When it comes to video production, audio is the other half of the game. Your picture is important, but if your sound is poor it will affect the final product drastically. Even great productions can become better with the appropriate supporting audio.

Most think of sound design at the end of the editing process when they have to subtitle a person’s dialogue due to low mic levels or when a subject’s 15 minute lecture needs some background music to give it some life.  Let’s look at some ways to think ahead and plan for great audio in your production.

It’s never too early to think about audio. In the pre-production phase is the best place to plan for an idea you have. For example, if you are producing a cooking show you will need the host’s verbal audio, but what if you had a specific microphone for the work surfaces? That way when you cut to a close up shot of the cutting board you have complete control over the sound of the knife or that sizzle of the pan. These elements are great when you reach the editing process and this type of thinking ahead can reinforce the illusion you are creating for your viewer. Most of your favorite animated movies were meticulously poured over for generating the correct audio to complete the illusion.

During production you can ensure proper recording with the correct microphone placement and monitoring the result through headphones. Choosing the proper audio equipment for your particular need is critical. (i.e. microphones, cables, wireless transmitters etc.) Monitoring your audio as it is being recorded is the best way to be aware of the recording level. recording audio a too low a level and the sound can barely be heard. record your levels too high and the audio will distort with a “crackling” effect (this is referred to as “clipping” or “over-modulating”). You should also record :30 seconds of  “room tone” for editing later.  This portion of audio recorded at each scene will allow you to seamlessly edit audio in the post- production process (and we all like having options don’t we?)

Post-production is where your sound design is woven together with visuals. Some examples of sound design are removing a person’s cough or adding music and sound effects. The right music can bring an intensity that was not there before and likewise, music that doesn’t fit will be noticed. Imagine a local law office commercial with a pulsing piano being played low in the background. Now imagine that same commercial with circus music playing? How about the theme to “Phantom of the opera” or Christmas themed music?  In this example, music is the difference between being taken seriously or being perceived as a clown/madman/Santa.

Today’s media consumers are used to high levels of sound design due to television and movies. If a big logo slams down into the screen at the end of a commercial, don’t you expect a “boom” or “thud”? Equipment is more advanced than ever before. Most home computers and home entertainment systems have 5.1 surround sound.  15 years ago only movie theatres had those capabilities. But with careful planning and imagination all productions can benefit from sound design. The visual is important, just keep in mind that the audio is the other half of the game.

Key points for further study:

• Careful attention to music selection
• Synthetically produced versus Naturally produced sounds
• Adding ambient noise for reality
• Editing low level music for effect
• Creating and using sound effects (Foley Sounds)
• Record all sounds separately if possible for maximum control in the edit