The sound or the audio quality of a video is of critical importance. If the viewer is unable to listen to the audio, then the intended message is not conveyed, and a patchy sound dampens the overall experience of watching the video. Thus, if you do not want your viewers to go back with an unpleasant memory after watching your videos, then you must pay close attention to the sound quality.
If you do not have the right setup at home, you can always go to a recording studio to get the recording done. However, if you want to record the sound yourself, then here are a few tips to improve the audio quality.
Ways To Improve The Sound Quality Of Your Video
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1. Learn More About Microphones
The microphone is the device that is essential for making the voice of the narrators or actors heard in a video. However, microphones can be of many types, and you should invest in one depending on your need and budget.
Some microphones are of dynamic type; they are cheap and hardy but have limited sensitivity. These can be used even under harsh conditions, so if you are recording from outdoors, this type is more suitable. However, if voice quality and sensitivity are of great importance to you, then you must go for the condenser type of microphone.
Condenser-type mics use two capacitors to convert sound energy into electrical energy. They are more sensitive, but they get damaged if used under harsh conditions. Hence, these are mostly used in recording studios where sound quality is of paramount importance.
Apart from this, you must check the directional sensitivity of a microphone. This means the direction from which the sound is captured. Some devices capture sound from all directions at the same time, while others record from only certain specific directions at a given time.
You will also have to make a choice between a wireless or a microphone with wires. Wireless mics are less messy as the wires do not get entangled, but they are more expensive in comparison to those that have wires.
2. Place The Microphone Correctly
Holding the mic in a steady manner is essential to ensure that the sound does not tremble. While you can use a mic that has wires attached to it, it is always a good idea to get a stand or a tripod to hold the mic so that the voice does not tremble.
3. Work On The Script
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The way in which you write the script is a key determinant of the way in which the voice sounds. So while writing the script, use simple short sentences. Use active speech instead of passive. Try to avoid words that sound similar in a single sentence. Try to paint a picture with your words. So instead of saying that the Burj Khalifa is so many meters tall, try saying that the Burj Khalifa is five times or ten times as tall as the Taj Mahal.
4. Removing Sounds That Can Disrupt The Recording
Sensitive microphones can pick up unintended sounds from the environment. So you must be careful not to tap your feet or click your fingers while the recording is on. If you have a piece to read from it, then the sound of turning the paper can be captured while recording. So it is advised to fold the corners of the papers so that the papers can be moved easily without making a noise.
If you have a table in front of you while you are recording a podcast, you must avoid placing your hand on the table or place your hands as lightly as possible. Apart from this, any device that can interrupt the recording should be kept mute. So your phone should be kept on silent so that it does not disrupt the recording in any way.
5. Work On Your Voice Quality
Voice modulation, the pitch, the tone, and the loudness of your voice need to be right if you want to improve the audio quality of your video. If you are a beginner, it is better to record a few samples and see which pitch or loudness sounds the best.
Many times the voice quality sounds slightly different when it is recorded, so you must record the samples and check for what works best. Also, work on the clarity of your words and diction so that the viewers can understand every word that you say.
6. Make Sure To Overlay The Voice Over Properly
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If you are going to have a voiceover over a video, then make sure that the voiceover is in sync with the actions of the video. If they are not in sync, then the overall video quality will be very poor, and even great audio will not be of any use.
7. Use An Editing Software
After you have recorded the video, you might edit it further using simple voice editing software. This software can make your voice sound crisper or louder. However, these tweaks must not be overdone as they can make the sound look unnatural beyond a point, and hence too much tweaking might do more harm than good.
8. Take Feedback For Improvement
Once you have uploaded your first video, take feedback from viewers and peers seriously and make amends accordingly. At times simple changes like changing the direction of the mic can do wonders; at other times, you might have to make more heavy investments like getting an acoustic room, etc.
Conclusion
The audio quality of a video has a vital role to play in the overall quality of a video. If you want your marketing video to do well, invest in the right equipment, use the right technique to record, and pay attention to post-production editing. If you are new in the field and cannot invest heavily in the audio recording setup, you can always hire a professional recording studio to ensure that your videos are presentable and marketable.
