Easy Voice Fixes for OBS, Audacity & More

This video runs through 30 super fast tips to instantly improve the quality of your voice recordings. These simple, practical techniques apply to voiceover artists, livestreamers, and content creators using any recording software.

While a few examples reference OBS Studio, nearly all of these tips apply universally to anyone recording their voice:

In this video, we’re going to quickly go through 30 super-fast tips to increase the quality of your voice recordings. These easy to implement tips should have something to offer everyone who records their voice, whether they’re voiceover artists, livestreamers, or content creators.

Some of these tips show examples from OBS Studio, however nearly everything applies to anyone who records their voice, no matter what software they use. So let’s get straight into it.

Tip number one: Consider investing in a real microphone. The little built‑in mics on laptops, tablets, and phones are really not great when it comes to quality. Just about any standalone USB microphone will provide far superior recording straight out of the box.

Tip number two: Pay attention to microphone placement. When possible, don’t have your keyboard and mouse between you and your microphone. Move your microphone in front of your keyboard and mouse to cut down on noise from key presses and mouse clicks.

Tip number three: If you have a microphone stand, consider placing padding such as foam or a towel underneath it. This will cut down on vibrations that may travel up through the desktop.

Tip number four: Even better, consider investing in a cheap microphone arm. This will further reduce possible vibrations from the desktop and allow you to place the microphone closer to your mouth.

Tip number five: Install a pop filter onto your microphone. A pop filter helps cut down on wind noise and reduces the popping sound often made when pronouncing P’s and B’s. Even an old sock or thin cloth can work in a pinch.

Tip number six: Be sure you’re speaking into the correct side of your microphone. Mics often pick up sound far better from certain angles, so make sure the correct side is facing you.

Tip number seven: Having the microphone about six inches from your mouth is often considered optimal. A rough way to measure this is to extend your thumb and pinky on one hand, that distance is roughly six to eight inches for most adults.

Tip number eight: Speak slightly over the mic rather than directly into it. This can reduce plosive popping sounds and help minimize unwanted mouth noises.

Tip number nine: Consider the time of day when you’re recording. Early morning and late at night tend to be quieter in terms of background noise, though your environment may vary.

Tip number ten: Your voice sounds better when you’re relaxed. This may be after waking up, after meditation, or after a warm shower. Your voice tends to be deeper and fuller when your muscles are relaxed and your mental state is calm.

Tip number eleven: Brush your teeth. Not only does it make your dentist happy, but it removes food particles from your teeth, gums, and tongue. This helps give your voice a crisper tone and reduces wet or slimy mouth noises.

Tip number twelve: Stand up while you record. This gets the blood flowing and helps prevent your voice from becoming monotone.

Tip number thirteen: Try speaking with your hands. Similar to standing, gesturing while you talk helps animate your voice and gives it a more natural, conversational tone.

Tip number fourteen: Breathe between sentences. Many people hold their breath while speaking through a paragraph and begin to strain toward the end. That strain becomes noticeable in the recording.

Tip number fifteen: Try eating something sour. Many voiceover artists swear by lemon, sour apple, or sour candy right before or during recording to help speak more clearly.

Tip number sixteen: Wear loose-fitting clothing. Comfortable clothing helps keep your muscles relaxed, lowers blood pressure, and gives your voice a deeper, more controlled range.

Tip number seventeen: Practice before recording. This warms up your voice and helps you become more comfortable with the script or material.

Tip number eighteen: Practice reading ahead in the script with your eyes while speaking. This allows you to have the next phrase ready in your mind before you say it.

Tip number nineteen: Record a small test clip, then listen back with the best headphones you have. This gives you a good feel for voice levels, background noise, and overall recording quality.

Tip number twenty: Don’t split sentences when re-recording. If you make a mistake, go back and redo the entire sentence. This makes the final recording sound much more natural.

Tip number twenty-one: Turn off air conditioning and heating units in the room. These can introduce a steady background buzz or wind noise that your microphone will pick up.

Tip number twenty-two: Check for sound coming from your lights. Some lighting, such as fluorescent bulbs, can emit a low buzzing or humming noise that you may not notice until you listen back.

Tip number twenty-three: Consider recording in a smaller room. Smaller spaces reduce echo. A walk-in closet can be an excellent place to record.

Tip number twenty-four: Record in a room with carpeted floors. In rooms with hardwood or tile, consider laying down a carpet or large blanket.

Tip number twenty-five: Use foam panels around your recording space. These simple foam blocks can make a noticeable difference in reducing unwanted noise and echo.

Tip number twenty-six: Consider installing a microphone limiter in your software. A limiter applies a hard volume cap to your microphone signal and prevents the audio from getting too loud and distorting.

Tip number twenty-seven: Try installing a noise suppression add-on. This attempts to detect and reduce background noise without affecting your voice. If possible, use the highest quality codec available.

Tip number twenty-eight: Tweak your mic volume so your voice peaks in the high yellow on your audio meter. Adjust this using your microphone’s volume knob or directly in your recording software.

Tip number twenty-nine: Consider increasing the audio bitrate you record or stream with. This increases file size and streaming bandwidth, but may improve audio quality in some cases.

Tip number thirty: Use blankets. Lay them across the back of your chair, on the floor, or hang them on the walls. Basically anywhere you can to help reduce echoes and unwanted noise.