The audio side of video is often not well recorded due to small production budgets and short time frames. Therefore, during post-production, producers can be assaulted by a series of previous sonic missteps. An annoying rumble or hum in the low end is a common problem in audio recorded for video.
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 these procedures in tandem with your default plugins to help rid your audio recording of unnecessary and distracting noise:
Use a Single Band EQ first to cut out the unwanted rumble. A single band EQ will filter out all audio above or below a specified frequency. You can cut out, for example, all frequencies below 80 Hz in order to erase much of the rumble, which occurs at 60 Hz, without harming dialog tracks.
Next, target a very small width of the offending sound spectrum by using a Parametric EQ and "notching," which decreases a certain frequency and its octaves such as 80 Hz, 160 Hz, and 320 Hz. One preserves the surrounding audio by being able to target a small area of audio.
Next, a Parametric EQ can also be used to boost the wanted audio. Boosting the desired frequencies will give them prominence over the unwanted noise and thus redirect the listener's attention from the noise. For instance, put a small hump in around 5 Khz will amp the human voice over a lower rumble.
Fourth, after cutting out the lower end, a bit of reverb can be used on the mix. Such an effect can wash over and warm up a "tin can" feel that might come from taking out the bottom end.
Following the above strategies may not completely erase all problems associated with bad audio, but they can improve the quality of the product when unwanted noise and dialog are competing for attention in the mix.
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 these procedures in tandem with your default plugins to help rid your audio recording of unnecessary and distracting noise:
Use a Single Band EQ first to cut out the unwanted rumble. A single band EQ will filter out all audio above or below a specified frequency. You can cut out, for example, all frequencies below 80 Hz in order to erase much of the rumble, which occurs at 60 Hz, without harming dialog tracks.
Next, target a very small width of the offending sound spectrum by using a Parametric EQ and "notching," which decreases a certain frequency and its octaves such as 80 Hz, 160 Hz, and 320 Hz. One preserves the surrounding audio by being able to target a small area of audio.
Next, a Parametric EQ can also be used to boost the wanted audio. Boosting the desired frequencies will give them prominence over the unwanted noise and thus redirect the listener's attention from the noise. For instance, put a small hump in around 5 Khz will amp the human voice over a lower rumble.
Fourth, after cutting out the lower end, a bit of reverb can be used on the mix. Such an effect can wash over and warm up a "tin can" feel that might come from taking out the bottom end.
Following the above strategies may not completely erase all problems associated with bad audio, but they can improve the quality of the product when unwanted noise and dialog are competing for attention in the mix.
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