The Importance Of Plosives And How To Control Them

Plosives are consonant sounds created by a sudden burst of air. They are produced by obstructing and releasing airflow with the lips, tongue, or other parts of the mouth. Plosives are essential to human speech and are present in many words in various languages.

However, in audio recordings, plosives can be a problem because they produce a sudden increase in air pressure, which can overload and distort microphones and recording equipment. Plosives can result in popping or clicking sounds, making speech difficult to understand and reducing sound quality.

As mentioned, plosives can cause distortion and affect sound quality in audio recordings. They can also be difficult to remove in post-production, requiring additional time and effort to clean up. Plosives are particularly problematic in spoken word recordings, such as podcasts, voiceovers, and interviews, where clear and intelligible speech is essential.

Common plosive sounds include 'p', 'b', 't', 'd', 'k', and 'g'. These sounds are produced by different parts of the mouth and have varying degrees of intensity. For example, 'p' and 'b' are known as bilabial plosives because they are made by closing the lips, while 't' and 'd' are dental plosives because they are made by touching the tongue to the teeth.

The intensity and duration of plosive sounds can also vary depending on the speaker and the context. For instance, a whispered 'p' may produce less air pressure than a shouted 'p', and a 'b' at the beginning of a word may be more pronounced than a 'b' in the middle of a word.

Distance from Microphone

The distance between the speaker and the microphone can greatly impact plosives. A general rule of thumb is to keep a distance of at least six inches between the mouth and the microphone. This distance can be adjusted based on the microphone and the recording environment.

Angle of Microphone

The angle of the microphone can also affect plosives. Positioning the microphone slightly above or below the mouth can help prevent plosives from directly hitting the microphone. Additionally, tilting the microphone slightly away from the mouth can help reduce plosives.

Off-Axis Microphone Placement

Off-axis microphone placement refers to positioning the microphone at an angle to the speaker's mouth. This can help prevent plosives by allowing the air to pass by the microphone instead of directly hitting it. Experiment with different angles to find the optimal placement for your recording setup.

What is a Pop Filter?

A pop filter is a device that is placed between the speaker and the microphone to prevent plosives. It consists of a thin layer of material, such as nylon, stretched over a circular frame. The pop filter is positioned a few inches away from the microphone and acts as a barrier to the air expelled from the speaker's mouth.

Choosing a Pop Filter

When choosing a pop filter, look for one that is compatible with your microphone and offers good sound quality. A clamp-style pop filter is a popular choice as it can be easily attached to most microphones. Some pop filters come with adjustable arms, allowing for precise placement. Consider the size and shape of the pop filter and make sure it fits your recording setup.

Using a Pop Filter

To use a pop filter, simply attach it to your microphone stand or boom arm and adjust the placement so that it is a few inches away from the microphone. Make sure the pop filter is positioned in front of your mouth and not to the side. Speak directly into the pop filter and avoid moving your head too much.

What is a Foam Windscreen?

A foam windscreen is a cover that fits over the microphone to help reduce wind noise and plosives. It is made of a soft foam material that absorbs the sound waves and prevents them from hitting the microphone directly. Foam windscreens are particularly useful for outdoor recording or in windy environments.

Choosing a Foam Windscreen

When choosing a foam windscreen, look for one that is compatible with your microphone and fits snugly over the microphone head. Make sure the windscreen does not affect the sound quality or frequency response of your microphone. Consider the thickness and density of the foam and choose one that is appropriate for your recording needs.

Using a Foam Windscreen

To use a foam windscreen, simply slip it over the microphone head and adjust the placement so that it covers the entire microphone. Make sure the windscreen does not block the sound waves or interfere with the microphone's pickup pattern. Foam windscreens are easy to use and can be a cost-effective solution for preventing plosives.

Why Breath Control is Important

Breath control is important during recording because it can help prevent plosives. When speaking, the force of the breath can create bursts of air that hit the microphone and cause a popping sound. By controlling the breath, these bursts of air can be minimized or eliminated, resulting in a clearer recording.

Tips for Controlling Breath

One tip for controlling breath is to take deep breaths and exhale slowly before recording. This can help calm the nerves and reduce the force of the breath. Another tip is to practice speaking softly and slowly, which can help reduce the force of the breath and the likelihood of plosives.

Speaking to the Side of the Microphone

One technique for preventing plosives is to speak to the side of the microphone rather than directly into it. This can help reduce the force of the breath hitting the microphone and minimize the impact of plosives.

Adjusting Tone and Volume

Another technique for preventing plosives is to adjust the tone and volume of the voice. Speaking with a softer voice or at a lower volume can help reduce the force of the breath and minimize the likelihood of plosives.

Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are a great way to improve pronunciation and prevent plosives. By practicing tongue twisters, you can train your tongue and mouth to articulate sounds more clearly and reduce the likelihood of plosives.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can also help improve plosive control. Practicing deep breathing and exhaling slowly can help reduce the force of the breath and minimize the likelihood of plosives.

Introduction

Equalization is a post-production technique that can be used to reduce plosives in audio recordings. It involves adjusting the levels of specific frequencies in the audio to achieve a desired sound.

