What is Mic Peaking? What Every Sound Engineer Should Know

Mic peaking is a frustrating issue but it isn’t something that cannot be fixed. Understand why it happens and the quick fixes to get clear and crisp audio. 

Have you ever experienced a distortion in the audio the moment your mic is subjected to a little loud sound? It is mic peaking: a phenomenon most audio engineers, especially those who work with musical instruments encounter. Mic peaking, in simplest terms, is a point above which a microphone, be it condenser or dynamic, cannot process audio signal cleanly, hence the distortion.

The point at which a mic peaks varies between different types and qualities of microphones. Fortunately, there are some techniques to prevent mic peaking and get a distortion-free audio output, which is what this article will discuss.

Let’s get to it:

In-Depth Understanding of Mic Peaking 

Microphones are complex pieces of electronics. The different components in mics help capture the sound waves and convert them into audio signals. However, there is a limit to how quiet and loud a signal from a particular microphone can be captured. Condenser microphones, for example, are great at recording faint sounds because of their delicate components. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, may not work well to record faint signals, but it works brilliantly under excessive sound pressure.

That said, despite the ability of dynamic microphones to record under high sound pressure, there is a limit to how loud you can get. This limit is often termed as Max SPL or maximum sound pressure limit.

The moment a sound signal goes above the Max SPL, the microphone can no longer process it and produces distortion. However, it is also important to mention that while Max SPL has a vital role in defining the maximum sound pressure a microphone can handle, it is not the only factor that contributes to audio peaking.

Mic peaking occurs when the speaker is too close to the microphone or when a mic has higher sensitivity for a particular type of signal. You can also get your sound distorted if the preamp settings are not optimized.

So, while max SPL may play a major role, there are a variety of other factors that should be considered when you experience microphone peaking. Understanding the causes of microphone peaking can help you resolve them effectively, consequently making the output crispier, cleaner, and more transparent.

Factors That Contribute To Mic Peaking In Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are industry-standard when it comes to studio recordings. The delicate capsule of the mics enables them to record the sound with great precision and detail. However, due to their delicate diaphragm, these mics are not capable of recording loud sounds. It is a fact most audio engineers are familiar with and therefore, do not use condenser mics for recording loud instruments.

However, microphone peaking with a condenser microphone can also occur even when you are not recording loud instruments. Typically, these reasons include:

1. High Gain Input

Condenser mics can usually record the faintest of sounds without requiring an additional gain. However, sometimes a gain is provided nonetheless. It boosts the low frequencies so they can be appropriately captured by the microphone. Sometimes, the gain levels become too high, meaning the microphone will boost the signal more than it is required and invariably take it to a level that cannot be processed. Hence, you will experience distortion in the audio.

2. Proximity Effect

The proximity effect is one of the most overwhelming aspects of the condenser microphones to counter. It is because of the higher sensitivities. You will increase the sound pressure a little too much if you bring the mic closer to the sound source. The closeness will boost the input volume, which cannot be processed by the microphone.

3.  Outdoor Recordings

The traditional condenser mics are not designed for an outside recording environment. Regardless of their polar pattern, these mics capture some unwanted noise and sometimes it can be a little too loud, crossing the max SPL, which ultimately leads to the distortion of sound.

Factors That Distort The Audio Signal In A Dynamic Microphone

Dynamic microphones have a more robust and solid diaphragm and capsule than their condenser counterparts. You can subject to loud sounds such as guitars, pianos, and drums while recording audio, and these mics generally handle them well. However, despite their decent dynamic range and better distortion control, sometimes they do peak. 

It is typically because of the following factors;

1. High Gain

Dynamic mics are not as sensitive as their condenser counterparts and thus require a gain to ensure the signal is at the mic level. Sometimes, the gain can be a little too much and create a signal that reaches the maximum level a dynamic mic can handle and thus leads to distortion.

2. Loud Sound Sources

Some sources produce too much sound, even for a dynamic mic. Drums are examples of such sounds. So, even when you are using a dynamic mic, chances are it will peak because of the loud sounds. You can use specialized dynamic mics, with higher than standard max SPL, to record such loud instruments.

3. Subpar Cables

Using subpar cables can interfere with the quality of the audio signal, leading to distortion. It is generally the case with dynamic mics because these mics typically work well under higher sound pressures. So, if you experience mic peaking despite using a dynamic mic and have all other confounders in check, chances are you need to replace your cables.

4. Improper Mic Positioning

Dynamic mics are more forgiving when it comes to optimizing the microphone position, but if they are mounted too close to the sound source, they will produce distorted output. Although it requires less precision, you need to optimize the mic position to some extent nonetheless.

5. Outdoor Use

Dynamic mics can perform well outdoors but recording in a windy environment compromises its ability. A fast blow of air will produce a similar sort of effect as the proximity effect in the condenser microphone and distort the sound. Thus, it is recommended to use them with windshields in an outdoor recording setup. 

How To Stop Mic From Peaking & Its Impact On Audio Output

The following tips will help you prevent mic peaking in both condenser and dynamic microphones;

1. Use The Right Microphone

Dynamic and condenser microphones have different characteristics. While one is better at recording detailed and precise audio signals, the other works better with loud audio levels. You must pick the right microphone for the right job if you want to eliminate mic peaking. For example, a condenser mic will work the best if you want to record vocals, whereas a dynamic mic is your best bet to record loud music instruments.

2. Use The Right Accessories

The pop filter and windshield are two most effective accessories to counter mic peaking in both indoor and outdoor environments. A pop filter counters the proximity effect by creating an extra layer between microphone and sound source. Whereas, a windshield prevents the sound noise from getting into the input of the microphone. Using these accessories will go a long way to counter mic peaking regardless of the mic type and recording atmosphere.

3. Avoid Clipping

A condenser mic is often used with digital audio workstations, an audio interface, and amplifiers. Some of these instruments have LED lights to represent audio clipping; a phenomenon when amplifiers are overdriven. It is a sign that a microphone is either too close to the source or it is under more sound pressure than it can handle. You must always keep an eye out and ensure there is no clipping during the recording process.

4. Correct Gain Settings

Gain level setting should be one of the first things to check if you are experiencing unwanted noises and distortion in the audio. You can adjust the gain to a reasonable level by experimenting with the gain control feature on the microphone and an audio interface. The best way is to start with low gain settings and move your way up until you reach the desirable volume levels.

5. Proper Mic Positioning

Optimization of mic position is the most underrated aspect of countering peaking issues in a microphone. Most of the time you can avoid peaking by simply optimizing the position of the microphone in your recording setup.

6. Sound Limiters

Sound limiter is an advanced device that prevents peaking by limiting the maximum volume of sound that can be produced by a microphone. You can use these devices in loud environments to ensure even if the microphone captures loud sounds, the sound limiter will modulate the process to prevent peaking. Sound limiters come in different shapes and sizes and can be used with both condenser and dynamic mics.

7. Compressor

Compressors have become a vital part of audio gear, particularly that has to be used outdoors such as during concerts or other large gatherings. A compressor works by reducing the dynamic range of the audio signal and thereby bridging the gap between the loudest and quietest part of the signal. The process involves boosting the low signals and reducing loud signals, which ultimately cuts the loudest parts and avoids distortions in the audio.

Like sound limiters, a compressor also comes in different shapes and sizes and can be used with almost all types of microphones.

How To Stop Mic From Peaking In OBS

Open Broadcaster Software Or OBS is a free tool to record offline videos and live stream on the devices of your choice. If you are experiencing mic peaking while using OBS, it can be resolved by following these tips;

Frequently Asked Questions