How to avoid all the unwanted noises while recording

Producing high-quality audio content is a skill that demands a thorough comprehension of typical recording problems and how to resolve them. Unwanted noises can hamper your efforts whether podcasting, streaming, or recording for other content. In this blog, we’ll walk you through and cover up the most common audio problems and how to avoid all the noises while recording. I’ll explain everything in simple terms so even if you are a 12-year-old kid streaming Minecraft can get it. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

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The Basics of Clean Audio Recording

Prior to delving into the particular issues and their resolutions, let us first discuss some fundamentals. To keep your audience interested, use clear audio. It enhances the professionalism and enjoyment of your content. These are the essentials:

Employ a Good Microphone: A good microphone can really help. Try not to use the built-in microphone on your laptop.
Locate a Quiet Area: Your audio quality will improve with a quieter recording environment.
Use Headphones: Using headphones to record can help you identify issues as they arise.

Select the Perfect Microphone Stand for you by visiting the link.

Plosive Sounds: The “P” and “B” Problem

What Are Plosive Sounds?

Plosive sounds happen when bursts of air from your mouth hit the microphone, causing a loud “pop” sound. This usually happens with “P” and “B” sounds.

How to Avoid Plosive Sounds

Put a pop filter in between your mouth and the microphone to use it. It lessens the effect of plosive noises.
Mic Positioning: Avoid talking into the microphone directly. Slightly turn it away from your lips.
Regulate Your Breath: Pay attention to the words you use. Work on regulating the force of your breathing.

Common Mistake: Not Using a Pop Filter

Many beginners skip using a pop filter. Always use one to keep those pesky pops away.

Sibilant Sounds: The Hiss of “S” and “Sh”

What Are Sibilant Sounds?

Sibilant sounds are the hissing noises made by “S” and “Sh” sounds. They can be harsh and annoying.

How to Avoid Sibilant Sounds

Microphone Angle: Tilt the mic slightly to reduce the impact of sibilant sounds.
De-esser Plugin: Use a de-esser plugin in your editing software. It helps to smooth out these harsh sounds.
Practice Good Speaking Techniques: Train yourself to soften your “S” and “Sh” sounds.

Common Mistake: Ignoring Mic Position

Many people place the mic directly in front of their mouth. Instead, angle it to avoid direct sibilant sounds.

Background Noise: The Unwanted Ambience

Background noise can come from any unwanted sounds in your recording environment, like traffic, people talking, or air conditioning.

How to Avoid Background Noise

Select a Quiet Area: To record, go to your home’s quietest room.
Turn Off Noisy Appliances: Turn off any appliances that produce noise, such as air conditioners and fans.
Use foam panels, rugs, and curtains to soundproof your space.

Common Mistake: Overlooking Small Noises

Small noises add up. Pay attention to even the tiniest sounds in your environment.

Hum and Buzz: Electrical Interference

Hum and buzz are low-frequency noises caused by electrical interference, often from your equipment or wiring.

How to Avoid Hum and Buzz

Check Your Cables: Use high-quality, well-shielded cables.
Ground Your Equipment: Ensure your equipment is properly grounded.
Move Away from Electrical Sources: Keep your mic and cables away from electrical devices.

Common Mistake: Using Cheap Cables

Cheap cables are more prone to interference. Invest in good quality cables for better sound.

Room Echo and Reverb: The Hollow Sound

Echo and reverb are reflections of sound off walls and surfaces, making your audio sound hollow or distant.

How to Avoid Room Echo and Reverb

Record in a Small, Furnished Room: Sound is better absorbed in smaller spaces that have furniture.
Employ Absorbent Materials: Rugs, foam panels, and drapes can all help cut down on reflections.
Draw Near the Microphone: You will pick up less room sound the closer you are to the microphone.

Common Mistake: Recording in Large, Empty Rooms

Large, empty rooms amplify echoes. Always choose smaller, well-furnished spaces.

