How To Edit Out Breaths And Mouth Noises In Your Audio

Professional-sounding audio is paramount, and that starts with removing distracting elements. This guide, “How to Edit Out Breaths and Mouth Noises in Your Audio,” delves into the critical process of cleaning up your recordings. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or simply recording personal projects, eliminating these noises is essential for a polished and engaging listening experience.

We’ll explore how to identify these unwanted sounds, from visual cues in your audio waveform to specific types of mouth noises. You’ll learn how to prepare your editing software, master various removal techniques like fading out and silencing, and utilize powerful tools like spectral editing and noise reduction plugins. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to transform your raw audio into a pristine final product.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Importance of Clean Audio

Clean audio is fundamental to creating professional and engaging content. Removing distracting elements like breaths and mouth noises significantly improves the listener’s experience and ensures your message is conveyed effectively. Neglecting these seemingly minor details can undermine the quality of your work, regardless of how compelling the content itself may be.

Impact on Listener Experience

Unwanted sounds can severely detract from the listening experience. The human brain naturally filters out background noise, but frequent and noticeable breaths or mouth clicks disrupt this process, pulling the listener out of the content. This can lead to:

Reduced engagement: Consistent distractions make it harder for the audience to focus on the information being presented.
Perceived lack of professionalism: Audio quality is often a subconscious indicator of overall quality. Poor audio can make content appear amateurish.
Listener fatigue: Constantly filtering out distracting sounds can lead to mental fatigue, causing listeners to tune out.

Essential Scenarios for Audio Editing

Audio editing to remove breaths and mouth noises is crucial in various contexts where clear and concise communication is paramount.

Podcasts: Podcasts rely heavily on clear audio. Listeners expect a polished listening experience, and even minor imperfections can be magnified. The popularity of podcasts has exploded, with millions of listeners tuning in weekly. According to Edison Research and Triton Digital, in 2023, approximately 42% of the U.S. population aged 12+ had listened to a podcast in the last month.

Clean audio is critical for retaining these listeners.
Voiceovers: Voiceovers are used in commercials, explainer videos, and e-learning modules. A clear voiceover ensures the message is understood and remembered. Consider a commercial where a narrator’s breath interrupts a crucial product benefit. It distracts from the message and can negatively impact brand perception.
Audiobooks: Audiobooks require continuous listening, making clean audio essential. A single distracting noise can break the flow of narration and disrupt the listener’s immersion in the story. The audiobook market is booming, with sales in the U.S. reaching $1.5 billion in 2022, according to the Audio Publishers Association. Maintaining a high standard of audio quality is key to competing in this market.
Interviews: Interviews often contain valuable insights. Removing distracting noises allows the listener to focus on the conversation’s content.
Online Courses and Tutorials: Clear audio is essential for students to learn effectively. Any distraction could disrupt the learning process.

Identifying Breaths and Mouth Noises

Now that you understand the importance of clean audio, the next step is learning to pinpoint the offending sounds. This involves both visual and auditory analysis of your audio waveform. Identifying these noises is crucial before you can edit them out effectively.

Visual Identification of Breaths and Mouth Noises in a Waveform

The visual representation of your audio, the waveform, is your primary tool for identifying breaths and mouth noises. Learning to read a waveform will significantly speed up your editing process.Breaths typically appear as short, quick dips or spikes in the waveform. They often look like small, abrupt blips. The size and shape can vary depending on the intensity of the breath.

A large, forceful breath will show up as a larger spike, while a quieter breath will be smaller.Mouth noises, on the other hand, can have a more varied appearance. They can range from short, sharp clicks and pops to softer, more elongated sounds. These noises can manifest as:* Short, vertical lines, indicating clicks or pops.

Wider, less defined shapes, representing softer sounds like lip smacks.
Distortions in the waveform that don’t match the overall pattern of the speech.

Pay close attention to any anomalies that deviate from the clean, consistent pattern of the spoken words. Remember that the specific appearance of these sounds will vary depending on the recording environment, the microphone used, and the speaker’s habits. Practice and experience are key to mastering visual identification.

Common Sounds Qualifying as Mouth Noises

Mouth noises are surprisingly diverse. Understanding the different types will help you identify them more effectively. Here’s a list of some common offenders:* Lip smacks: These are the sounds of the lips separating, often occurring before or after words.

Tongue clicks

Sounds made by the tongue hitting the roof of the mouth or teeth.

Saliva sounds

Swallowing, or the sound of saliva moving in the mouth.

Mouth clicks

General clicking sounds that can originate from various mouth movements.

