Final answer:
To eliminate popping and reduce sibilance, do not reduce the input gain. Instead, use a pop filter, adjust the microphone position, and apply a de-esser if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To eliminate popping and reduce sibilance, you should not reduce the input gain. Popping sounds occur when plosive consonants like 'P' and 'B' produce a burst of air that hits the microphone. To avoid this, you can use a pop filter to intercept the air. Adjusting the microphone position can also help by pointing the microphone slightly off-axis to reduce direct air blasts. Applying a de-esser is useful to reduce sibilance, which is the excessive hissing sound. It works by compressing or attenuating the high-frequency signal when the 'S' and 'SH' sounds are present.