Here’s a simplified table based on what we have learned till now:

Issue	What Is It?	How to Avoid	Common Mistake	Tools/Techniques
Plosive Sounds	Bursts of air from “P” and “B” sounds.	Use a pop filter, adjust mic position, control breathing.	Skipping the use of a pop filter.	Pop filter, mic positioning.
Sibilant Sounds	Hissing from “S” and “Sh” sounds.	Tilt mic, use de-esser plugin, soften speech.	Mic placed directly in front of the mouth.	De-esser plugin, mic angle.
Background Noise	Unwanted environmental sounds.	Record in quiet areas, soundproof, turn off appliances.	Ignoring small background noises.	Soundproofing, selecting quiet areas.
Hum and Buzz	Electrical interference.	Use quality cables, ground equipment, avoid interference.	Using cheap cables prone to interference.	Shielded cables, proper grounding.
Room Echo/Reverb	Sound reflecting off walls and surfaces.	Record in small rooms with absorbent materials.	Recording in large, empty rooms.	Foam panels, rugs, close mic positioning.

Mouth Clicks and Pops: Annoying Little Noises

Mouth clicks and pops are the small noises made by saliva and mouth movements.

How to Avoid Mouth Clicks and Pops

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Sip water to quiet your mouth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Before recording, give your mouth a quick wash and brush.
Employ Editing Tools: Use audio editing tools to eliminate pops and clicks after the fact.

Common Mistake: Recording When Thirsty

Dry mouth increases mouth noises. Always stay hydrated before and during recording.

Breathing Sounds: The Unwanted Inhales and Exhales

Breathing sounds are the audible inhales and exhales that can be distracting in your recording.

How to Avoid Breathing Sounds

Place the microphone in the proper position. Accurately: Position the microphone just above or to the side of your lips.
Manage Your Breathing: To keep your breathing under control when speaking, work on some breathing exercises.
Employ a Noise Gate: A noise gate can be used to filter away background noise, such as breathing.

Common Mistake: Placing the Mic Too Close

Placing the mic too close to your mouth can capture every breath. Adjust the distance to reduce this.

Handling Noise: Sounds from Touching the Mic

Handling noise is the sound created by touching or moving the microphone or its stand.

How to Avoid Handling Noise

Use a Shock Mount: A shock mount helps isolate the microphone from physical vibrations.
Be Gentle: Avoid touching or adjusting the mic while recording.
Use a Stable Stand: Ensure your mic stand is stable and not prone to movement.

Common Mistake: Adjusting the Mic Mid-Recording

Adjusting the mic during recording creates noise. Set it up correctly before you start.

Proximity Effect: Too Much Bass

What Is the Proximity Effect?

The proximity effect occurs when the microphone is too close, increasing the bass response and making your voice sound boomy.

How to Avoid the Proximity Effect

Remain Consistently Away from the Microphone: Remain consistently away from the microphone.
Employ a High-Pass Filter: Excessive bass frequencies can be reduced by using a high-pass filter.
Place the microphone in the proper position. Correctly: Aim to be between six and twelve inches away from the microphone.

Common Mistake: Speaking Too Close to the Mic

Speaking too close can cause the proximity effect. Keep a comfortable distance to avoid this.

Wind Noise: The Outdoor Challenge

What Is Wind Noise?

Wind noise is the sound of wind hitting the microphone, common in outdoor recordings.

How to Avoid Wind Noise

Use a Windscreen: A windscreen helps reduce wind noise.
Choose Sheltered Locations: Find a spot sheltered from the wind.
Use Directional Mics: Directional microphones can help focus on your voice and reduce wind noise.

Common Mistake: Recording Without a Windscreen

Never record outside without a windscreen. It’s essential for clear audio.

Clipping and Distortion: The Loudness Problem

What Is Clipping and Distortion?

Clipping and distortion happen when the microphone or recording device is overloaded, causing the audio to sound harsh and unpleasant.

How to Avoid Clipping and Distortion

Watch Your Levels: Make sure your audio levels aren’t excessively high by keeping an eye on them.
Employ a Limiter: A limiter can assist in preventing sounds from going beyond a specific threshold.
Talk at a Consistent Volume: Steer clear of abrupt volume shifts when conversing.