Chewing sounds

If you recorded while eating (a big no-no!), these are the sounds of chewing.

Gurgling sounds

Sometimes caused by throat mucus or saliva.It is important to note that not all mouth noises are equally problematic. Some are more distracting than others. The context of your audio and the overall sound quality will influence which noises you choose to edit.

Tips for Effective Listening

Effective listening is crucial for identifying the subtler mouth noises that may not be as obvious in the waveform. Here are some tips to sharpen your auditory skills:* Use headphones: Headphones provide a more accurate and focused listening experience, allowing you to hear details you might miss with speakers.

Listen at a low volume

This prevents ear fatigue and allows you to hear the quieter noises more easily.

Focus on the subtle details

Pay close attention to the spaces between words and phrases, as mouth noises often occur in these gaps.

Listen repeatedly

Sometimes, a noise will only become apparent after repeated listening. Don’t be afraid to rewind and listen again.

Use a spectrum analyzer (optional)

A spectrum analyzer can visually represent the frequency content of your audio, helping you identify noises that occupy specific frequency ranges. Mouth noises often have higher frequencies than the main voice, so a spectrum analyzer can help visualize them.By combining visual inspection of the waveform with careful listening, you’ll be well-equipped to identify and eliminate breaths and mouth noises in your audio recordings.

Preparation

To effectively edit out breaths and mouth noises, you’ll need to prepare your audio editing software. This involves configuring essential settings and ensuring you’re using the right tools for the job. Let’s dive into the specifics of software setup and file import.

Setting Up Your Editing Software

Configuring your audio editing software correctly is crucial for a smooth and efficient workflow. Several settings directly impact your ability to isolate and remove unwanted sounds.

Sample Rate: The sample rate determines how many times per second the audio signal is measured. A higher sample rate generally captures more detail, resulting in better audio quality. Common sample rates for audio editing include 44.1 kHz (CD quality) and 48 kHz (professional audio). Select a sample rate appropriate for your source material and intended output.
Bit Depth: Bit depth defines the precision of each sample, representing the dynamic range of your audio. A higher bit depth offers a wider dynamic range and reduces the potential for clipping. Common bit depths are 16-bit (CD quality) and 24-bit (professional audio). When recording, aim for 24-bit to capture the most detail. When exporting, consider the intended use.
Audio Input/Output: Verify your software is correctly configured to use your chosen microphone and speakers or headphones. This is typically found in the software’s preferences or settings menu. Select the correct devices to ensure you can hear and record audio properly.
Monitor Input: Enable input monitoring if your software supports it. This allows you to hear the audio from your microphone as you speak, helping you identify and address any issues (like excessive breaths) during recording.
Noise Reduction/Reduction Tools: Familiarize yourself with any noise reduction tools your software offers. These tools can help minimize background noise, which can make it easier to isolate and edit out breaths and mouth noises. Be mindful of overusing these tools, as they can sometimes affect the quality of your voice.

Selecting Audio Editing Software

Choosing the right audio editing software is essential for this task. The best choice depends on your budget, experience level, and the complexity of your needs.

Free and Open-Source Software:
- Audacity: A popular, free, and open-source audio editor. It offers a wide range of features, including noise reduction, and is suitable for beginners and experienced users. Its intuitive interface and active community make it a good starting point.
Paid Software:
- Adobe Audition: A professional-grade audio editing software included in Adobe Creative Cloud. It offers advanced features, including spectral frequency display for precise noise removal and multitrack editing capabilities.
- Logic Pro X (macOS only): A digital audio workstation (DAW) with robust audio editing capabilities, especially well-suited for music production but equally capable for voice editing. Its sophisticated noise reduction tools and user-friendly interface make it a strong choice.
- Pro Tools: Industry-standard DAW used in professional audio production. While powerful, it has a steeper learning curve and is generally more expensive.
Factors to Consider:
- User Interface: Choose software with an interface that feels comfortable and easy to navigate.
- Features: Ensure the software includes the tools you need, such as noise reduction, spectral editing, and waveform display.
- Budget: Consider your budget and choose software that offers the features you need within your price range.
- Operating System: Confirm the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS).

Importing Audio Files Correctly

Correctly importing your audio files is the first step in the editing process. This ensures the software can properly read and process your audio data.

