How to Avoid Plosives When Recording with Microphones in Singapore
Having p-pops and annoying consonants blowing up your recordings?
Join our Shure specialist, Laura Davidson, as she shares some insights on proper mic placement to avoid plosives and other unwanted sounds when recording.
What is a Plosive Sound?
Ever wondered about the source of those intrusive popping sounds that often creep into your recordings? It's the infamous plosive sound, and it rears its head when certain consonants take centre stage in your audio. This unwelcome auditory phenomenon occurs when you're right on target with your microphone placement, resulting from the sudden surge of sound pressure that strikes the microphone diaphragm, causing that unmistakable "pop."
This sound is produced when airflow is momentarily halted by the lips, teeth, or palate and then rapidly released. In English, the primary plosives encompass voiceless sounds such as "t," "k," and "p," as well as voiced sounds like "d," "g," and "b." Among these, the letter "P" takes the top spot as the most common culprit, earning plosives their colloquial name, "P-Pops." With a discerning ear, you'll often catch these P-Pops in broadcasts and podcasts.
Tips on Alleviating Plosive Sounds
Your journey to perfect audio begins with mastering the art of microphone technique. In this section, we unveil the secrets to conquering one of the most common recording nuisances: plosive sounds. Learn how to finesse your mic placement and airflow control to banish those disruptive P-Pops and elevate your audio quality to professional standards.
1. Move Slightly Away from Your Microphone
Plosives can be tamed effectively by positioning the microphone "off-axis," meaning you speak at an angle rather than directly in front of it. Alternatively, you can angle the microphone slightly above your mouth, directing it downward. This way, any bursts of air bypass the microphone's front, preventing direct impact.
Additionally, distancing yourself from the microphone while recording lets sound waves travel further, weakening plosive energy and often eliminating those disruptive pops in your audio signal. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in achieving pristine audio quality.
2. Use an External Pop Filter
Another effective strategy for combating plosive sounds is employing an external pop filter. In professional studio settings, fabric or metal mesh pop screens are commonly used. These screens, resembling small hoops with stretched nylon or perforated metal discs, excel at blocking plosives while maintaining acoustic transparency.
By inserting a pop filter between the speaker or vocalist and the microphone, you can dissipate plosive energy from the source before it reaches the microphone diaphragm. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of plosive pops in your microphone signal. To find the ideal distance for your pop filter, experiment by gradually moving your hand behind it until you can barely feel the plosive energy, ensuring optimal results.
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