Common Mistake: Ignoring Audio Levels

Always monitor your Audio levels. High levels cause clipping and ruin your recording.

Mic Popping: Sudden Volume Spikes

Mic popping is the sudden spike in volume caused by fast movements of air hitting the microphone.

How to Avoid Mic Popping

Use a Pop Filter: Pop filters help reduce mic popping.
Control Your Movements: Speak steadily and avoid sudden movements.
Adjust Mic Position: Position the mic to avoid direct air bursts.

Common Mistake: Speaking Too Energetically

While energy is good, uncontrolled movements can cause mic popping. Stay steady.

Phasing Issues: Multiple Mic Problems

Phasing issues occur when multiple microphones pick up the same sound source, causing a comb-filter effect that sounds weird.

How to Avoid Phasing Issues

Check Mic Placement: Ensure microphones are placed correctly and not too close to each other.
Use One Mic When Possible: Use a single microphone to avoid phasing.
Adjust Phase in Editing: Use audio software to adjust phase alignment if necessary.

Common Mistake: Incorrect Mic Setup

Incorrect mic setup leads to phasing. Always test and adjust before recording.

Feedback: The Squeal of Doom

Feedback is a loud, high-pitched squeal caused by sound from speakers being picked up by the microphone.

How to Avoid Feedback

Position Speakers Away from the Mic: Keep speakers away from the microphone.
Lower Speaker Volume: Reduce the volume of your speakers or use headphones.
Use a Feedback Suppressor: Some audio equipment includes feedback suppression features.

Common Mistake: Using Loud Speakers

Using loud speakers near the microphone causes feedback. Use headphones to monitor your audio. If you are podcasting, a Headphone like Joe Rogan might make you look insane. Check Out what Headphones and Tactics Joe Rogan uses in his podcast in this Blog.

Lip Smacks: Those Pesky Little Noises

Lip smacks are the small noises made by lips during speech.

How to Avoid Lip Smacks

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
Practice Speaking Techniques: Train yourself to speak smoothly without smacking.
Edit Them Out: Use audio editing software to remove lip smacks.

Common Mistake: Not Editing Out Lip Smacks

Always edit out lip smacks. They’re distracting and reduce the quality of your recording. We have a Full free Podcast Editing Guide. Check it out!!

Coughs and Sneezes: Bodily Interruptions

How to Avoid Coughs and Sneezes

Pause the Recording: If you feel a cough or sneeze coming, pause the recording.
Edit Them Out: Use editing software to remove any unwanted sounds.
Stay Healthy: Take care of your health to avoid frequent interruptions.

Common Mistake: Not Pausing the Recording

Always pause the recording if you need to cough or sneeze. It’s easier to edit out later. You can also Hire a Freelancer from Fiverr by investing 5-10 bucks to edit.

Electrical Noise: Electronic Interference

What Is Electrical Noise?

Electrical noise is interference from electronic devices that can affect your recording.

How to Avoid Electrical Noise

Verify Your Configuration: Make sure there are no electrical interferences in your recording setup.
Employ Shielded Cables: Electrical noise can be minimized by using high-quality, shielded cables.
Device Distancing: Keep electronic gadgets apart from the gear you use to record.

Common Mistake: Overlooking Electronic Devices

Even small devices can cause noise. Keep your recording area free from electronics.

Microphone Self-Noise: The Mic’s Own Noise

How to Avoid Microphone Self-Noise

Employ a High-Quality Microphone: Make a wise investment in a low-noise microphone.
Look for microphones with a low self-noise rating by checking the specifications.
Before recording, make sure your microphone isn’t overly loud by giving it a test.

Common Mistake: Using Low-Quality Mics

Cheap microphones often have higher self-noise. Always choose quality gear. If you are thinking about budget, Here is a list of BEST MICROPHONES UNDER 100 $.