Supported File Formats: Most audio editing software supports common audio formats such as WAV, MP3, AIFF, and FLAC. Choose a format that offers a good balance between quality and file size. WAV and AIFF are generally lossless formats, preserving the original audio quality, while MP3 is a lossy format that compresses the audio.
Importing Methods:
- Drag and Drop: Many software programs allow you to drag and drop audio files directly into the project window.
- File Menu: Use the “Import” or “Open” option within the software’s file menu to browse and select your audio file.
Sample Rate and Bit Depth Matching: If possible, ensure the sample rate and bit depth of your imported audio match the settings you configured in your software. If they don’t match, the software will usually resample the audio, which may slightly affect the quality. When editing, maintaining the original sample rate and bit depth is often best practice.
Troubleshooting Import Issues:
- Unsupported Format: If the software cannot import your file, try converting it to a supported format using a file converter.
- Corrupted File: If the file appears corrupted, try downloading or obtaining it again from the source.

Methods for Removing Breaths

Removing breaths from your audio is a crucial step in achieving professional-sounding recordings. There are several techniques you can use, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these methods will empower you to choose the best approach for your specific audio and desired outcome.

Fade Out Method

The “Fade Out” method involves gradually reducing the volume of the audio around the breath, effectively “fading” it out. This technique can be subtle and natural-sounding if executed correctly.The “Fade Out” method is applied as follows:

Locate the Breath: Identify the breath in your audio waveform. Zoom in closely to pinpoint the start and end of the breath.
Select the Region: Select the audio segment containing the breath. Make sure to include a small portion of the surrounding audio on either side of the breath to create a smooth transition.
Apply a Fade: Use your audio editing software’s fade-out tool. Typically, this involves creating a fade-out curve, which gradually decreases the volume of the selected audio. Adjust the fade curve to your liking, previewing the result to ensure a natural sound. A shorter fade is often preferable for breaths.
Fine-Tune: Listen carefully to the edited section and adjust the fade-out curve if necessary. You might need to experiment with the length and shape of the fade to achieve the best results.

The advantages and disadvantages of this method are:

Advantages: The “Fade Out” method can be very effective in removing breaths without creating jarring silences. It can sound natural, especially for softer breaths.
Disadvantages: It can be time-consuming, requiring careful adjustment of the fade curve for each breath. If the breath is particularly loud, the fade-out might still be noticeable, or it might create an unnatural-sounding “dip” in the audio. This method may not be suitable for every type of audio, and it might require more processing time.

Silence Method

The “Silence” method involves replacing the breath with complete silence. This is a straightforward technique, but it requires careful application to avoid creating unnatural pauses in the audio.To apply the “Silence” method, follow these steps:

Locate the Breath: Identify the breath in your audio waveform, similar to the “Fade Out” method.
Select the Region: Select the audio segment containing the breath. Ensure you select only the breath itself, or a very small portion of the surrounding audio.
Insert Silence: Use your audio editing software to replace the selected region with silence. Most software offers a “silence” or “mute” function for this purpose.
Adjust and Smooth: Listen carefully to the edited section. If the silence creates an unnatural pause, you might need to adjust the selection slightly or use crossfades (a short fade-in and fade-out) to smooth the transition.

Comparison of Methods

Here’s a comparison of the “Fade Out” and “Silence” methods:

Method	Procedure	Pros	Cons
Fade Out	Select breath region, apply fade-out curve.	Natural-sounding removal, less noticeable.	Can be time-consuming, might still be noticeable for loud breaths.
Silence	Select breath region, insert silence.	Simple and quick.	Can create unnatural pauses if not applied carefully, needs crossfades sometimes.

Techniques for Eliminating Mouth Noises

Removing mouth noises effectively is crucial for achieving professional-sounding audio. These unwanted sounds can be distracting and detract from the listener’s experience. This section explores specific techniques to target and eliminate these noises, ensuring your audio is clean and polished.

Spectral Editing for Targeted Removal

Spectral editing provides a powerful way to visually identify and remove mouth noises. This method allows you to see the audio’s frequency content, enabling you to pinpoint the specific frequencies associated with these unwanted sounds.Here’s how spectral editing is applied:* Visual Inspection: Open your audio in a spectral editor. You’ll see a visual representation of the audio’s frequency content over time.

Mouth noises often appear as short, sharp spikes or bursts in the frequency spectrum, frequently in the mid to high-frequency range.

Identification

Zoom in on the waveform to identify the specific instances of mouth noises. Look for the visual signatures mentioned above.

Selection

Use the selection tools (usually a marquee or lasso tool) to precisely select the areas containing the mouth noises.

Removal

Employ the editing tools, such as the “heal,” “clone,” or “spectral repair” functions. These tools intelligently fill the selected area with surrounding audio, blending the unwanted noise seamlessly.

Iteration

Listen carefully to the edited audio. Fine-tune your selections and editing until the mouth noises are completely eliminated without affecting the desired audio.

