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Written by Alan Spicer
- YouTube Certified Expert (Audience Growth, Channel Management, Content Strategy)
- YouTube & Digital Media Consultant (including work with Coin Bureau brands)
- Built repeatable growth systems across multiple channels (including 0→20k in 2 months and 15k→100k in 8 months)
- Recipient of 6× YouTube Silver Play Buttons
My bias: clipping is one of the few audio problems that can permanently ruin a take. If the signal distorts at the source, you can’t truly “fix it in editing” — so we prevent it.
Stop Mic Clipping & Distortion on YouTube (UK): Fix Peaking, Crackling, and “Crunchy” Audio
If your voice suddenly goes crunchy, harsh, crackly, or distorted — that’s usually clipping (also called peaking). It happens when your audio signal is too hot and hits the ceiling.
The good news: most clipping is caused by one or two simple mistakes, and you can usually fix it in minutes.
Jump to:
Quick answer / TL;DR ·
Watch the quick demo ·
Related searches ·
60-second decision tree ·
What clipping actually is ·
Fix order (do this first) ·
Target levels (dB) that keep you safe ·
Where it’s clipping (mic, Windows, OBS, interface) ·
Limiter setup (the safety net) ·
Most common causes (and fast fixes) ·
Comparison table ·
What not to do ·
Who this is not for ·
Gear links ·
Related reading ·
FAQs
Quick answer / TL;DR
To stop mic clipping and distortion: lower input gain so your normal speech peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB and never hits 0 dB. Move the mic closer so you don’t need high gain. Add a limiter at the end of your chain with a ceiling around -1 dB as a safety net. If distortion remains, the clipping may be happening earlier (Windows input, USB mic, audio interface, or camera preamp).
Watch the quick demo (from my channel)
If you want a quick sanity-check before you change settings, this is the kind of “audio mistake” I see constantly when auditing channels:
The 60-second decision tree
- Meters hit red / 0 dB → lower gain immediately.
- Clipping happens only when you get excited/loud → add limiter (ceiling -1 dB) + lower gain slightly.
- Sounds distorted even when meters look fine → clipping is happening earlier (USB mic, Windows input, interface, camera preamp).
- Only certain words distort (“P”, “B” bursts) → it may be plosive overload + too much gain; fix airflow and distance.
- Crackling pops randomly → could be USB/power/cable/interface issues (still start by lowering gain and checking input chain).
Rule of thumb: if it’s clipped, you prevent it next time — you don’t “repair” it later.
What clipping actually is (in plain English)
Audio has a maximum ceiling. When your voice signal hits that ceiling, the peaks get chopped off. That “chop” is what you hear as harsh distortion.
Two key truths:
- If you clip at the source, you can’t fully undo it.
- Most clipping is caused by gain being set too high for the way you actually speak on camera.
Fix order (do this first)
- Mic placement (close mic = lower gain = less clipping risk)
- Input gain (set safe peak levels)
- Limiter (final safety net)
- Then think about compression/EQ (optional polish)
These two posts are the foundation pieces if you want the whole “clean audio system”:
Target levels (dB) that keep you safe
You don’t need perfection. You need “never clip”.
| Level target | What to aim for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Normal speech peaks | -12 dB to -6 dB | Strong signal with headroom |
| Excited/loud peaks | -6 dB to -3 dB | Still safe, still clean |
| Absolute danger zone | 0 dB (red) | Clipping/distortion |
Practical tip: do a 10-second “excited test” before recording: say your intro like you mean it, a bit louder than normal. Set gain for that reality — not your quiet voice.
Where it’s clipping (mic, Windows, OBS, interface)
This is where creators get caught: the meter you’re watching might not be the stage that’s clipping.
1) USB microphone clipping
- If the mic itself is set too hot (hardware or driver level), it can distort before OBS even sees it.
- Fix: lower the mic’s own gain/level first, then fine-tune in OBS.
2) Windows microphone level clipping
- If Windows input level is high, you can clip before any software filters.
- Fix: reduce Windows mic input level, then re-check your OBS levels.
3) OBS / software clipping
- If OBS meters peak into the red, the fix is straightforward: gain down.
- Fix: lower input, then add limiter at the end.
4) Audio interface / XLR clipping
- Interfaces can clip at the preamp before the signal reaches your computer.
- Fix: lower the interface gain knob until peaks are safe; only then add software processing.
5) Camera preamp clipping (common with on-camera mics)
- If your mic is plugged into a camera and the camera preamp is too hot, you’ll clip there.
- Fix: lower camera input level; if your mic has output level control, adjust that too.
Limiter setup (the safety net)
A limiter won’t magically fix bad gain, but it will stop sudden spikes from ruining an otherwise good take.
