What does "plosive" refer to in microphone recording?

"Plosive" refers to the sudden bursts of air that create popping sounds when certain consonants are pronounced, particularly the sounds made by letters like 'p' and 'b.' In microphone recordings, these bursts can cause distortion or unwanted noise, frequently referred to as "plosive sounds."

When a person speaks or sings into a microphone, the forceful expulsion of air from these consonants can result in a sharp, explosive sound that can overwhelm the microphone, leading to a pronounced pop that disrupts the clarity of the recording. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for sound engineers and recording artists since it directly impacts the quality of the audio. To mitigate plosives, techniques such as using pop filters or adjusting microphone placement can be employed, ensuring a smoother and cleaner sound in recordings.