Examples of Software with Spectral Editing

Adobe Audition

A professional-grade audio editing software with robust spectral editing capabilities.

Audacity

A free and open-source audio editor that includes spectral editing tools.

iZotope RX

A dedicated audio repair software known for its advanced spectral repair features.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Editing

Efficiency is key when editing audio. Learning keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up the process of removing mouth noises. Here are some commonly used shortcuts, although these may vary slightly depending on the specific audio editing software:* Zoom In/Out:

Zoom in

`Ctrl + +` (Windows) or `Cmd + +` (Mac)

Zoom out

`Ctrl + -` (Windows) or `Cmd + -` (Mac)

Selection

Select all

`Ctrl + A` (Windows) or `Cmd + A` (Mac)

Deselect

`Ctrl + Shift + A` (Windows) or `Cmd + Shift + A` (Mac)

Playback

Play/Pause

`Spacebar`

Go to beginning

`Home`

Go to end

`End`

Editing

Cut

`Ctrl + X` (Windows) or `Cmd + X` (Mac)

Copy

`Ctrl + C` (Windows) or `Cmd + C` (Mac)

Paste

`Ctrl + V` (Windows) or `Cmd + V` (Mac)

Undo

`Ctrl + Z` (Windows) or `Cmd + Z` (Mac)

Redo

`Ctrl + Y` (Windows) or `Cmd + Y` (Mac)

Spectral Editing Tools (Specific to Software)

The specific shortcuts for spectral editing tools like “heal,” “clone,” or “spectral repair” vary depending on the software. Consult the software’s documentation or preferences settings to customize these shortcuts for your workflow.These shortcuts will allow you to quickly navigate your audio, make selections, and apply edits, thus streamlining your mouth noise removal process.

Applying Noise Reduction Plugins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Noise reduction plugins offer another effective approach to eliminate mouth noises. These plugins analyze the audio and attempt to remove unwanted sounds based on their characteristics. This process typically involves identifying and isolating the mouth noises before reducing their presence.Here is a step-by-step guide to using noise reduction plugins:

1. Preparation

Import Audio

Open your audio file in your chosen digital audio workstation (DAW) or audio editor.

Identify Noise

Play the audio and carefully listen to pinpoint the instances of mouth noises.

Select a Noise Reduction Plugin

Choose a noise reduction plugin from your DAW’s effects library. Popular options include iZotope RX, Waves X-Noise, or the built-in noise reduction plugins in your DAW (e.g., Audacity’s noise reduction).

2. Noise Print/Profile (If Required)

Locate a Noise Sample

If the plugin requires a “noise print” or “noise profile,” find a section of your audio containing only the mouth noise without any other sounds. This is used to “teach” the plugin what to remove.

Capture the Noise Profile

Select the noise-only section and activate the plugin’s “capture,” “learn,” or “profile” function. The plugin will analyze this sample to identify the characteristics of the mouth noise. Some plugins, however, work in real-time without requiring a noise profile.

3. Plugin Settings

Threshold

This setting determines the level at which the plugin begins to reduce noise. Start with a low threshold and increase it gradually until the mouth noises are reduced without negatively impacting the desired audio.

Reduction Amount

This controls the intensity of the noise reduction. Experiment with different values to find the optimal balance between noise removal and audio quality.

Frequency Smoothing/Smoothing

These settings help to reduce artifacts introduced by the noise reduction process. Experiment with different values to find the best balance.

Attack and Release Times

Adjust these settings to control how quickly the noise reduction is applied and released. Shorter attack and release times are typically better for transient mouth noises.

4. Application and Refinement

Apply the Plugin

Apply the plugin to the audio track.

Listen and Adjust

Play the audio and carefully listen for any remaining mouth noises or unwanted artifacts.

Fine-Tune Settings

Adjust the plugin settings, such as the threshold, reduction amount, and frequency smoothing, until the mouth noises are minimized without sacrificing the quality of the original audio.

Iterate

Repeat the process of listening and adjusting until you achieve the desired results.

5. Alternative Approach (for Real-Time Plugins)

Some noise reduction plugins work in real-time and do not require a separate noise profile. In this case, you can adjust the plugin settings while listening to the audio. This can be more efficient for some users.

6. Examples of Software with Noise Reduction Plugins

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Most DAWs (such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, and FL Studio) include built-in noise reduction plugins.

Dedicated Noise Reduction Software

iZotope RX is a widely-used software that provides advanced noise reduction capabilities.

Free Audio Editors

Audacity offers a noise reduction effect that can be effective for eliminating mouth noises.