Here’s a simplified table based on what we have learned till now:

Issue	What Is It?	How to Avoid	Common Mistake	Tools/Techniques
Mouth Clicks and Pops	Small noises made by saliva and mouth movements.	Stay hydrated, maintain oral hygiene, use editing tools to remove them.	Recording when thirsty, which increases mouth noise.	Water, oral hygiene, editing tools.
Breathing Sounds	Audible inhales and exhales during recording.	Position the mic properly, manage breathing with exercises, use a noise gate.	Placing the mic too close, capturing unwanted breaths.	Mic positioning, noise gate, breathing exercises.
Handling Noise	Sounds from touching or moving the mic.	Use a shock mount, avoid touching the mic, use a stable stand.	Adjusting the mic during recording, creating noise.	Shock mount, stable mic stand.
Proximity Effect	Increased bass from being too close to the mic.	Keep a consistent distance from the mic, use a high-pass filter, aim for 6-12 inches from the mic.	Speaking too close to the mic, causing excess bass.	High-pass filter, consistent mic distance.
Wind Noise	Wind hitting the mic in outdoor recordings.	Use a windscreen, find sheltered locations, use directional mics.	Recording outside without a windscreen.	Windscreen, directional mic, sheltered recording spot.
Clipping and Distortion	Audio overload causing harsh, unpleasant sound.	Watch audio levels, use a limiter, maintain consistent volume.	Ignoring audio levels, leading to clipping.	Limiter, level monitoring, consistent speaking volume.
Mic Popping	Sudden volume spikes from fast air movements.	Use a pop filter, control your movements, adjust the mic position.	Speaking too energetically, causing pops.	Pop filter, mic positioning, controlled movement.
Phasing Issues	Multiple mics picking up the same sound source, causing phase problems.	Proper mic placement, use one mic when possible, adjust phase in editing.	Incorrect mic setup, causing phase issues.	Phase alignment in editing, correct mic setup.
Feedback	Loud squealing caused by sound from speakers picked up by the mic.	Position speakers away from mic, lower speaker volume, use feedback suppressor.	Using loud speakers near the mic.	Feedback suppressor, speaker positioning, use headphones.
Lip Smacks	Small lip noises during speech.	Stay hydrated, practice speaking techniques, edit out lip smacks.	Not editing out lip smacks.	Water, speaking techniques, audio editing tools.
Coughs and Sneezes	Bodily interruptions during recording.	Pause recording, edit out unwanted sounds, stay healthy.	Not pausing the recording during coughs or sneezes.	Pausing recording, editing tools, maintaining health.
Electrical Noise	Interference from electronic devices.	Verify setup, use shielded cables, keep electronics away from recording equipment.	Overlooking electronic devices in the environment.	Shielded cables, device placement, checking setup.
Microphone Self-Noise	Noise generated by the microphone itself.	Use high-quality, low-noise microphones, test mic before recording.	Using low-quality mics with high self-noise.	Low-noise microphone, equipment testing.

Understanding Your Recording Environment

Room Acoustics Matter

The acoustics of your room play a significant role in your recording quality. Here’s how you can optimize your space:

Choose the Right Room: Smaller rooms with lots of soft furnishings are ideal. Avoid rooms with hard surfaces and large windows.
Furniture and Carpeting: Adding furniture, carpets, and curtains can help absorb sound and reduce echo.
DIY Solutions: You don’t need expensive equipment. Blankets and pillows can work wonders in dampening sound.

Soundproofing Techniques

Proper soundproofing ensures that outside noise doesn’t seep into your recordings. Here are some effective methods:

Acoustic foam panels are inexpensive and simple to install. They lessen echo and aid in sound wave absorption.
Weather Stripping: To stop sound from leaking in, use weather stripping on windows and doors.
Door Sweeps: To prevent noise from seeping in beneath doors, install door sweeps.

Common Mistake: Neglecting Room Acoustics

If you Ignore the acoustics of your recording environment, it can lead to poor sound quality. Always assess and optimize your space.

Advanced Microphone Techniques

Choosing the Right Microphone

Different types of microphones serve different purposes. Here’s a quick rundown:

Dynamic Microphones: Great for noisy environments as they are less sensitive to background noise.
Condenser Microphones: Ideal for studio recordings as they capture more detail and have a wider frequency response.
Lavalier Microphones: Perfect for video recordings and interviews. They’re small and can be clipped onto clothing.
Read this blog to know about more mic types.

