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I do documentary style videos on YouTube so all narration/voice-over is recorded separately and in a fairly-basic treated room, so coloration & ambient noise isn't an issue, which is why I use a condenser rather than a dynamic mic. I currently rock a Maono AU-PM422 (first and only mic I've had so far) and while the quality is actually great for its entry price-point, I'm looking to upgrade to an XLR setup and have set my sights on a Rode NT1 & Rode AI-1 audio interface. However, one thing that annoys me to no end is spending a good amount of time in Adobe Audition knocking out every little breath and the pops/clicks mouth sounds. Do the higher quality mics kill these sounds or is it just a fact of life and I need to start drinking a gallon of water two hours before every recording?

EDIT: I have a pop filter that handles plosive sounds just fine, that's why I said 'non-plosive clicks/pops,' it's the mouth/spit sounds I'm having issues with, not plosive pops. Sorry, I should've worded better!

I do documentary style videos on YouTube so all narration/voice-over is recorded separately and in a fairly-basic treated room, so coloration & ambient noise isn't an issue, which is why I use a condenser rather than a dynamic mic. I currently rock a Maono AU-PM422 (first and only mic I've had so far) and while the quality is actually great for its entry price-point, I'm looking to upgrade to an XLR setup and have set my sights on a Rode NT1 & Rode AI-1 audio interface. However, one thing that annoys me to no end is spending a good amount of time in Adobe Audition knocking out every little breath and the pops/clicks mouth sounds. Do the higher quality mics kill these sounds or is it just a fact of life and I need to start drinking a gallon of water two hours before every recording? EDIT: I have a pop filter that handles plosive sounds just fine, that's why I said 'non-plosive clicks/pops,' it's the mouth/spit sounds I'm having issues with, not plosive pops. Sorry, I should've worded better!

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[–] • 1 pt (edited )

no, expensive mics do not get rid of pops and noises. mics that are designed for louder sources, like dynamic microphones, will not pick up pops and other harsh noises so readily - but you probably want to buy a condenser mic. look into the BLUE line of mics for vocal recording. reasonable priced, high quality.

pop filters/screens will help, but the real secret to no pops is to not focus your vocals directly into the mic - an old trick is to have the mic close to your mouth, but an inch above your mouth (think eye level). if you puff and blow air, is it hitting the mic? it shouldn’t. if you place a piece of tissue on the mic, your breathe shouldn’t be able to blow it away. you don’t need any special filters/screens if you understand how to use a mic. however, an isolation chamber for the mic will get rid of unwanted noises in the room like computer fans, and yes even your pops and breathing.

you can have a mic several feet away and it will still be able to pick up your vocals clearly if you use a compressor/limiter, analog or software. you can also use an EQ with a lowpass at 6K Hz (to get rid of high pitch noise) and a highpass at 200 Hz (gets rid of unnecessary bass/rumble).

have fun!