Advanced Editing Techniques

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of breath and mouth noise removal, let’s delve into more sophisticated techniques that can refine your audio even further. These methods allow for surgical precision, ensuring your final product sounds polished and professional. We will explore the power of equalization (EQ) and compression to sculpt your audio and achieve optimal results.

Using EQ to Address Specific Frequency Ranges

Equalization is a powerful tool that allows you to shape the tonal balance of your audio. It works by boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges. This is particularly useful for targeting the frequencies associated with mouth noises.Before using EQ, it’s essential to identify the frequency range where the offending sounds reside. This often involves listening carefully and using a spectrum analyzer (a visual representation of the audio frequencies).

Generally:

Mouth clicks and saliva sounds often manifest in the higher frequencies, typically between 2 kHz and 8 kHz.
Breaths can contain energy across a wider range, sometimes extending into the lower frequencies (below 500 Hz) depending on their intensity and the speaker’s vocal characteristics, but frequently around 1 kHz to 4 kHz.

Once you’ve identified the problematic frequencies, you can use EQ to attenuate them. Consider these steps:

Choose a narrow Q (bandwidth) setting. This ensures you are targeting only the specific frequencies causing the problem, minimizing impact on the overall audio. A narrow Q means the EQ will affect a small range of frequencies.
Use a surgical cut. Experiment with cutting the identified frequencies using a parametric EQ. Start with a small cut (e.g., -3dB) and listen to the result. Adjust the cut and frequency until the unwanted noises are minimized without affecting the desired audio.
Sweep the frequency. If you’re unsure of the exact frequency, sweep the EQ’s frequency control while listening to the audio. As you sweep, you’ll hear the problematic sounds become more or less prominent, helping you pinpoint the offending frequency.
Listen in context. Always evaluate your EQ adjustments in the context of the entire audio. What sounds good in isolation might not work well when combined with other elements.

For example, if you notice a sharp click at 4 kHz, you might use a narrow band EQ to cut -4dB at 4 kHz. Then, listen to the audio and adjust the frequency and cut until the click is reduced to an acceptable level. Remember that excessive EQ can make your audio sound unnatural. Subtle adjustments are often the most effective.

Using Compression to Control Audio Dynamics

Compression is a dynamic processing technique that reduces the dynamic range of your audio. This means it reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio. While compression isn’t a direct solution for removing noises, it can help control the prominence of breaths and mouth sounds.Here’s how compression works and how to apply it strategically:

Threshold: Sets the level above which compression begins to take effect. Any audio signal exceeding this level will be compressed.
Ratio: Determines the amount of compression. A ratio of 4:1 means that for every 4dB the signal goes above the threshold, the output will only increase by 1dB.
Attack Time: Controls how quickly the compressor reacts to signals exceeding the threshold. Faster attack times will catch transients (short, sharp sounds) like breaths more quickly.
Release Time: Controls how quickly the compressor stops compressing the signal after it falls below the threshold.
Makeup Gain: Allows you to increase the overall volume of the audio after compression. Compression often reduces the overall loudness, so makeup gain is used to compensate.

Using compression to manage breaths and mouth noises involves the following strategies:

Reduce the dynamic range: By compressing the audio, you can make the quieter sounds (like breaths and mouth noises) relatively louder and the louder sounds (the speech) relatively quieter. This can make the noises more noticeable, but it also gives you more control over their volume.
Use a fast attack time: A fast attack time (e.g., 1-10 ms) will quickly clamp down on sudden transients like breaths.
Use a moderate ratio: A ratio between 3:1 and 6:1 is a good starting point. This will provide noticeable compression without sounding too aggressive.
Listen carefully: Adjust the threshold, attack, and release times until the audio sounds balanced and the noises are under control. You might need to experiment with different settings.

For example, if you find that a breath is too loud, you could use a compressor with a threshold just below the level of the breath, a fast attack time (e.g., 5ms), a moderate ratio (e.g., 4:1), and a moderate release time (e.g., 50-100ms). Then, use makeup gain to restore the overall volume of the audio.

Combining Different Techniques for Optimal Results

The most effective approach often involves combining multiple techniques. This allows you to address different problems with precision and achieve the best possible sound.Here’s how you might combine EQ and compression:

First, use EQ to surgically remove the most prominent mouth noises. This is your first line of defense.
Then, use compression to control the overall dynamic range. This will help to even out the volume and make the remaining noises less noticeable.
Use EQ again, if needed, to fine-tune the audio after compression. Compression can sometimes bring out previously hidden frequencies.

