What is one reason to use a windscreen on a microphone during recordings?

Using a windscreen on a microphone is primarily intended to reduce wind noise when recording outside. When wind passes over a microphone, it creates turbulent air movement that can interfere with the sound being captured, leading to distortion and unwanted noise. A windscreen helps to mitigate this effect by providing a barrier that disperses the wind before it reaches the microphone element, allowing for clearer and more professional-sounding recordings.

This is particularly essential for outdoor recording scenarios where environmental noises can vary widely, and capturing clean audio is critical for the overall quality of the production. Therefore, the use of a windscreen is a practical and effective solution for ensuring that the primary audio signal—such as dialogue or music—is not compromised by wind interference.