How to improve further after basic processing - sound better series - part 6 (Final Part)

This is the last part of the Sound Better Series. Today, I will discuss what to do next after the basic processing.

I will remind you again what are the effects and sequence of basic processing:

1. Normalize

2. Noise Reduction

3. EQ

4. Compressor

5. Normalize

After going through this process, audio quality improves a lot. However, our job does not end here.

The basic problem not only improves the audio quality from the raw recording but also points out further issues in our audio.

The basic process elevates some of the issues like breaths, mouth clicks, and such.

Those issues sometimes go unnoticed by beginners. Either beginners are unaware of such issues, or it was not obvious in the raw recording.

But as you progress through your audio editing journey, you will spot those issues.

Those issues are not very simple to fix and require a better understanding of the audio overall.

For example, I could give you an easy-to-follow formula for basic processing. But issues like mouth clicks, breaths, and sibilances require a shopistaced approach.

Let's talk about the breaths in the audio. There is a divided opinion on how much breath should be allowed in the final processed recording.

Some people are in favor of removing all the breaths. Another option is to remove the heavy breaths or gasping.

Please note that you should not think about the noises from the breath while recording.

It will be controlled over time as you practice more recording. If you think about the breaths much, your performance will be poor.

Over time, your talking technique in the microphone will improve, and the breaths will be less of an issue.

But whenever you have some breath issues, no plugin from any software can help you.

There is no good plugin, free or paid, that can efficiently remove breaths. If you try to remove breaths using any software or plugin, your audio will be destroyed.

Why is this so? The pattern of audio data in breaths is similar to the audio data while we talk.

When the software tries to remove breaths, some talking parts are also affected.

Instead of searching for a software solution, you should manually select the breath and delete it.

Deleting the breaths from the timeline will alter the audio length. In some cases, you are expected to keep the audio length the same.

In such cases, you have to copy a silent part or room tone from the track and replace the small breathing part.

Replacing/deleting breaths in such a manner is time-consuming, but there are no good alternatives.

If you see a plugin claiming to effectively reduce breath noise, install the trial version first. Then, test it with your audio recording and check if it is working.

But remember, removing/replacing breaths manually is the best solution.

Another head-scratching issue in a beginner’s audio is the mouth clicks. Besides the clicks, some more noise can be introduced from our mouths.

For example, lip-smacking, mouth crackles, etc. You are most likely to find a plugin to remove mouth clicks with your software.

For example, in Audacity, you have to install a free De-Clicker plugin. In Adobe Audition, you will find a De-Clicker effect.

These plugins work to some extent, but you should not be too aggressive with the settings.

Aggressive use of De-Clicker plugins can introduce new kinds of noise in your audio.

Another thing you should do when you use a de-clicker plugin. Instead of applying the de-clicker effect on the entire track, you should only apply it to the problematic parts.

That means selecting the part of the audio where you hear the clicks and applying the de-clicker.

You do not have to be super specific about the selection of the parts. Select some audio where the click happens.

Some third-party plugins may work better with your audio to remove the clicks, but it requires some experimentation.

I have a service for creating a custom EQ with macro/preset customized for your voice. In that service, I check for mouth clicks and suggest third-party plugins that work for your recording.

Let’s discuss the third issue, the Sibilance or Sharp S problem. Generally, you have to use a De-Esser plugin to solve this problem.

Like the other issues, you can’t be too aggressive with the settings. The more aggressive settings you use, the more the audio quality will degrade.

A De-Esser plugin actually cuts down some frequency where the Shaprp S is located. For different people, the actual frequency area of this issue is different.

Any De-Esser plugin will have a knob to dial in to find the problematic frequency area.

It takes some experience to use it efficiently, and you will learn as you try.

I hope you got some guidance on how to think and act after the basic processing.

If you want to have a complete learning experience, I would suggest taking my beginner’s Courses.

I offer it both in Audacity & Adobe Audition.

»> Click here for the Audacity Beginners course

»> Click here for the Adobe Audition Beginner Course.

If you want to re-read this Sound Better Series, start here from Part 1.