing is called a windscreen, and I do recommend buying one for your mic because it helps reduce pressure as well as any popping or wind noise that may occur while recording. Throughout this article, I will explain what a windscreen is, its essential uses, why you should consider purchasing one, and the different types that you can get.
Why do you need to use protection for your microphone?
You need to use protection for your microphone to prevent any type of noise that could occur in the background while you are using a device. If you do not use protection for your device, some of the types of noises that your listeners may hear in addition to your voice are popping, wind noise, thumping, and more. This is a nuisance to the listener as well as the individual using the mic. However, it can easily be prevented by purchasing and using a windscreen.
One of the main functions of a windscreen is to reduce the turbulence around the mic. By reducing the turbulence, you will reduce any background noise. A windscreen typically looks like a fuzzy, furry fabric that absorbs any occurring wind energy. Therefore, they may not look like they do much, but they do help out the microphone user quite a bit.
If you still have the question of what is the fuzzy thing on a microphone and would like an up-close look, check out Scott Dumas’ YouTube video. During the video, he will give you a look at different windscreens to consider as well as show you how he records outside on a windy day with one.
There are a variety of different types of windscreens that you can purchase. Below, I will go over a few types that are very popular upon microphone users.
Foam Windscreens
What it is made of: A foam windscreen is made of foam. Cheaper foam windscreens are usually made of thin acoustic foam, while more expensive foam windscreens are made of open-cell acoustic foam.
Purpose: The purpose of the foam windscreen is to reduce a great amount of wind noise as well as maintain the high-frequency loss to a certain amount.
Best for: The foam windscreen is best for protecting the microphone from wind noises, pops, and loud thuds while speaking.
Pros and cons: An advantage of a foam windscreen is its reliability to prevent wind noises from occurring. A disadvantage is that the cheaper options are not very durable and will need to be replaced often.
Deadcats
What it is made of: A deadcat is a fluffy windscreen. It is commonly made of fake furry materials.
Purpose: The purpose of the deadcat is to reduce any pickup noises in the mic from the wind.
Best for: The deadcat is mostly used for outdoor mic recording. If it is a windy day, you can bring your deadcat outside and begin recording.
Pros and cons: The advantages of the deadcat are that you easily make one yourself, they are strongly encouraged to use, and many production crews for movies and entertainers use them while recording outside. A disadvantage of a deadcat is that if you do not make it correctly, it may not work effectively and your recording will be filled with wind noise.
If you would like to know how to make your own deadcat, watch DIY Video Studio’s YouTube video. In the video, he will show you what it sounds like to speak into a microphone on a windy day with no deadcat vs speaking into a microphone on a windy day with a deadcat. He also gives a thorough explanation on how to create your own deadcat to use in the future.
It’s easier than you think!
Blimp Covers
What it is made of: A blimp cover is made of some type of plastic mesh materials. The mesh material also comes equipped with a thin layer of foam inside.
Purpose: The purpose of a blimp cover is to offer the microphone a bigger open-air chamber that surrounds it. This will help create space between the air that is moving and the capsule of the mic. By using a blimp cover along with another form of windscreen, you are providing your mic with the optimal protection from wind noise.
Best for: The blimp cover is best for protection against wind speeds as well as wind sounds.
Pros and cons: An advantage of a blimp is that it provides excellent shielding from wind with the addition of another type of windscreen. A disadvantage of the blimp is that you may experience a loss of high frequencies while recording due to the layers around the mic.
The Importance of Windscreens
Windscreens are a wonderful accessory to your microphone. They work hard to eliminate the strength and speed of wind gusts that may hit the microphone capsule. You have a variety of choices such as purchasing an easy slip-on windscreen, buying a more complex windscreen, or to make your own fuzzy windscreen. Depending on your preference, each will add a layer of protection that will shelter your mic from wind, handling, and background noises.
To determine what type of windscreen you should buy, take a look at Podcastage’s YouTube video. He goes over the differences between pop filters and windscreens. He also will help you decide which one may work best for you by testing each and giving you his opinion of them.
Useful Links
- 9 Ways to Get Rid of Microphone Background Noise
- Do I Need A Pop Filter For Streaming With A Microphone?
- Pop Filter vs Foam — Which Filter Is Better?
Conclusion
I hope you found my article to be helpful in explaining the answer to your question of what is the fuzzy thing on a microphone. Overall, a windscreen will enhance your microphone performance by reducing surrounding noises. For those that plan to record outside at any point, it would be crucial to buy some type of windscreen to improve the quality of your voice recordings. If you already own a windscreen and are looking for the perfect microphone to use with it, take a look at my list of omnidirectional mics that everyone should own.