what is that disgusting sound??

[adrianne76]

Sooo....I have a realtively soft voice and often times when I record vocals, the DISGUSTING sound of saliva in my mouth is PAINFULLy apparent on the recording. It almost sounds like little "clicks." Ewwww! This could possibly push me over the edge of madness!It isn't always a problem, but, when it is, I can't figure out if it's too much hydration, or not enough, or something else entirely. Does anyone else ever have this problem and does anyone have a way to cure it?? (I know that it can be edited out, but I'd prefer to SOLVE the probelm.)(Thank you for reading this grotesque post. I hope I didn't traumatize you.)

[mazz]

My wife is a voice over actor and whenever she goes to a session, she takes apple juice along. It is a fairly well known cure for this problem and now you know it too!!Also, you must be pretty close to the mic. Do you need to be that close? Cheers!!Mazz

[hummingbird]

Do you have the same issue when you speak... like when you do your voice recording for the phone, or is it just when you are singing? Do you have a pop screen, what mic are you using?

[christig]

Your poor mic! (Sorry - I couldn't resist)!

[adrianne76]

Yes, I am fairly close to the mic because my voice is so soft. Yes, I am using a pop filter. The mic I am using is a Rode NT1. I have used other mics in studios and still have the problem - they just edit it out.I would guess that I have the same problem when I speak. But I don't usually record myself speaking...Apple juice??!! I am curious to know how/why this helps. At any rate, I'm gonna go out and buy a life supply! Thanks for the info!

[anne]

Your poor mic! Too funny... I don't know if you have one of the new NT1 or an older one. I have one from the 70s - incredible detail, right down to the spit hitting the pop screen. Well, not quite that bad... Red zinger tea, hot or cold, helps me with this problem the most. Definitely not coffee, chamomile, or peppermint tea though or any (obvious) milk products.

[wodinlord]

This is really a common problem. I have run across it many times over the years while recording VO talents. Keeping your mouth moist and clear usually takes care of it. Personally, I think water works best, as juice contains sugar, causes salivating and is by nature thicker. Rinse out w/ water well before recording. Lipstick can also cause clicking. A pop filter only helps percussive consonants that move a lot of air. i.e. P, B, S, F, etc. Pop filters will have no effect on mouth clicks and pops. Also, you might try speaking into the mic at a 45 degree angle to the diaphram instead of straight on. There are lots of little things to help but is generally a dry mouth and thickened saliva that causes the problem. Assuming, you don't have dentures. They have their own problems. LOLWodinlord

[mojobone]

Moisture is a problem that can cut both ways; nicotine and THC can both lead to dry mouth, where one can discern the delicate sound of lips peeling back from teeth. Ah, the glory of the audio microscope!

[anne]

Wodinlord's suggestion of 45 degrees reminded me of something I do with my old Rode - its hung upside down in front of me and slightly higher than I needed, and I actually sing "under" it. It just seems to work really well in avoiding all extraneous sounds that way. You can here it in the little vocal clip I have here:http://www.taxi.com/kurlyqueen and the song is Do You Know Intro (rough) - its just part of a song I started and never got past the introbut it will give you a good idea about the voice singing this way with the rode. I don't know if the new models were the same as the originals, but I'm guessing they are modeled on the same specs.

[adrianne76]

Thanks everyone for the feedback on this annoying little issue. I'm gonna try 45 degrees and also placing the mic higher as Anne suggested. If that doesn't work, I'll try the apple juice and / or red zinger tea. I 'm grateful that you've all provided me with lots of options for possible solutions. Ya'll rock!