Simple limiter rule: set the limiter ceiling to -1 dB.
Where to put it: at the end of your chain (after suppression/gate/compression).
If the limiter is working constantly: your gain is too high. A limiter should catch peaks, not squash everything.
Most common causes (and fast fixes)
Cause A: You’re too far from the mic, so you crank gain
Fix: move the mic closer (often 15–25cm) and lower gain. This reduces noise and clipping risk at the same time.
Cause B: You’re getting excited and shouting slightly
Fix: set gain using your “excited test” voice, then use a limiter to catch spikes.
Cause C: Plosives are overloading the mic (P/B bursts)
Fix: go slightly off-axis and use a pop filter/windscreen. Plosive bursts can trigger clipping if gain is high.
Cause D: Your chain is over-processed
Heavy compression + make-up gain can create clipping after the compressor.
Fix: reduce make-up gain, lower input slightly, keep compression gentle, add limiter last.
Cause E: USB/power/cable crackle (not clipping)
Some “distortion” reports are actually random crackle from cables, ports, or power noise.
Fix order: different USB port, different cable, avoid hubs, keep audio devices away from noisy power adapters, then retest.
Fixes compared (what works most)
| Fix | Cost | Impact | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower input gain | £0 | High | Most clipping |
| Move mic closer | £0 | High | Clipping + noise + echo combos |
| Limiter at -1 dB | £0 | Medium–High | Sudden peaks |
| Fix the right stage (Windows/interface/camera) | £0 | High | “Meters look fine but still distorted” |
| Replace/adjust cables/USB path | £–££ | Medium | Random crackle/pops |
What not to do (trust builder)
- Don’t “fix clipping in editing” as your plan. It’s prevention, not repair.
- Don’t run your levels hot to “sound professional”. Clean headroom wins.
- Don’t rely on a limiter to do all the work. If it’s smashing constantly, your gain is wrong.
- Don’t compress hard and then add loads of make-up gain. That can create clipping later in the chain.
- Don’t ignore mic distance. Distance is the silent cause of many “settings” problems.
Who this is not for
- Music production and mastering workflows (different loudness targets and tools)
- Professional broadcast chains with dedicated audio engineers
- Creators who want a one-click “magic preset” without testing levels
Gear links
Core audio pillar (start here):
The three posts this one depends on:
Creator Gear hub:
Amazon UK searches (tagged so the session is credited):
- Amazon UK: closed-back headphones (monitoring levels)
- Amazon UK: microphone boom arms
- Amazon UK: pop filters
- Amazon UK: foam windscreens
- Amazon UK: USB audio interfaces (optional upgrade)
See it in action (cheap room fixes that also help audio)
If your “distortion” is actually a mix of echo + noise + gain being too high, improving the room a bit can let you record at safer levels without aggressive processing:
Related reading (internal only)
- Best microphone settings for YouTube (UK)
- Mic placement for YouTube (UK)
- Stop background noise in mic (UK)
- Reduce echo in a small room (UK)
- Stop plosives (UK)
FAQs (People Also Ask style)
What causes microphone clipping and distortion?
Clipping happens when your audio signal is too loud and hits the maximum ceiling (0 dB). The peaks get chopped off, which creates harsh distortion.
How do I stop my mic from clipping in OBS?
Lower input gain so normal speech peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB and add a limiter at the end with a ceiling around -1 dB.
What dB level should voice be recorded at for YouTube?
A practical target is speech peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB with headroom for louder moments. Avoid hitting 0 dB.
Why does my mic distort even when the meter looks fine?
Clipping might be happening earlier in the chain (USB mic hardware level, Windows input level, audio interface preamp, or camera input) before the meter you’re watching.
Can you fix clipped audio in editing?
You can sometimes reduce how bad it sounds, but you can’t truly restore clipped peaks. Prevention (levels + limiter) is the real fix.
What limiter setting should I use to prevent clipping?
A simple, safe setting is a limiter ceiling around -1 dB at the end of your chain.
Why does my mic clip only when I laugh or get excited?
Your gain is set for your quiet voice, not your loud voice. Set levels using an “excited test” and use a limiter as a safety net.
Can plosives cause clipping?
Yes. Strong “P” and “B” bursts can overload the mic and spike levels, especially if gain is high. Off-axis placement and a pop filter help.
What’s the fastest way to stop distortion without making audio too quiet?
Move the mic closer (so your voice is louder naturally), then lower gain. This keeps your voice strong while reducing clipping risk.
Why does my USB mic crackle randomly?
That’s often a USB/power/cable/port issue rather than classic clipping. Try a different USB port/cable, avoid hubs, and re-test.
