In my reviewing role at The-Gadgeteer.com I received a Blue Yeti to review. I really like this microphone, you can read the review on that site. It is a great USB microphone, and they recently released a new Pro version with more features.
I used the mic for a while, and started looking for a pop filter. If you are not familiar with what a pop filter is, it is a screen you put in front of a mic to prevent “pops”. A pop occurs when you are speaking, and essentially blow air into the mic. The pop filter prevents this.
In looking at options, I immediately gravitated to Blue’s own Pop pop filter. However, it is not cheap. The retail price is $79. So I went to Amazon where I received good news and bad news. The good news is that you can get it for under $30 (price fluctuates, I bought it for $27) but the bad news is the reviews were not good.
Most folks liked how the filter worked, but had issues installing it on a Yeti. There are some pretty involved customizations ranging from drilling the Pop’s bracket, to drilling a hole in the Yeti stand.
I was not a fan of any that, but before I moved on I figured I would check with Blue. So I asked @BlueMicrophones on twitter and received a reply that it worked fine, with a picture of it.
So bolstered by this recommendation, and photographic evidence, I purchased the Pop from Amazon. I plan on doing a full review of the filter (with audio samples) for The Gadgeteer, but since that may be a while (I have other things in my queue on that site) I wanted to just focus on fit.
Installing the filter is a breeze. Here is a side view of the filter mounted on the Yeti:
The only issue with this method, is that it does somewhat restrict how far back the mic can tilt. Here it is at maximum tiltage (is that a word?):
I honestly do not see this as being a big issue. I can’t imagine wanting to tilt it any farther. Not sure why this escaped the reviewers on Amazon, though some pictures showing how to install it would have been nice. There is almost no documentation. Now, for pro audio folks, that is probably not necessary, but for rubes (like me) it would help.
It’s not perfect. They obviously thought through the design to prevent damaging your equipment. Here is a close-up of the mounting bracket. Notice the plastic end of the screw and the pad in the bracket.
Unfortunately the pad does not extend all the way to the edge. The rail you mount the filter on the Yeti is curved:
As a result you get some metal-on-metal action on the edge of the bracket. I am not ruling out that the damage was due to over-zealous tightening on my part, but it did leave a mark, well, actually 2 marks:
Not a huge deal, but I would caution restraint in tightening.
There were also comments that the gooseneck did not hold up the filter well. I had absolutely no issue with that. The only thing I can think of there is that they were moving it, causing the screw on the bracket to loosen, and failing to re-tighten the screw. It’s just a matter of physics that when you essentially rotate the connector on the bracket, it can loosen. So use two hands, tighten, and you should have no issues.
I am very happy with the purchase, the filter works great, and I had no issues installing it. If you have a Yeti I can whole-heartedly recommend this accessory.
I also use a Blue Yeti, but had already bought a pop filter. The one that I bought is not the one you have, so it is not compatible and I had to buy a another stand. The mic and pop filter though are AMAZING and the Yeti is the frigin best microphone EVER!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bryan Sherman, Blue Microphones. Blue Microphones said: Gr8 article on Pop (filter) w/Yeti! RT @bshermcincy: @bluemicrophones Thx 4 the help on the Pop, Works GREAT w/Yeti. http://bit.ly/fhCFWO […]
Thanks for your article. It convinced me to buy the Blue pop filter with a Yeti. Now I have to figure out if the Pro version is significantly better than the ‘normal’ version.
@Welles I think the primary difference with the Yeti Pro is the XLR input. If you need that, than it is worth it. I should actually be getting one soon to review on the-gadgeteer.
Excellent post! I had just purchased the Yeti and needed a pop filter. I knew I wanted Blue’s The Pop and grabbed one off Amazon as well. When it arrived I looked at it and said, “I need to find the best way to install it” since it did not come with any instructions. A simple Google search brought me to your site. When you voiced concerns about the padding and when I felt that the plastic covered screw were in antiquate I came up with a solution; use adhesive backed felt. Cut a small strip to provide coverage where the factory installed rubbed pad ends and put a small square piece where the plastic covered screw makes contact with the base. In this way when you install the Pop you will also protect the stand from metal on metal and any damage that may cause.
Thank you so much for this post! I was very concerned about what pop filter to buy (and I really wanted Blue’s) but after seeing all the youtube videos with drilling a hole in the back I got really worried. You have solved my problem!! Thanks again! 😀
Simple Search = Simple Solution. I love the internet! Great post. Thanks,
Keith
i have made a custom retro style mic flag and can make an extra hole in the mount for this. need to know what size!?!
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5738456/yetimicflagcustomCWR_n.jpg
Wow… I wish I had read your post before I read all the naysayers posts. After I ordered my Pop from Amazon, I read the posts about the necessity of drilling the stand (kind of the backwards way to do it) and got nervous… even bought the 6mm drill bit in anticipation of the filter’s arrival. I got it yesterday & the bracket did just fine… as delivered, without any modification required. Yes, I suppose it might make a “mark” when tightened… but I’ll only see it if I remove the filter, which I have no intention of doing… even if I do, it’s just a mic… not a Ferrari… a little scarring gives it character… thanx again for the post… even if I did read it a little late!?
Bryan,
Good old google to the rescue. I am a trainer who creates video tutorials and I needed to get pop filter for my Yeti.
I was reading, like others all of the bad reviews about the filter and came upon your review. I ordered it immediately.
I hope you get affiliate commission because you deserve it!
Cheers.
Looking into this pop filter and you provided me with the exact information I needed.
Great article!
Thank you!
This is the second variation i’ve seen on mounting the pop-filter and it seems like those that couldn’t figure it out on Amazon weren’t really trying very hard (screwing it into the base???)…
The other solution would solve your issue of denting the base as well as the range issue when tilting back…it seems like a better way:
http://bluemic.com/blog/2012/10/mounting-the-pop-filter-onto-the-yeti-and-yeti-pro/
Thanks Mate. Great Post. Going to get one Blue The Pop!
Well, those Blue guys should PAY you 🙂 Thx for the tip. So simple, yet NOT so simple 😛
Thank you! I could not quite figure out how to mate these two up for myself.
Thanks so much for this article, I just got my Yeti and filter delivered today after reading this last week, everything is installed and running perfectly!