Show notes
Episode 355 - Proper Microphone Technique to Reduce Plosives and Sibilance Issues for Your Podcast
Here are four steps to help reduce plosives and sibilance when recording vocals, which can improve the quality of audio for podcasts, voiceovers, or vocal recordings:
1. Use a Windscreen or Pop Shield
- A foam windscreen or pop shield is an effective, affordable tool to prevent plosives (e.g., hard "P" sounds) and sibilance (e.g., sharp "S" sounds).
- Foam windscreens fit directly over the microphone, reducing plosives significantly but may slightly reduce high frequencies.
- A pop shield is a fine mesh screen placed in front of the microphone. It reduces plosives while retaining more high frequencies than a foam windscreen.
2. Increase Distance from the Microphone
- Moving a few inches away from the microphone can help reduce the impact of plosives and sibilance.
- Close proximity emphasizes low-frequency plosives, so maintaining some distance can mitigate this effect. This technique works especially well for condenser microphones but may be less effective for certain dynamic mics, which often sound best at close range.
3. Adjust Pronunciation of Plosives
- Encourage the speaker to consciously soften plosive sounds, such as "P" or "B." For example, they can say "plosive" more gently to avoid a burst of air hitting the microphone.
- This subtle change in articulation can minimize the plosive effect naturally.
4. Angle the Microphone Off-Axis
- Turn the microphone slightly away from the speaker’s mouth, either to the side, up toward the nose, or down toward the chest. This can help reduce high frequencies and control sharp “S” sounds.
- Be cautious with dynamic microphones, as they may not handle off-axis positioning as well as condenser microphones, potentially altering the sound quality.
Condenser Microphones are more sensitive and capture a wider frequency range, making them ideal for studio recording where detail and nuance are important. They require external power (like phantom power) to operate and are typically more delicate, so they’re better suited for controlled environments. A condenser microphone is commonly used for recording vocals in a music studio. Its sensitivity captures the nuances of a singer's voice, making it ideal for creating rich, detailed audio in controlled environments. A well-known condenser mic for this purpose is the Neumann U87.
Dynamic Microphones are more rugged and handle loud sounds well, making them ideal for live performances or noisy environments. They don’t require external power and are generally less sensitive to subtle sound details, but they excel at capturing strong, focused sounds without picking up as much background noise. A dynamic microphone, like the Shure SM58, is often used for live vocals on stage. It’s durable and can handle high sound pressure without distortion, making it perfect for live performances where background noise is present and the mic may be moved around frequently.
By following these four techniques, you can achieve clearer, higher-quality vocal recordings that minimize unwanted plosives and sibilance.
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