Improving the Audio in Digital Video Production
Today's digital recording equipment is more accurate than ever at capturing audio with vivid and crisp detail, however, videographers quickly discover that it's usually the distracting noises that get captured the most vividly and crisply. Many steps can be taken before a shoot that will help prevent these audio problems from occurring, and many measures taken in postproduction to repair the damage that may already have been done. Not making this extra effort can mean the difference between a merely adequate product and a more polished and professional piece.
Make sure you have the right mic for the job
Having the right microphone positioned in the right spot makes all the difference in the world to the quality of your audio when recording the video production Melbourne. The microphones that are commonly used in video production come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each of these tools has a unique strength that allow them to capture better audio in a given situation. We strongly consider investing in at least one auxiliary microphone for your camera setup!
Shotgun- Likely the most versatile all around tool to add to your setup, however they're not suited for very loud environments.
Wireless- These mics are the ultimate choice for freedom and mobility. Learn more about camera-mountable systems here.
Handheld- These are the standard for on-the-go interviews. Learn what makes specific handheld mics better for video production here.
Boundary/PZM- These inconspicuous mics can be placed on a wall, table, podium- anywhere you need wide coverage. Learn more about them here.
Stereo Microphones- With the proper gain adjustment, these mics can capture natural sounding musical performances and ambiances both loud and quiet.
Choose your shooting locations carefully to avoid problematic audio environments
Remember to always scope out your shooting locations in advance when possible. Try to bring the camera and microphone that you'll be shooting with and a good pair of headphones to identify problem noise sources. What you hear through the microphone is often very different than what you can hear with just your ears. That air conditioner noise that you have subconsciously blocked out may seem much louder when listening through your headphones.
When microphones are used outdoors, they require wind protection
If you are going to be out in the elements, make sure that you have adequate wind and weather protection for you microphones. Keep in mind that lightweight foam windscreens will not be adequate for any type of real breeze, so you should consider heavier wind and rain protection to insure better results when shooting outside. Lower frequency wind noise and dripping rain can easily render your work unusable. Learn all about wind protection for shotgun microphones here.
Consider capturing audio using a separate recorder
Some smaller DV cameras employ an automatic gain circuit that maintains consistent input recording levels so that you don't have to. The problem with this system is that it does not always yield desirable results and in some cameras, it cannot be bypassed. Making use of a separate audio recorder will not only avoid this problem by giving you more control over levels, but you will gain superior results from a dedicated high quality audio recorder.
A studio interview or voiceover situation is a great time to make use of a hardware dynamics processor. Compressors and limiters are often overlooked units that can help smooth out your signal and allow you to get more level to your recorder. Many portable field mixers have built in limiters so do not be afraid to try them out in your studio as well- a little limiting can work wonders.
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The author provides some tips that should be kept in mind when undergoing video production Melbourne. To know more about the different services, contact us here
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