Wind protection, also referred to as a "windsock", is an accessory used to suppress unwanted sounds caused by airflow. When wind hits an unprotected microphone capsule, a sensitive sound-sensing component, it creates a deep rumbling noise and disturbing hiss that degrades the recording. This sleeve acts as a physical barrier to disperse and slow the airflow before it hits the microphone diaphragm. This prevents the aforementioned interference from occurring and the recording remains clear. The basic form is a foam sleeve, which is effective against lighter winds while slightly dampening harsh sounds when speaking, such as explosive sounds like "p" and "b". For stronger weather conditions, a furry or fur-lined cover is used, often referred to in practice as a "dead cat". This provides a higher degree of protection and is often applied directly to the foam base. It is mainly used for outdoor sound recording, such as news reports, interviews or film shoots.