What is the purpose of using a pop filter with a microphone?

The purpose of using a pop filter with a microphone is to reduce or eliminate 'plosives,' which are the burst of air created when pronouncing 'p', 'b', 't', and other similar consonant sounds. These bursts of air can overload the microphone capsule, resulting in a sudden, loud popping sound in the audio recording. A pop filter is typically a screen made of fabric or mesh that is placed between the microphone and the speaker or vocalist. This screen diffuses the air flow from plosives, reducing its impact on the microphone capsule without significantly affecting the sound of the voice. By reducing plosives, the pop filter helps to create a cleaner, more professional-sounding audio recording, free from distracting pops and thumps. For example, when recording a voiceover, using a pop filter ensures that the 'p' in the word 'production' does not create an unwanted popping sound in the final recording.