Pop Filter and Windscreens

Pop Filters are used to reduce wind and popping sounds from speech. They are basically a thin semi-transparent fabric that is stretched over a rigid circular frame. Pop filters are always good to have when recording vocals. Creating a makeshift pop filter is easily accomplished by shaping a metal coat hanger into a circle and stretching nylons (panty hose, stockings, etc.) over it.  Windscreens, on the other hand, are usually balls of foam that fit snuggly over the head of a microphone and reduce wind and breath noises. Again, these are primarily for speech and singing.