Best Reflection Filters for Recording Vocals (Full Guide, Beginner How To)

Traditional advice tells you…

That to record good vocals…you need proper acoustic treatment.  Right?

But in this day and age, with the rise of budget home studios…

What’s “proper” isn’t always what’s practical.

To save both money and space…

Many studios now use reflection filters…

Which are essentially “mini vocal booths” that wrap around your vocal mic.

The question is…

Are they any good?

And among the different models, which ones stand out?

Well in today’s post, I answer these questions and more with my list of:

The 6 Best Reflection Filters for Recording Vocals.

First up…

1. sE Electronics Reflexion Filter PRO

One of the first reflection filters to gain widespread popularity…

The sE Reflexion Filter PRO paved the way for the dozens of copycats that later followed.

While common wisdom says that absorption goes BEHIND the singer’s head, (where the mic is most sensitive)…

The Reflection Filter PRO takes the opposite approach, by placing absorption IN FRONT of the singer,  to contain the voice before it spreads.

Using this method, there’s the added benefit of blocking off potential noise sources such as A/C’s or computer fans.

All in all, it’s a brilliant invention.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)

Also check out their other models:

• the cheaper sE Electronics Reflexion Filter X – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
• the pricier sE Electronics SPACE – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)

Now one of the biggest complaints with reflection filters is that they’re heavy, and unstable on cheaper mic stands.

If you don’t have a good stand yet, check out one of the lighter models, such as this one…

2. Primacoustic VoxGuard

Rather than using a heavy metal frame with dense layers of absorption…

To save on weight…

The Primacoustic VoxGuard uses a combination of lightweight acoustic foam and a high impact plastic frame.

To save even more weight, it forgoes the mic mounting system entirely…

And instead, uses the standard mounting of your mic stand.

These features combined make the VoxGuard ideal for use with the cheaper stands used in many home studios.

And perhaps the biggest benefit of all is…it only costs around 1/3 of the previous model.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)

Up next, here’s another model with a similar design…

3. Auralex MudGuard

The dominant leader in the acoustic treatment industry…

Auralex has been making studios sound better since long before home recording ever existed.

Today, Auralex has responded to this new demand for cheaper gear with a number of high quality affordable products.

And the Auralex Mudguard is just one example among many.

Like the sE Reflexion Filter Pro, it features a mounting slide for flexible positioning.

And like the Voxguard, it has a lightweight frame, with a similar price tag.

Combine that with the legendary acoustic properties of Auralex acoustic foam, and you’ve got a pretty awesome product.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)

Up next…

4. CAD Audio AS32

Chances are you’ve never heard of CAD Audio before, right?

Well until recently, neither have I.

But strangely enough, when you search for reflection filters online…

What you’ll find is that the CAD Audio AS32completely dominates the market on Amazon…

In both sales AND positive reviews.

After taking a closer look though, it’s not hard to see why.

With a strong metal frame, and sturdy mounting system resembling the Reflexion Filter Pro…

But at a price comparable to the VoxGuard or Mudguard…

It seems that the AS32 offers the best of both worlds.

And with a layer of foam absorption that appears noticeably thicker than on other models, one would assume it offers better low-end absorption as well.

From all outward appearances, it may be the best overall option on the list.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF)

Up next…

5. Porta-Booth Pro

Breaking away from the standard “hard-shell backing” design…

The Porta-Booth Pro revolutionizes the concept of what a reflection filter can actually be.

Using a combination of velcro straps and a semi-soft backing, the Porta-Booth Pro features a unique design that is…

• completely collapsible
• only 7lbs in weight

And once it’s broken down, it fits neatly in an included carrying case.

Unlike the other models, it has a rear slot for use with boom stands.  And the interior foam is made by none other than the legendary Auralex.

For voice-over work, the bottom padding provides a convenient place to hold a script.

For mobile studios especially, the Porta-Booth Pro is the obvious choice.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon)

Up next..

6. Post Audio ARF-42

Breaking even further away from the traditional reflection filter design…

For the last option on the list we have the Post Audio ARF-42.

Compared to the other models, it’s the smallest, the lightest, the cheapest, and easily the coolest-looking of them all.

The problem is…the general consensus among reviews is that the ARF-42 is noticeably LESS effective at shielding reflections.

And surely that’s no surprise, since you’d guess that just by looking at it.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend it on vocals, but I might use it on instruments…

Because as shown in the picture, the small lightweight ARF-42 can be positioned in angles and spots that would be impossible for other reflection filters.

For ribbon mics especially, they could be useful to block the rear sensitivity of the figure-8 pattern.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon)

That’s it…

Well there you go guys…

If you need a reflection filter, the perfect one for you is undoubtedly somewhere on this list.