Consider this example:

Problem: You have audio with several mouth clicks at around 5 kHz and some noticeable breaths.
Solution:
- Use a narrow band EQ to cut -4dB at 5 kHz.
- Apply a compressor with a threshold set just below the level of the breaths, a fast attack time (e.g., 5ms), a moderate ratio (e.g., 4:1), and a moderate release time (e.g., 75ms).
- Listen to the audio and adjust the EQ and compressor settings as needed.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach depends on the specific audio you are working with. Experiment with different techniques and settings until you achieve the desired result.

Plugins and Tools for Breath and Noise Removal

While manual editing offers precise control, dedicated plugins can significantly streamline the process of removing breaths and mouth noises from your audio. These tools are designed to quickly identify and eliminate unwanted sounds, saving you valuable time and effort. They often incorporate sophisticated algorithms to differentiate between desired audio and unwanted artifacts.

Popular Plugins for Breath and Noise Removal

Several plugins are specifically designed to tackle the problem of breath and mouth noise, each offering unique features and approaches. Understanding the different types of plugins available can help you choose the best tool for your specific needs.

De-Breath Plugins: These plugins are primarily focused on removing breaths. They typically employ spectral analysis and dynamic processing to identify and attenuate breath sounds.
De-Click/De-Crack Plugins: These plugins are useful for removing clicks, pops, and other transient noises, which can include some mouth sounds.
Noise Reduction Plugins: While not solely dedicated to breaths and mouth noises, general noise reduction plugins can often be used to minimize these issues, especially when combined with other techniques.
Multi-Tool Plugins: Some plugins combine multiple functions, including de-breathing, de-clicking, and noise reduction, into a single interface, offering a comprehensive solution.

Free and Paid Plugin Categorization

Both free and paid plugins are available, each offering a different set of features and capabilities. The choice between a free and a paid plugin depends on your budget, the complexity of your audio, and the desired level of control.

Free Plugins:
- Audacity (Built-in Noise Reduction): Audacity, a free and open-source audio editor, includes a built-in noise reduction tool that can be used to reduce breath and mouth noises. It works by analyzing a sample of the noise and then applying a profile to reduce similar sounds throughout the track.
- ReaPlugs (ReaFIR): This free plugin from Reaper offers a versatile FFT-based filter that can be used for noise reduction and can be used to target specific frequencies where breath sounds are concentrated.
Paid Plugins:
- iZotope RX (Standard/Advanced): A widely recognized industry standard, iZotope RX offers powerful tools for audio repair, including dedicated modules for de-breathing, de-clicking, and de-mouth-clicking. It’s known for its sophisticated algorithms and high-quality results. This is often used by professionals in the audio industry.
- Waves Clarity Vx DeReverb Pro: While primarily designed for reverb removal, Clarity Vx DeReverb Pro also effectively addresses breath and mouth noises by targeting similar frequency ranges. This plugin provides a clean and efficient way to enhance the clarity of your audio.
- Accusonus ERA Bundle: This bundle offers several plugins, including de-breath, de-click, and de-noise tools. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
- Acon Digital DeNoise: This plugin utilizes advanced algorithms to reduce noise, including breath and mouth sounds. It provides precise control over the noise reduction process.

Advantages of Using Dedicated Plugins Over Manual Editing Techniques

Using dedicated plugins for breath and noise removal offers several advantages over manual editing techniques. These advantages can save time and enhance the overall quality of your audio.

Speed and Efficiency: Plugins can analyze and process audio much faster than manual editing, significantly reducing the time required to clean up your audio.
Automation: Many plugins offer automated features that can identify and remove breaths and mouth noises with minimal user intervention.
Consistency: Plugins ensure consistent results across your entire audio track, eliminating the potential for human error that can occur with manual editing.
Advanced Algorithms: Plugins often utilize sophisticated algorithms that can more effectively identify and remove unwanted sounds compared to manual techniques.
Targeted Processing: Dedicated plugins are designed specifically to address the problem of breaths and mouth noises, offering more precise and effective solutions than general editing tools.

Preventing Breaths and Mouth Noises During Recording

Preventing breaths and mouth noises before they even happen is the most effective way to ensure clean audio. This proactive approach saves significant editing time and improves the overall quality of your recordings. By focusing on recording techniques, you can minimize these unwanted sounds at the source.

Microphone Placement to Minimize Breath Sounds

Proper microphone placement is crucial for reducing breath sounds. The goal is to capture your voice clearly while minimizing the direct impact of your breath on the microphone diaphragm.

