Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for forming fibers. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a die assembly having a plurality of nozzles, one or more attenuation medium passages and a cover plate. The cover plate has a cover plate opening into which one or more of the nozzles may extend. The attenuation medium passages have a minimum cross-sectional area and the cover plate opening has a limiting cross-sectional area such that the minimum cross-sectional area of the attenuation medium passages is greater than the limiting cross-sectional area of the cover plate opening.