VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

The other day/night I had a tough one- recording 2 rather detailed, wordy, lengthy videos [on traditional Japanese etiquette!], on a U-87, in a soft voice.

The recording started 3 hours late, so we began at 5 PM, and didn't finish till midnight, at which time we listened back critically and a couple of retakes, and I didn't finish till 1:20 AM. [I won't bother to go on about the fun afterward going out and trying to find a taxi in the snowstorm].

Anyway, I noticed quite a lot of mouth clicks, mostly at the end of words/ phrases, especially in the later in the evening. The client and the director didn't seem to hear them, but I did and I am pretty sure the engineer did; in fact I went over and apologized to the engineer, and asked him to take out as many as he could. Hopefully just a bunch of simple "auto-heal" repairs; but as late as they were going (I think they had been there since 10 AM), so I am not sure how much he was going to be able to do.

Yeah, I know about water and green apples; Entertainer's Secret; Thayer's Dry Mouth Spray, etc. and tried several of those. Things is, I seemed to be pretty well hydrated, and my mouth wasn't dry- if anything there was too much saliva. Thoughts, suggestions?

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 980

Really great mics also pick up imperfections rather prominently. That was a really long session. Even if you don't feel strain, talking for that long is stressful on everything from your throat, to your tongue, to your jaw. Again, you may not feel any strain or fatigue. But you are exerting.

This is going to sound gross, but it is what it is. The body's bandaid is mucus. Mucus will coat the throat and uvula with over exertion, which causes a clicking sound when the back of the tongue makes contact while talking. You can drink, eat that green apple, etc. But the mucus builds up faster than you can treat. As you breathe through your mouth, while performing or just "uh huh-ing" with the director, this solidifies the mucus, adhering it to the soft tissue, making it harder and harder to eliminate with the usual sprays and whatnot.

The bottom line: you are human. And there are times the only thing that will eliminate the click is a long break, allowing your body to naturally heal and recover.

Frank F · Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 10:32 pm Post subject:

Doug,

Since you were constantly working this could not be avoided. Had you had an opportunity to rest (even for a short 10 minutes or so) this "mouth noise" would have diminished - somewhat. Listen to Bob and take a rest - next time.

Frank F
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heyguido · Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 11:57 pm Post subject:

Doug...

I've said it here before, but I'll mention it again....

Sparkling water. The carbonation helps to lift away the mucus. A quick swish and swallow works wonders.... Or swish and spit. (ewwww Embarrassed

)

It's not a cure all, and it's no substitute for rest.... But it does help.
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Mike · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:05 am Post subject:

I hope enduring that little disorganised nightmare brought in a little more than the standard NHK rate. Uncertain

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Bruce · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 10:37 am Post subject:

heyguido · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 10:39 am Post subject:

And, now, I have sparkling water all over my laptop.... Rolls Eyes

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Don Brookshire
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DougVox · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:36 pm Post subject:

Hey wait...how did I get dragged into this thread?
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Bruce · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:00 am Post subject:

You saw the word "sparkle"?

B
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Ed Fisher · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:42 pm Post subject:

For mouth noises...

Dan Lenard of EWABS weekly broadcast recommends swishing and spitting Alcolol (watered down).

Note: It's Alcolol...NOT Alcohol. The spelling is correct.

Available or order at your local pharmacy.

(don't shoot the messenger)
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 1:42 am Post subject:

Correction: The proper spelling is ALKALOL (my bad)

I had it ordered at the Walgreen pharmacy. Took only a couple of days. It's intended as a nasal wash. To gargle with it Dan cuts it with water (I think around 10 to 1 - but I could be wrong on that)

Looks to be pretty harmless. They've been making it since 1896.

http://www.alkalolcompany.com/alkalol/#.UvsyG_v4IXY

"Alkalol is a unique blend of naturally antiseptic ingredients, including: Purified Water (USP); Menthol; Eucalyptol; Thymol; Camphor; Benzoin; Oils of Wintergreen, Spearmint, Pine, and Cinnamon; Potassium Alum; Potassium Chlorate; Sodium Bicarbonate; Sodium Chloride; Alcohol (2/100 of 1%); Caramel Color. Alkalol is preservative free."

YMMV

I hope this helps.
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:58 am Post subject:

... and alcohol(?).

F2
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Bruce · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:52 am Post subject:

Alcohol will certainly make you care less about mouth noise, which could be a solution in itself.

B
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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 3:22 pm Post subject:

Bruce,

Ha! Laugh

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