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I an recording a singer that sings very quietly. To get a good level I have to crank up the gain. I am getting lots of mouth noise and no amount of water or apple juice seem to fix the problem. I can remove most of the noise but it is time consumming. I have tried different mics, U87, AKG 414, Cad, and am now using 421 with pop filter and wind screen. Still getting it. Moved the mic to all sorts of positions. Can't think of anything else to do. Any ideas ?

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RemyRAD Sat, 09/13/2008 - 13:13

Mouth noise has always been an apparent problem with certain performers. Some people are just more juicy than others or have dentures. Announcers with dentures are a huge problem as they frequently click. But there is no good way to remedy this issue.

Since certain noises are impulse transient in nature, I would try "click/pop" noise reduction removal, in software?

Another possibility is to utilize a downward expander with peak detector, not RMS, with a variable control threshold & variable depth. You set the depth to between -3 & -10. Fast attack, medium release. But setting the threshold is the trickiest part. This won't necessarily eliminate the sounds but reduce them to more reasonable and listenable levels. It will also help to remedy the sound of gasping for breath since compression will just exacerbate the problem.

I like to be just ducky
Ms. Remy Ann David

anonymous Mon, 09/22/2008 - 22:44

all good pieces of advice IMO.

From a VO perspective, the inclination is to first use an off-mic approach if possible and to work your way towards HW options from there.

I've had a few folks in my studio of late who made me very happy that I'd purchased a Lil' FrEQ (recently added a new pair), as it has one of the nicest de-essers I've ever used.