Angle the Microphone: Position the microphone slightly off-axis from your mouth. Instead of speaking directly into the microphone, aim to speak at a slight angle. This helps to deflect the direct airflow from your breath. A common technique is to place the microphone slightly below or to the side of your mouth.
Use a Pop Filter or Windscreen: A pop filter or windscreen is an essential tool. These accessories act as a physical barrier, diffusing the force of your breath before it hits the microphone. Pop filters are typically made of nylon mesh, while windscreens are usually made of foam.
Maintain a Consistent Distance: Keep a consistent distance between your mouth and the microphone. A good starting point is usually between 6 and 12 inches, but adjust this based on your microphone and voice. Experiment to find the optimal distance that balances clarity and breath control.
Consider Microphone Type: Different microphone types can be more or less susceptible to breath sounds. Cardioid microphones, which are directional, tend to be less sensitive to sounds coming from the sides and rear, which can help reduce breath noise.

Hydration and Its Effect on Mouth Noises

Hydration plays a significant role in reducing mouth noises. Dryness in the mouth can lead to clicking and other unwanted sounds, so staying hydrated is essential.

Drink Water Regularly: Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby and sip it frequently, especially before and during recording sessions. Water helps to keep your mouth and throat moist, reducing the likelihood of mouth clicks.
Avoid Certain Beverages: Limit your consumption of beverages that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol, before recording. These can contribute to mouth dryness.
Consider the Timing of Meals: Be mindful of what you eat before recording. Sticky or dry foods can increase mouth noises.
Use Mouthwash (with Caution): While mouthwash can freshen your breath, some types can also dry out your mouth. If you choose to use mouthwash, opt for an alcohol-free version and use it well in advance of your recording session.

Speaking Clearly and Reducing Mouth Clicks During Recording

Clear enunciation and conscious speaking techniques can significantly reduce mouth clicks and other unwanted sounds. Practicing these techniques is key to producing clean audio.

Speak Slowly and Deliberately: Slowing down your speech allows you to be more mindful of your mouth movements and reduces the likelihood of producing clicks.
Avoid Excessive Mouth Movements: Be aware of excessive mouth movements, such as opening your mouth too wide or smacking your lips. Consciously control these movements while speaking.
Practice Proper Breathing Techniques: Learn to control your breathing. Avoid taking deep breaths directly before speaking into the microphone. Instead, take quieter breaths and time them between sentences or phrases.
Take Breaks: Take short breaks during recording sessions. This allows you to rest your mouth and throat, reducing the build-up of saliva and the potential for mouth noises.
Be Mindful of Lip Movements: Pay attention to how your lips move when you speak. Try to minimize unnecessary lip smacking or licking, as these can create distracting noises.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Editing audio, especially for breath and mouth noise removal, can be a delicate process. Even experienced editors sometimes make mistakes that compromise audio quality. Understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them is crucial for achieving professional-sounding results.

Over-Editing

One of the most frequent errors is over-editing, where excessive noise reduction or breath removal leads to unnatural-sounding audio. This often manifests as a “hollow” or “underwater” quality.

Symptoms of Over-Editing:
Audio sounds muffled or distant.
The speaker’s voice lacks presence or clarity.
Reverb or room ambiance is diminished or entirely removed.
The audio feels “processed” and lacks natural dynamics.

To avoid over-editing, proceed with caution and critical listening.

Solutions to Over-Editing:
Use subtle settings. Avoid aggressive noise reduction or breath removal.
Compare the edited audio with the original. This allows for an easy assessment of any change in the sound.
Take breaks. Fresh ears can often detect subtle artifacts that are missed after prolonged listening.
Consider using a “reference” audio. Listen to professional recordings with similar characteristics to understand the natural sound of the human voice and set a benchmark.
Use a visual representation of the audio waveform. Look for the “gaps” where breaths and mouth noises occur, but avoid removing parts of the audio that could contain important nuances of the voice.

Incorrect Noise Reduction Settings

Applying inappropriate noise reduction settings can introduce artifacts and degrade the audio quality.

Problem: Aggressive noise reduction can remove desirable elements.
Solution: Experiment with different settings. Start with small adjustments and increase gradually.

Problem: Using the wrong type of noise reduction.
Solution: Understand the type of noise you’re trying to eliminate. Use a noise gate for consistent background noise, or a dynamic EQ to eliminate the noise more efficiently.

Ignoring the Context

Failing to consider the context of the audio can lead to inappropriate editing decisions. For example, removing all breaths from a scene where a character is running would sound unnatural.

Problem: Removing natural vocal elements.
Solution: Consider the scene. A dramatic reading might require more breath removal than a casual conversation.

