Videos may seem like they’re all about the image quality. Yes, the pictures do matter – but so does the sound quality. Rich, resonant sounds can elevate dialogue and contribute to a stronger narrative.
That’s why it’s so important to make audio quality a priority when you’re creating a video. The right blend of technical precision and creativity can coalesce in dynamic results that set the scene.
Read on to learn how to master audio quality in video production.
Get Your Mics Ready
You can’t count on post-production alone to generate an amazing audio track. If you’re starting with a low-quality recording, you won’t be setting yourself up for success. Instead, make sure your initial recording is completed with professional microphones that can yield the best clarity.
Also, do your recording in a space that is free of distracting noises, and place your mics in the best locations to pick up all dialogue. When your input is at its best, you’ll have a better foundation for editing.
Strike the Right Balance
Sound mixing is the part of the process that blends all audible components into a cohesive audio track. The music from a soundtrack, dialogue, and other subtle sounds need to unite to help propel the storyline forward.
You’ll need to shift the volume on each track to avoid a situation where the music overwhelms the dialogue, for instance. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an imbalance that makes it difficult to follow the narrative.
You’ll also need to blend frequencies and use equalization (EQ) to craft pleasing tonal qualities and strengthen clarity. Ultimately, your goal is to build a soundscape that meshes with the visual components to create an engaging experience for your audience.
Invest Time in Mastering
A video could be played on a large cinema screen or someone’s smartphone. As such, optimizing your audio to sound crisp on any platform will enhance everyone’s listening experience.
Turn to enhanced track production platforms for automated mastering tools that can make it sound like you’re working in a professional studio. You don’t want the sounds to be too loud on one device while they’re barely audible on another, for example.
With the right platform, you’ll harness the power of AI and other presets to make mastering easier without compromising results. Check the loudness standards on different platforms, like YouTube or Instagram, as well. If you’re planning to tease clips on any of these sites, you’ll want to know the guidelines so you can develop different mixes to suit each one if necessary.
Know that approaches to mastering audio will continue to evolve. Plan on keeping current with the latest standards and trends. Never assume that a mix that sounds good on one platform will sound good on another device. And always test your sound multiple times so that you can feel good about the results.
Produce Great Audio
Excellent audio can elevate a video – but it takes behind-the-scenes effort for that to happen. Using the right tools, you can elevate the quality of recordings through skillful mixing and mastering. You’ll ensure that audio sounds clear and resonant, no matter what platform it’s played on, so listeners feel immersed in what they’re watching.
Further Reading
