Softening the sibilants

[chemm80]

I've done a bunch of podfics, but I'm still having trouble with overly hissy sibilant sounds in my recordings. I've seen a post here about using a microphone screen to tone down plosive sounds, but nothing about this. Any suggestions?

Comments

[cybel]

No suggestion, but truthfully, I've never noticed a problem with your recordings.

[chemm80]

It could be just a case of being too critical of my own stuff. Like how when I listen, I always think my voice sounds really nasal, but other people seem to be okay with it. Thanks...I'm glad to hear the esses are probably not bothering anyone else.

[cybel]

I think everyone tends to be more critical of their own voice, style, etc. than most others are. :-)

[juice817.livejournal.com]

Since I started recording professionally, I've been using a pop filter. I got it for about $18 or so on Amazon. I've heard of people making their own with a cross stitch frame and nylons too.

[chemm80]

I've heard of those for the plosive sounds...I guess they work on the sibilants, too?

Also, this is probably the most obnoxious thing ever, but the professional recording thing...do you mind if I ask how you got started doing that? Because I'm seriously interested in it, but I've checked out a couple of online places and gotten no response.

[juice817.livejournal.com]

They do seem to soften the sibilants too.

I just sent samples to several companies and only heard back from two of them.

[chemm80]

Thank you.

[luzula]

It's also a function of how far your mouth is from the microphone. I have a microphone which I can have half a meter or so from my mouth, and I never have problems with this.

[chemm80]

Ah. Mine's on a headset, so that might have something to do with it. It is adjustable, though, so I may try experimenting with that. Thanks.

[martinius.livejournal.com]

After you've recorded try using the compressor option (if you aren't already). This works wonders for my s sounds, and general quality. I also use a pop filter made from nylon stockings, which works just fine.

[chemm80]

I did try the compressor (on many different db settings) and I wasn't really happy with it. I may try the pop filter, though. Thanks. :)