3 quick Sound/Audio tips to create better videos

Like every other videos, there will always be sound clips ranging from voices to background music. However, to differentiate between a good video compared to the amateurs, here are a few pointers to take note of.

1. Microphones

Microphones are an important factor to have better quality sound. It gives more focus to the sound nearer to the microphone, which reduces echo and records a more defined sound.

The voice recorder of smart phones nowadays are of pretty good quality. Even people of the media industry, like the news reporters, uses their smartphones to do voice recordings during interviews and press conferences.

However, a "tie" mic can be a better alternative, as it can be clipped under your shirt, hiding it from the viewers.

2. Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR / Looping)

This is the process of re-recording dialogues from a scene, that has already been shot.

At times, the location is far too noisy and unnecessary sounds are recorded at the same time, resulting in usable production sounds.

Just like the movie "Logan", actors are brought into the recording studio and the scenes that needed to be re-recorded will be played infront of them. They will say their lines over again, to match it in the same way as how they said it originally. In fact, most major films are 70% ADR.

2a. A budget alternative for ADR / Looping

If you do not have a professional studio or the budget to rent it, the cheaper alternative is in your own wardrobe. The wardrobe of yours, that is filled with clothes, is a good place to do your own recording as the clothes act as a sound dampener.

Even if you do not have a wardrobe, you can just use do it in a big piece of fabric. Just try not to scream too loud and scare off your neighbours.

3. Sound Effects (Foley)

To have a video that is more realistic, sound effects are added in. A sound effect technique called "Foley" is often used in major films.

This is to create super realistic sound effects to match the environment, actions of people and even the reactions of items in the scene. From the surrounding sounds like the passing cars on the streets, to the rustling of the leaves, these are the minute details that differentiate an amateur video to a professional film.

Before the shoot of your scene, you can spend some time to close your eyes and really listen to the details of the surroundings. This will help you notice the sounds around you.

To recreate those sounds, you will have to explore the different materials, ranging from twisting celery to literally ripping off old pants.

Now that you have a little edge in sound/audio effects and the techniques, it is time to add in those quality sound of yours and up your sound game. Most importantly, have fun exploring!

Do you have interesting ways to capture or recreate sound effects? Do share with us on our Facebook page @: https://www.facebook.com/Anonymous.Pro.Asia/posts/10156318226282220