What is the primary purpose of the K&M 23956 Popkiller?

The primary purpose is to block air blasts caused by plosive consonants like 'p' and 'b' from reaching the microphone capsule. This prevents unwanted 'pops' and distortion in vocal recordings.

How does the double nylon screen benefit recording quality?

The double nylon screen provides two layers of air dispersion, which is more effective at stopping fast-moving air than a single layer. It achieves this while remaining acoustically transparent to ensure the vocal tone is not altered.

What is the length of the gooseneck on this model?

The K&M 23956 features a 330mm gooseneck. This length provides significant flexibility for positioning the shield at different heights and angles.

What is the maximum stand diameter the clamp can accommodate?

The adjustable screw attachment is designed to securely fit microphone stands with a tube diameter of up to 30mm. This covers most standard studio and live performance stands.

Is the K&M 23956 portable?

Yes, the shield can be folded into a compact size. This design makes it easy to store in a microphone case or transport between different recording locations.

Can this pop filter be used with the Shure SM58?

Yes, it is highly compatible with the Shure SM58. While the SM58 has an internal pop filter, using the 23956 provides an additional layer of protection for professional studio results.

Does the shield cause any rattling during use?

No, the design of the nylon screen and the robust gooseneck are engineered to prevent rattling. This ensures that the only sound captured is the intended vocal performance.

How does this compare to the internal filters of a Sennheiser MD 441-U?

While the MD 441-U is a high-end microphone with good internal protection, the K&M 23956 acts as an external barrier. It allows the vocalist to maintain a consistent distance and adds a secondary stage of air dispersion for cleaner takes.

Is this product suitable for use with the Electro-Voice RE20?

Absolutely. The RE20 is a popular broadcast microphone, and adding a K&M 23956 helps manage plosives during close-mic speech or singing without affecting the microphone's signature character.

What colour is the K&M 23956?

The K&M 23956 Popkiller is manufactured in a standard black finish. This allows it to blend in with most studio equipment and microphone stands.

Does the gooseneck stay in place once adjusted?

Yes, the 330mm gooseneck is designed to be sturdy enough to hold its position. It allows for precise inclination and height adjustments without sagging during a session.

Will this filter fit on a Sennheiser e945 stand?

Yes, as long as the stand supporting the Sennheiser e945 has a diameter of 30mm or less, the K&M 23956 clamp will attach securely to it.

Gear article

K&M 23956 Popkiller Microphone Shield

The K&M 23956 Popkiller is a professional-grade microphone pop filter designed to eliminate plosive sounds during vocal recordings. It features a double-layered nylon screen and an integrated 330mm gooseneck for precise positioning in studio environments.

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Overview

The K&M 23956 Popkiller is an essential accessory for studio vocalists, designed to mitigate the impact of fast-moving air on a microphone's capsule. By dispersing the energy of plosive consonants (such as 'p' and 'b' sounds), it prevents signal clipping and undesirable low-frequency 'thumps' in recordings. The unit is constructed with a focus on durability and adjustability, making it a standard choice for both home and professional recording facilities.

Design and Features

The 23956 model utilizes a double-layered nylon screen design. This dual-layer approach is more effective than single-layer alternatives as it provides two stages of air dispersion without introducing mechanical rattle or unwanted resonance. The screen is mounted to a 330mm flexible gooseneck, which allows the user to adjust the height, distance, and inclination of the shield relative to the microphone.

For mounting, the device features a robust screw-locking clamp. This attachment mechanism is compatible with various microphone stands, specifically those with a tube diameter of up to 30mm. When not in use, the shield is designed to be folded into a compact form, facilitating easy storage or transport for mobile recording sessions.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the K&M 23956 is transparency. Because the nylon mesh is acoustically thin, it allows the natural frequency response of the microphone to remain intact while filtering out turbulent air. It does not introduce the metallic ringing sometimes associated with metal mesh pop filters, ensuring that the high-frequency detail of a performance is preserved without coloration.

Applications and Compatibility

This shield is suited for any vocal recording scenario where high-sensitivity microphones are used. It is commonly paired with high-end dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58, Beta 58A, or the Sennheiser e935 and e945 series to provide extra protection against plosives. It is also a frequent companion for broadcast-standard microphones such as the Electro-Voice RE20 and the Sennheiser MD 441-U, where vocal clarity is paramount. For specialised microphones like the Shure 520DX Green Bullet, the shield helps manage the intense air pressure of close-proximity harmonica or vocal performances.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to budget alternatives, the K&M 23956 offers a more secure clamping mechanism and a more resilient gooseneck that does not 'sag' over time. While metal pop filters are sometimes preferred for their ease of cleaning, the double-nylon design of the 23956 is often cited for its superior ability to handle extreme air bursts without creating turbulent noise. Its ability to fit 30mm stands makes it more versatile than many generic clamps that only fit thinner 15mm or 20mm tubing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the K&M 23956 Popkiller?: The primary purpose is to block air blasts caused by plosive consonants like 'p' and 'b' from reaching the microphone capsule. This prevents unwanted 'pops' and distortion in vocal recordings.
How does the double nylon screen benefit recording quality?: The double nylon screen provides two layers of air dispersion, which is more effective at stopping fast-moving air than a single layer. It achieves this while remaining acoustically transparent to ensure the vocal tone is not altered.
What is the length of the gooseneck on this model?: The K&M 23956 features a 330mm gooseneck. This length provides significant flexibility for positioning the shield at different heights and angles.
What is the maximum stand diameter the clamp can accommodate?: The adjustable screw attachment is designed to securely fit microphone stands with a tube diameter of up to 30mm. This covers most standard studio and live performance stands.
Is the K&M 23956 portable?: Yes, the shield can be folded into a compact size. This design makes it easy to store in a microphone case or transport between different recording locations.
Can this pop filter be used with the Shure SM58?: Yes, it is highly compatible with the Shure SM58. While the SM58 has an internal pop filter, using the 23956 provides an additional layer of protection for professional studio results.
Does the shield cause any rattling during use?: No, the design of the nylon screen and the robust gooseneck are engineered to prevent rattling. This ensures that the only sound captured is the intended vocal performance.
How does this compare to the internal filters of a Sennheiser MD 441-U?: While the MD 441-U is a high-end microphone with good internal protection, the K&M 23956 acts as an external barrier. It allows the vocalist to maintain a consistent distance and adds a secondary stage of air dispersion for cleaner takes.
Is this product suitable for use with the Electro-Voice RE20?: Absolutely. The RE20 is a popular broadcast microphone, and adding a K&M 23956 helps manage plosives during close-mic speech or singing without affecting the microphone's signature character.
What colour is the K&M 23956?: The K&M 23956 Popkiller is manufactured in a standard black finish. This allows it to blend in with most studio equipment and microphone stands.
Does the gooseneck stay in place once adjusted?: Yes, the 330mm gooseneck is designed to be sturdy enough to hold its position. It allows for precise inclination and height adjustments without sagging during a session.
Will this filter fit on a Sennheiser e945 stand?: Yes, as long as the stand supporting the Sennheiser e945 has a diameter of 30mm or less, the K&M 23956 clamp will attach securely to it.