Due to short time frames and small production budgets, audio for video is often not well recorded. As a result, certain unwanted noises often plague producers during post-production. A common noise in recorded audio for sound effects and dialog is an annoying hum or rumble at the bottom end.
There are certainly many software plugins that remove noise and some work quite well. However these softwares often require a bit of study, which may impossible during a tight deadline. Instead, simply use the basic equalization and reverb plugins provided in your video or audio editing software.
Use standard package plugins and the following tips to eradicate nasty noise from the bottom end of your audio recordings:
First, use a Single Band EQ to try and cut out the offensive hum. This type of EQ will cut out all sound below or above a certain frequency. For example, since low rumbles generally occur around 60 Hz, you can use a Single Band EQ to cut out everything below 80 Hz which will remove the hum without adversely affecting the dialog.
Secondly, a Parametric EQ can be used to "notch out" the unwanted noise by decreasing a thin width of audio frequencies and its octaves such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. The advantage of using a Parametric EQ is that one can notch out the offensive noise without hurting wanted audio.
Secondly, you can boost the desired audio also by using a Parametric EQ. This will give the wanted audio prominence over the unwanted audio. Once can boost the dialog at 5 hz slightly, for example, to give it prominence over a low rumble.
Fourth, once the low end has been cut or minimized, use a bit of reverb on the entire mix. This creates a sonic wash of sorts and reduces the "tin can" effect that can be created by cutting out the low end.
While the above tips are very basic and will not by any means eliminate the problems of poorly recorded audio, they will definitely improve the sound of a poor recording when the dialog and hum are vying for the listener's ear.
There are certainly many software plugins that remove noise and some work quite well. However these softwares often require a bit of study, which may impossible during a tight deadline. Instead, simply use the basic equalization and reverb plugins provided in your video or audio editing software.
Use standard package plugins and the following tips to eradicate nasty noise from the bottom end of your audio recordings:
First, use a Single Band EQ to try and cut out the offensive hum. This type of EQ will cut out all sound below or above a certain frequency. For example, since low rumbles generally occur around 60 Hz, you can use a Single Band EQ to cut out everything below 80 Hz which will remove the hum without adversely affecting the dialog.
Secondly, a Parametric EQ can be used to "notch out" the unwanted noise by decreasing a thin width of audio frequencies and its octaves such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. The advantage of using a Parametric EQ is that one can notch out the offensive noise without hurting wanted audio.
Secondly, you can boost the desired audio also by using a Parametric EQ. This will give the wanted audio prominence over the unwanted audio. Once can boost the dialog at 5 hz slightly, for example, to give it prominence over a low rumble.
Fourth, once the low end has been cut or minimized, use a bit of reverb on the entire mix. This creates a sonic wash of sorts and reduces the "tin can" effect that can be created by cutting out the low end.
While the above tips are very basic and will not by any means eliminate the problems of poorly recorded audio, they will definitely improve the sound of a poor recording when the dialog and hum are vying for the listener's ear.
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