Recording equipment is designed to capture any and all sounds in its vicinity. Microphones are often so sensitive that they may capture unwanted sounds as effectively as wanted ones.
Recording in a controlled environment like a studio can help cut out some unneeded sounds. But if you’re recording in an outdoor setting or other location that’s hard to control, you may end up with undesirable extra audio in your recording.
Windscreens and grills are valuable accessories that help keep out atmospheric interference and sounds from sources like highways, airplanes, playgrounds, and city streets.
Types of Windscreens, Grills, and Other Recording Accessories
There are a few key types of windscreens and grills you can use to improve the quality of your audio recordings.
Windscreens
Windscreens are also called windjammers, windshields, and windscreen covers, and they’re foam audio filters that slip over the microphone itself to limit interference. Some windscreens look like they’re covered in fur to provide even better protection from wind interference.
Grills
Grills achieve a similar function except they’re made of metal rather than foam. Grills are ideal for providing physical protection from impact, debris, and moisture as well as protection from wind sounds and other types of audio interference.
Reflection Filters
Reflection filters and isolation shields help transform any environment into a miniature recording studio. With a semi-circular shape, these audio accessories create acoustic isolation to avoid bouncing sound and interference.
Pop Filters
Pop filters are ideal for reducing the impact of plosive sounds and you can use them in conjunction with other audio filters and accessories.
Microphone Compatibility
With so many sizes and styles of microphones on the market, it's important to invest in accessories designed for your particular equipment.
Lavalier mics require special windscreens that are smaller, more portable, and visually unobtrusive. Shotgun microphones require accessories designed for their elongated shape and specific polar patterns.
As you shop for the ideal windscreens, grills, and other microphone accessories, you can simplify your search by filtering results to suit your microphone equipment.
Top Brands for Windscreens and Grills
High-quality audio recording is serious business. The right accessory significantly improves your recording or footage quality, and subpar accessories may inhibit the sound quality and potentially clip high or low-end frequencies.
Trusted audio brands like Audio-Technica, Bubblebee Industries, Cavision, Galaxy Audio, H&A, Rode, Sennheiser, Shure, and Rycote provide impressive audio equipment that performs as advertised. Buying windscreens and other products from these brands can save you time, money, and headaches during your next recording session.