Relying Solely on Automation

While automation can speed up the editing process, it’s not a substitute for careful listening and manual adjustments.

Problem: Automated processes can miss subtle nuances.
Solution: Use automation as a starting point, then manually refine the edits.

Not Backing Up Your Work

Losing your editing work due to a software crash or accidental deletion can be incredibly frustrating.

Problem: Losing your work due to a software crash or accidental deletion.
Solution: Save frequently and create backup copies of your project files.

Exporting and Finalizing Your Audio

Now that you’ve meticulously cleaned up your audio, it’s time to export and finalize it for your intended use. This section covers the various formats, level adjustments, and backup strategies to ensure your hard work pays off with professional-sounding results and that your project is safe.

Exporting Audio in Different Formats

Choosing the right export format is crucial for compatibility and quality. Different formats serve different purposes, so understanding their strengths and weaknesses is essential.

MP3: This is a widely compatible, lossy format, meaning it compresses the audio to reduce file size. It’s ideal for sharing online, podcasts, and general distribution where file size is a concern. The quality can vary depending on the bitrate (kbps), with higher bitrates resulting in better quality but larger file sizes. A bitrate of 128 kbps is generally acceptable for speech, while 192 kbps or higher is recommended for music or audio with complex sounds.
WAV: This is an uncompressed, lossless format. It preserves the original audio quality and is suitable for archiving, mastering, and editing. WAV files are much larger than MP3s, but they are the preferred choice for professional audio work.
AIFF: Similar to WAV, AIFF is another lossless format, primarily used on macOS. It offers the same high-quality audio preservation as WAV.
FLAC: This is a lossless compression format, offering a good balance between file size and audio quality. It’s often used for archiving audio while still maintaining excellent sound fidelity. FLAC files are smaller than WAV or AIFF but larger than MP3s.
Other Formats: Depending on your specific needs, you might encounter other formats like AAC (often used for podcasts and streaming), or specialized formats for specific applications. Research the format best suited for your intended platform or audience.

Normalizing Audio Levels After Editing

Normalizing audio ensures consistent volume levels across your entire recording. This is a critical step in the finalization process.

After editing, your audio levels might fluctuate. Normalizing adjusts the overall gain so that the loudest part of your audio reaches a specific target level (typically close to 0 dBFS, which is the maximum digital audio level). This prevents clipping (distortion) and maximizes the perceived loudness without sacrificing quality.

Most audio editing software offers a normalization function. The process involves:

Selecting the entire audio track.
Choosing the normalization function.
Setting the target level (e.g., -1 dBFS or -0.5 dBFS). Leaving a small amount of headroom (space below 0 dBFS) can help prevent clipping during any further processing or playback.
Applying the normalization. The software will automatically adjust the gain to reach the target level.

It is important to remember that normalization does not fix poor recording levels. If your original audio was recorded too quietly, normalization will only amplify the noise floor. Proper gain staging during recording is always the best practice.

Tips for Backing Up Your Audio Files

Protecting your audio files with a robust backup strategy is essential to prevent data loss.

Multiple Backups: Create at least two backups of your audio files. One backup can be stored locally (e.g., on an external hard drive), and the other can be stored offsite (e.g., in the cloud or on a separate physical location). This redundancy ensures you have a copy even if one backup fails or is lost.
Cloud Storage: Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Backblaze offer convenient and cost-effective cloud storage solutions. They provide automatic backup and versioning, which allows you to recover previous versions of your files.
External Hard Drives: External hard drives are a reliable and affordable option for local backups. Regularly connect the drive to your computer and back up your audio files. Consider using a drive that is specifically designed for audio and video, as these drives are often built to handle large files and continuous read/write operations.
RAID Systems: For professionals, a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) system provides data redundancy. RAID configurations mirror or stripe data across multiple hard drives, so if one drive fails, your data is still protected.
Version Control: If you are working on a large project with multiple revisions, consider using version control software (e.g., Git) to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This is particularly useful for audio editing projects where multiple iterations are common.
Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups to ensure your files are always up-to-date. The frequency of backups depends on how often you work on your audio projects, but a weekly or even daily backup schedule is a good practice.
Verification: After backing up your files, verify that the backups are complete and that you can successfully restore them. This ensures that your backup system is working correctly.

Ending Remarks

In summary, mastering the art of editing out breaths and mouth noises is a crucial step in audio production. From understanding the fundamentals of noise identification and software setup to employing advanced techniques and utilizing specialized plugins, this guide has provided a thorough overview. By implementing these strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance the quality of your audio recordings, leaving your audience with a clean and professional listening experience.