Why Most Audio Problems Get Misdiagnosed

Most people assume their audio problems are caused by the wrong microphone, interface, or plugin.

In reality, most issues fall into a few core categories — starting with the recording environment, then how the voice is captured within that space, how the voice is being used, and whether there’s clarity about what the recording is meant to do. Processing can enhance good audio, but it can’t fix the wrong problem.

What’s Usually Limiting a Voice Recording

Most voice recording issues fall into one of these areas:

Environment — room size, reflections, noise, treatment

Capture — mic placement, gain structure, signal path, and mic choice within the environment

Performance — consistency, control, delivery, intent

Direction & Clarity — what the recording is meant to do, and for whom

Processing Limits — polish helps, but only after the above are right

How I Actually Help

I don’t start by fixing or processing audio. I start by identifying what’s actually limiting the recording.

I personally review raw voice recordings to determine which category the issue falls into — environment, capture, performance, direction, or processing limits — and explain what matters most and what should be addressed first.

Sometimes that means improving how the voice is captured. Sometimes it means clarity around how the voice is being used. And sometimes it means not changing anything at all.

Submit Your Voice

If you want to hear what your voice could sound like when it’s optimized correctly — and understand what’s actually limiting it — you can submit a raw recording for review.

You’ll receive a diagnostic example and guidance on what to address first.