Proper Microphone Placement

Placement is key to capturing the best sound. Here’s how to do it right:

Distance: Keep the mic about 6-12 inches from your mouth. Too close, and you risk plosive sounds; too far, and you pick up more room noise.
Angle: Tilt the mic slightly to avoid plosive and sibilant sounds. Pointing it slightly above or below your mouth can help.
Stand or Mount: Use a stable mic stand or a shock mount to reduce handling noise and vibrations.

Common Mistake: Using the Wrong Mic

Using the wrong type of microphone for your recording environment can result in poor sound quality. Choose the right mic for your needs.

Editing and Post-Production

Noise Reduction Tools

Post-production is where you can clean up your audio significantly. Here are some tools and techniques:

Plugins for noise reduction: Applications such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, and Reaper include tools for reducing background noise.
De-Essers: Sibilant noises are especially targeted and reduced by these plugins.
EQ (Equalization): Use EQ to balance your audio frequencies. Cut the lows to reduce rumble, and adjust the mids and highs for clarity.

Removing Unwanted Sounds

During editing, you can remove specific unwanted sounds like clicks, pops, and breaths:

Manual Editing: Zoom into the waveform and manually delete or silence unwanted sounds.
Automation: Use automation to control volume levels precisely, reducing or increasing them where necessary.
Noise Gates: A noise gate can automatically cut out sounds below a certain volume threshold, effectively silencing background noise.

Common Mistake: Over-Editing

Over-editing can make your audio sound unnatural. Aim for a balance where your audio is clean but still sounds natural and engaging.

Recording Techniques for Different Content Types

Podcasting

For podcasts, clear and consistent audio is crucial. Here’s how to achieve it:

Script and Outline: Have a clear script or outline to minimize pauses and fillers.
Multiple Takes: Don’t hesitate to do multiple takes to get the best quality.
Interview Techniques: Use separate mics for each person, and use headphones to monitor the recording.

Streaming

Streaming involves real-time audio, so preparation is key:

Test Your Setup: Always test your audio setup before going live.
Monitor Audio Levels: Keep an eye on your audio levels to avoid clipping.
Engage with Your Audience: Use a high-quality mic to ensure your audience can hear you clearly.

Video Content

For video content, syncing audio with video is crucial:

Clap Sync: To sync audio and video, use a clap or a slate.
Lavalier Mics: Because they are less noticeable and record high-quality audio, lavalier mics are ideal for use in videos.
Boom Mics: For capturing a greater variety of audio without being in the frame, use a boom mic.

Common Mistake: One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Different types of content require different recording techniques. Tailor your approach to fit the specific needs of your content.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Use a Reflection Filter

A reflection filter is a portable device that surrounds your microphone to block out unwanted sound reflections. It’s great for improving audio quality, especially in less-than-ideal recording environments.

Monitor with Quality Headphones

Using high-quality headphones allows you to hear exactly what your microphone is capturing. This helps you catch and correct issues on the spot.

Regular Equipment Maintenance

Keep your equipment in good condition by regularly checking cables, connections, and cleaning your microphones. Dust and dirt can affect audio quality.

Back Up Your Recordings

Always back up your recordings in multiple places. Use external hard drives, cloud storage, and even physical media to ensure your work is safe.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, practice your recording techniques. The more you record, the better you’ll get at identifying and solving potential issues.

Common Mistake: Neglecting Practice

Don’t assume you’ll get it perfect the first time. Practice regularly to refine your skills and techniques.

Conclusion

Mastering audio recording is all about understanding and avoiding common pitfalls. Creating high-quality audio content is a journey that involves understanding and mastering various aspects of recording. From choosing the right microphone and setting up your recording environment to editing and post-production, each step is crucial.

By avoiding common mistakes and following best practices, you can produce audio that is clear, engaging, and professional. Remember, attention to detail and consistent practice are your best tools in this journey. Keep experimenting and refining your approach, and you’ll continue to improve your audio recordings.

Happy recording!

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