Techniques for Reducing Mouth Noises and Plosives in Dialogue Tracks

March 13, 2026

By: Audio Scene

Recording clear and professional dialogue tracks is essential for high-quality audio productions. One common challenge faced by sound engineers and voice actors is managing mouth noises and plosive sounds that can distract listeners and reduce audio clarity. Fortunately, there are effective techniques to minimize these issues and produce cleaner recordings.

Understanding Mouth Noises and Plosives

Mouth noises include sounds like lip smacks, clicks, and breathing sounds that occur naturally during speech. Plosives are harsh sounds produced when pronouncing consonants like P, B, and T, which cause bursts of air that can create a popping sound in recordings. Recognizing these sounds is the first step in learning how to control them.

Techniques to Reduce Mouth Noises

  • Use a Pop Filter: Placed in front of the microphone, a pop filter helps diffuse the air from plosive sounds and reduces mouth noises.
  • Adjust Microphone Placement: Position the microphone slightly off-axis or at a distance of about 6-12 inches from the speaker’s mouth to lessen the impact of mouth noises.
  • Encourage Proper Technique: Instruct speakers to avoid lip smacks and to speak with a relaxed mouth to minimize unwanted sounds.
  • Implement Editing Software: Use noise reduction and editing tools to remove residual mouth noises after recording.

Techniques to Minimize Plosive Sounds

  • Use a Pop Filter: As mentioned, a pop filter is highly effective at preventing plosives from reaching the microphone.
  • Adjust Microphone Angle: Slightly angling the microphone downward or sideways can help reduce direct airflow from plosive sounds.
  • Control Breathing and Speech: Encourage speakers to control their breathing and speak slightly off-center from the microphone.
  • Apply Post-Processing: Use audio editing software to attenuate plosive peaks with equalization or specialized de-essing plugins.

Additional Tips for Better Dialogue Recordings

Consistent recording environment and good microphone technique are key to reducing unwanted sounds. Regularly check equipment and provide guidance to speakers to ensure the best possible audio quality. Combining proper technique with post-production editing results in clearer, more professional dialogue tracks.