Smacking noises

[Artoveli]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently involved in the production of a podfic for the popular Portal 2 fanfiction, "Blue Sky." As one of the co-producers, I'm working with our team of voice actors to try and iron out things like mic quality, reverb, pops and puffs, etc, before we begin recording.

I've been able to find tips and things for most of the issues so far, but one of the actors has a real problem with smacking her mouth as she speaks. I've heard of this being an issue with beginners before, and I was wondering if there are any tips or exercises for cutting down on this that I could pass along to her?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[ScottStoked]

I get this problem to occasionally with my own voice. Drinking lots of water BEFORE and during recording really helps (water only, not soda or sweet drinks). Or Granny Smith apples can sometimes do the trick in a pinch.

[thehurricanekid]

I typically try brushing my teeth and then rinsing with mouthwash before every recording session. Also, maybe having a light snack beforehand can help because if you're hungry, obviously the natural reaction from your body is to salivate. Placing appropriate distance between you and the mic can also cut down on that or try talking a bit away from the microphone.

[CeruleanAsh]

You might also try using compression on her tracks, or using a gate/limiter. Sometimes I get the same problem, and if the apples don't work then I try the digital solution! Good luck!

[meowool]

I have that problem, (I use audacity) after I've recorded it and converted it into mp3, then I import it into audacity, normalise it, then noise reduce, there will still be little noises, but now I can actually see them, so then I can go through the track and silence them!

[BAW]

I've heard eating a slice of green apple helps reduce the sloshing/smacking sound. Water mixed with lemon juice also has the same effect if I'm not mistaken.

[BiscuitDude]

Yeah I'm getting this problem today. Maybe cos I've had a prolonged recording session and need a break. I'll be mindful of these tips for my next session.