How to Make a Microphone Windscreen

A microphone windscreen, often called a "spit screen," is simple to make at home. Using a windscreen when talking or singing into a microphone helps to keep the voice sounding steady and even without the hissing and spitting noises that a normal speaking voice can have. A windscreen is a device that should be used when speaking over a microphone to a large group or when recording both the spoken word and singing.

Things You'll Need

• Wire coat hanger
• 1-lb. coffee can
• Wire cutters
• Panty hose leg

Instructions

1. Untwist the connection on a wire coat hanger and straighten out the wire.

2. Bend the coat hanger around a 1-lb. coffee can to make a circular shape with the wire.

3. Cut the wire. Using the wire cutters, cut the remaining wire from the coat hanger at least 4 inches from where the wire meets around the can.

4. Twist the two ends of the wire together to form a circle. Two twists are generally enough.

5. Remove the wire from the coffee can and pull the cutoff leg from a pair of pantyhose over the circular shape.

6. Attach the windscreen to the microphone holder using the remaining length of wire.

7. Position the windscreen an inch or two in front of the microphone head for best results.

Tips & Warnings

• Knee high hosiery can also be used if old panty hose are not available. If a larger windscreen is needed, find an object the desired size to wrap the wire around to make the screen. Panty hose legs will stretch to around 12 inches wide to fit a larger windscreen. For a more professional look, use a purchased embroidery hoop and cotton muslin for the screen. Embroidery hoops and cotton muslin can be found at hobby shops and craft stores.