Identifying Plosives

Before applying equalization, it is important to identify the areas where plosives occur in the audio. This can be done by listening for sharp bursts of sound, such as 'p' and 'b' sounds.

Using EQ to Reduce Plosives

To reduce plosives using equalization, the frequencies where the plosives occur should be lowered. This can be done by applying a low-pass filter or using a parametric equalizer to target specific frequencies. It is important to make subtle adjustments and listen to the results to avoid negatively impacting the overall sound of the recording.

Final Tips

When applying equalization to reduce plosives, it is important to use high-quality headphones or speakers to accurately hear the changes. Additionally, it is recommended to apply equalization after other post-production techniques, such as noise reduction, to avoid amplifying unwanted noise.

Introduction

De-essing is a post-production technique commonly used to reduce sibilance in audio recordings. Sibilance refers to the hissing sound that can occur on 's' and 'sh' sounds, but de-essing can also be effective in reducing plosives.

How De-Essing Works

De-essing involves using a plugin to detect and reduce specific frequencies that contribute to sibilance or plosives. These frequencies can be targeted using a frequency band or sidechain input.

Choosing a De-Esser Plugin

When choosing a de-esser plugin, it is important to select one that allows for precise frequency control and has a transparent sound. Some popular de-esser plugins include Waves Renaissance DeEsser, FabFilter Pro-DS, and iZotope RX De-Clip.

Using De-Essing to Reduce Plosives

To use de-essing to reduce plosives, the plugin should be set to target the frequencies where the plosives occur. This can be done by adjusting the frequency band or sidechain input. It is important to use de-essing sparingly and listen to the results to avoid negatively impacting the overall sound of the recording.

Introduction

Manual removal is a post-production technique that involves editing out plosives by hand. It can be a time-consuming process but is effective in achieving precise results.

Identifying Plosives

Before removing plosives manually, it is important to identify the areas where they occur in the audio. This can be done by listening for sharp bursts of sound, such as 'p' and 'b' sounds.

Using Editing Software

To manually remove plosives, editing software such as Adobe Audition or Pro Tools can be used. The audio waveform can be zoomed in to identify the exact location of the plosive, and then the offending sound can be cut out or reduced in volume.

Final Tips

When manually removing plosives, it is important to make subtle edits and listen to the results to avoid negatively impacting the overall sound of the recording. Additionally, it is recommended to apply manual removal after other post-production techniques, such as noise reduction, to avoid amplifying unwanted noise.

Minimize Background Noise

Background noise can interfere with the quality of your audio recordings and make it more difficult to control plosives. To optimize your recording space, choose a quiet location with minimal background noise. Consider using acoustic treatment, such as sound-absorbing panels or curtains, to reduce unwanted noise.

Choose a Suitable Room

The size and shape of the room you are recording in can also impact plosives. Avoid small rooms with low ceilings, as they can create a

Experiment with Room Acoustics

Different rooms have different acoustics, which can impact the sound quality of your recordings. Experiment with the position of your microphone and other recording equipment to find the best spot for your needs. Consider using room EQ to adjust the frequency response of your recordings and minimize unwanted resonances.

Choose a Directional Microphone

Directional microphones, such as cardioid or hypercardioid microphones, are designed to pick up sound from a specific direction and reject sound from other directions. This makes them ideal for reducing plosives, as they can be positioned to minimize the impact of plosive sounds on your recordings.

Consider a Low-Cut Filter

Some microphones come with a built-in low-cut filter, also known as a high-pass filter. This filter can be used to reduce low-frequency sounds, which are often the source of plosives. When choosing a microphone, look for one with a low-cut filter or consider purchasing an external filter if your microphone does not have this feature.

Try Different Microphones

Different microphones have different frequency responses and polar patterns, which can impact the sound quality of your recordings. Experiment with different microphones to find the one that works best for your voice and recording environment. Consider borrowing or renting microphones before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best one for your needs.

Focus on Pronunciation

Improving your pronunciation can help reduce plosives and improve the clarity of your recordings. Practice saying words with plosive sounds, such as 'pop' or 'bat', and focus on exhaling softly and evenly. Consider working with a speech therapist or vocal coach to improve your pronunciation skills.

Record and Listen to Yourself

Recording and listening to yourself can help you identify areas where you need to improve your plosive control. Listen for any pops or other unwanted sounds in your recordings and take note of where they occur. Use this information to adjust your recording techniques and improve your plosive control over time.

Be Patient and Persistent

Improving your plosive control takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for your voice and recording environment.

Clear Audio Recordings

Plosives are a common issue in audio recordings that can significantly impact the sound quality. Proper plosive control is essential for clear and professional-sounding recordings that will engage and captivate your audience.

Tips and Recommendations

In order to achieve optimal plosive control, it is crucial to pay attention to microphone placement, use pop filters or foam windscreens, practice breath control and speaking techniques, and utilize post-production techniques such as equalization and de-essing. Additionally, optimizing the recording environment and selecting the right microphone for your needs can greatly contribute to preventing and controlling plosives.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, plosive control requires practice and dedication. By implementing the tips and recommendations outlined in this article and regularly practicing plosive exercises, you can improve your pronunciation and breath control to achieve clear and high-quality audio recordings.