Zaraki KenpachiWe’ve all seen a video where the picture quality is fantastic, but the audio is filled with static or the dialogue is mumbled. Sadly, since the audio is poor, it distracts from the overall video.
A video’s audio quality is a key factor in its potential success or failure. Studies show that people are more willing to watch a video with bad visual quality if the audio is good, but not the other way around.
Maybe you don’t have access to a soundproof recording system, but if you follow a few tips and tricks, you can have clear and natural-sounding audio.
Learn how to improve audio quality of your video projects by taking a look at the tips below.
How to Improve Audio Quality
Audio quality can make or break your video, and if you don’t believe me you can click here for more info. Fear not, there are a few easy things you can do while recording your audio that will make a world of difference. The best part? The following don’t cost any extra money.
Don’t Be Shy With The Microphone
When you’re recording, don’t be shy with your microphone! By talking closer to the mic, your audio is less likely to sound echo-y.
You’ll also have more control over your volume levels in post-production. This is because when you talk further away from the mic, you’ll be recorded quieter, resulting in less than optimal audio when you inevitably have to turn your volume up.
Set Up Your Recording Space
Prior to recording, think carefully about your recording space. If you are recording at home, consider the following:
- Are you near a busy street? Are there times during the day that fewer cars drive by?
- Is your air conditioner/refrigerator/fan running? This will result in unnecessary white noise
- Do you live with other (noise-making) people? Can you record when they aren’t home?
Bottom line: the quieter you can make your space, the better. Little sounds add up and can create distracting audio.
Work on Your Voice
A fancy microphone and a quiet recording space can only get you so far. If your voice sounds shaky or unconfident, your audio will not be engaging to the audience.
If you have a script, rehearse it before recording. Right before recording, try warming up your vocal cords with some vocal exercises to make sure your voice is as smooth as can be.
Improving Your Video Audio With Equipment
If you have tried all of the above—cost-free— tips and still aren’t satisfied with your audio quality, it may be time to invest in some audio equipment. Spending a bit of money on audio equipment now might bring you more viewers and increased profits down the road.
Invest in a New Microphone
A high-quality microphone is central to the quality of your audio. The type of microphone you get depends on the project you need it for. Podcasters don’t need anything too fancy but should be able to adjust the gain and
If you want to be able to stand up and move around without having to move the microphone, a lapel mic that attaches to your clothing might be best.
Experiment with a Pop Filter
If you are taking the tip from above and talking close to the mic, you might notice that some words might “pop” or your breathing might be a little too loud. To fix this, experiment with a pop filter, on your mic.
A pop filter is a screen that goes on top of the microphone or in front of it. The filter balances out any hard vocal pops are wind sounds.
Set Up Your Mic With a Proper Stand
A microphone stand helps with multiple problems. With a mic stand, you can set your mic to the exact height that you need it without having to slouch. More so, having a mic stand prevents most accidental sounds that happen when the mic is on the table or being held, saving time in post-production.
Video Audio Quality and You
Learning how to improve audio quality takes a little bit of time and money. But, when you finally get your audio set-up down, you’ll be happy that you took the time.
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Hugh Hay
Patrick Soft
