- 1). Lower the volume on the vocals. "Clipping," or distortion, occurs when the volume is set too high and the output source, or speaker, cannot produce the sound at full quality. By lowering the volume of the vocals, you can reduce most types of distortion dramatically.
- 2). Apply compression to the vocals. Most digital mixing workstations and programs contain built-in multiband compressors, which serve to limit high and low peaks, creating a smoother all-around sound and further limiting distortion. Compression also can help vocals "sit" more comfortably in the mix. Start by selecting a multiband compression filter on your vocal track. Select a low ratio, such as 2:1. Raise the ratio slightly, if necessary.
- 3). Apply a noise-removal filter. Some digital audio workstations contain effects filters specifically designed for limiting and removing noise and distortion. Check your “Effects” or “Filters” menu for an option specifying noise or distortion removal.
- 4). Re-record the vocals. Input counts for a lot in recorded music, and if your recording is of extremely poor quality, all of the effects and filters in the world won't fully salvage the audio. If, for example, you record your audio too loudly into a microphone, or record with your mouth too close to the microphone, distortion results. Place a pop filter -- a mesh screen sold in music supply stores -- in front of the microphone to limit distortion when recording.
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