breathing into mic

This section is now closed.
Forum rules
Audacity 1.2.x is now obsolete. Please use the current Audacity 2.1.x version.

The final version of Audacity for Windows 98/ME is the legacy 2.0.0 version.
Locked
susannah
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:18 pm
Operating System: Please select

breathing into mic

Post by susannah » Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:32 am

Hi! Does anyone have advice on how to avoid the sounds of "breathing into the mic " - that kind of blow-ey sound - other than stop breathing !

Have tried obvious of moving mic away from mouth but then quality just sounds fainter and poorer. I am using a mic that came with my webcam - does quality of mic make much of a difference in this?
Thanks for any help you can give !

waxcylinder
Forum Staff
Posts: 14685
Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:03 am
Operating System: Windows 10

Re: breathing into mic

Post by waxcylinder » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:15 pm

You can either buy what is known as a "pop shield" - or you can make one yourself from a wire coathager made into a big loop and covered with material from tights/pantyhose. The shield to be placed between you and the mic.

WC
________________________________________FOR INSTANT HELP: (Click on Link below)
* * * * * FAQ * * * * * Tutorials * * * * * Audacity Manual * * * * *

susannah
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:18 pm
Operating System: Please select

Re: breathing into mic

Post by susannah » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:21 pm

Thanks! Will give this a try.

n0ctis
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:07 pm
Operating System: Please select

Re: breathing into mic

Post by n0ctis » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:38 pm

There are a couple good DIY pop filter projects at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ihorner/12 ... [email protected] and http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2005/0 ... you_1.html you could check out. I'm not sure how much these are commercially, but this is an extremely inexpensive project. :geek:
-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.12
GCM/L/MU/O d---(pu) s++:+ a-(?) C++ UB++ P+ L++ E--
W+++ N+ o-- K- w++ O-- M-- V-- PS+++ PE Y++ PGP
t 5- X+ R tv b++ DI D++ G e- h r++ y*
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

alatham
Posts: 1591
Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:27 pm
Operating System: Windows 10

Re: breathing into mic

Post by alatham » Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:39 pm

Besides a pop filter (which will help with the majority, I think), mic placement is also crucial. Make sure the mic isn't placed directly in front of the path of the air out of your mouth. If you hold your hand in front of your face and move it around, you'll be able to feel the place where your breath is going. Don't put the mic there.

I tend to put the mic up a little higher, pointing at my nose. Try to avoid tilting your head up when you do this or the problem will just come right back.

Locopomo
Posts: 140
Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:22 pm
Operating System: Please select

Re: breathing into mic

Post by Locopomo » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:45 pm

I can confirm that the DIY approach works, although I've had a few funny looks when I've announced that I need a coat hanger and some pantyhose :D

Locked