A host downloads a recording and finds that a participant’s audio sounds too loud, harsh, or clipped. This article explains what causes that to happen, how to reduce its impact on your existing files, and how to avoid it in future recordings.
In this article:
What This Issue Looks Like
After recording, a participant’s audio files (MP3 or WAV) sound unusually loud. There may also be parts where the speaker’s voice is harsh, flattened, or unpleasant to listen to. This usually becomes apparent when listening to the downloaded files, not necessarily during the live recording session.
Who This Affects
This issue can affect either a host or a guest. The host notices it after recording when listening to the downloaded recording files.
What Causes This Issue
The audio being too loud or distorted is usually tied to how the participant’s microphone was configured and positioned during recording. Audio clipping occurs when the microphone signal is too strong and exceeds the maximum level it can handle, causing the sound to become distorted.
This most frequently happens when:
Microphone input volume or gain set too high
Input volume sets how much of your mic’s signal the computer uses. Gain controls how much the mic amplifies your voice before it reaches your computer. If either is set too high, the audio may be recorded too loud or become clipped.
Microphone positioned too close to the speaker’s mouth
When a microphone is placed very close to the mouth, especially directly in front, sound pressure can spike and cause clipping.
Sudden changes in volume while speaking
Moving too close to the mic during moments of excitement or emphasis can cause temporary clipping, even if the setup was otherwise fine.
Plosive sounds
Hard consonants like “P” or “B” can send bursts of air into the mic, causing short, loud distortions that resemble clipping.
Who Should Take Action
The person whose track was recorded too loudly (host or guest) should follow the preventive recommendations below before their next recording. If the issue is already present in the recorded files, the host should take the steps outlined to address it during editing.
What To Do If The Issue Already Happened
If a participant’s audio was recorded too loudly and is clipping, the next step is to edit the file. While editing can help reduce overall volume, clipping can rarely be fully removed, since it permanently distorts parts of the recording.
You have two editing options:
Edit with Zencastr
You can run the recording through Zencastr Editing. The built-in audio enhancements apply loudness normalization and leveling, which can help reduce overly loud segments. You’ll have the option to download either a single combined file or separate enhanced tracks if you plan to do further editing elsewhere. Results will vary depending on how severely the audio was clipped.
Use External Editing Software
Alternatively, you can download the original or enhanced tracks and use an external audio editor to apply filters like EQ to improve the sound. However, clipping cannot be fully undone once it is present in the recording.
How To Prevent This Issue Next Time
To avoid overly loud or clipped audio in future recordings, each participant should follow these best practices:
1. Recommendation One: (Host or Guest) Position the Microphone Properly
Placing your mic correctly helps ensure your voice is clear but not overwhelming.
Keep the microphone 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) from your mouth.
Angle the mic slightly off to the side instead of directly in front to reduce direct bursts of air and plosive sounds.
2. Recommendation Two: (Host or Guest) Adjust Microphone’s Input Volume or Gain
Input volume and mic gain affect how loudly your voice is recorded. Too high levels can cause clipping even with a good mic.
To change the input volume on your computer:
Click the Apple menu on your computer.
Select System Settings.
On the left sidebar, click Sound.
Under ‘Output and Input’, click Input.
Select the microphone from the list of inputs.
Adjust the input volume slider.
Speak into the properly placed microphone and check the input levels.
Aim for a range between halfway and two-thirds of the meter.*
Click the Start menu on your computer.
Click Settings.
Click System.
Click Sound.
Under ‘Input’, select the microphone.
Under ‘Input Settings’, adjust the input volume slider to a range between 50 and 70.*
*These ranges are general guidelines. Since ideal levels can vary by mic, the best way to confirm is by doing a short test recording.
Additionally, if your microphone has a physical gain knob, adjust it until your voice sounds full but not distorted.
3. Recommendation Three: (Host) Invest in A Pop Filter
If you regularly record, consider investing in a pop filter. It helps soften plosive sounds and encourages better mic distance.