Sound: What It Is And How To Use It In Video Production

by kim Updated: June 29, 2022

Sound is an essential part of any multimedia production or film. Sound can help create a mood and elicit an emotional response from the audience.

It is important to understand the basics of sound before you can use it effectively in your video production.

This section will provide an introduction to the basics of sound and how to use it in video production.

What is Sound?

Sound is the phenomenon of a vibration propagated in an elastic medium. Sound can be created by mechanical vibrations traveling through air, solid materials, liquids and gas. Because sound is a type of energy, it travels in waves that move outward in all directions from the source, much like ripples spread across a pond when you throw a stone into its waters.

Sound waves travel both fast and far. Depending on their frequency they can travel through any material and across vast distances as well. The speed of sound is said to vary depending upon whether it’s travelling through a solid, liquid or gas. For example, sound travels faster through water than air and around 4 times faster through steel than it does air at sea level!

On the human ear scale sound is measured in decibels (dB) with each level affecting how loud or quiet we perceive something to be and how far away we perceive it to come from. To put this into perspective, normal conversation between two people usually registers around 60-65 dB while standing next to an operating lawn mower registers around 90 dB!

Understanding the basics of this phenomenon not only helps us appreciate different sounds but provides us with valuable knowledge on how to use them while creating video content or working within audio production environments such as recording studios, film & television shows and concerts & festivals.

Types of Sound

In video production, sound falls into two main categories: Dialogue, or voice recordings from the actors involved in a project, and Environment, or any sound other than dialogue.

Dialogue consists of two types: primary and secondary. Primary dialogue refers to any recording directly taken from the source (i.e. the actors on set), as opposed to secondary dialogue which is pre-recorded or dubbed in post-production. It’s important to note that capturing quality primary dialogue requires appropriate audio equipment and a well-managed Sound Design Team on set.

Environment sounds are any recordings of noise that are not dialogue, such as natural sounds effects like dogs barking, traffic noises, etc., and music. Effects can range from foley (artificial sound effects), production music that has been commissioned specifically for your project or stock music (ready made tracks created by composers). When creating an effective soundtrack it is important to consider not just the type of sound but also its sonic characteristics such as reverberation levels, equalization (EQ) levels and dynamic range.

Sound Recording

Sound recording is an important part of video production, as it adds a level of realism to the video and can help enhance the narrative. Sound recording is a process of capturing and preserving sound, which can be anything from spoken word, music, sound effects, or background noise. Sound recording can be done with various kinds of equipment, such as microphones, recorders, and mixers, and can be done in both analog and digital formats. In this article we will discuss some tips and tricks for sound recording to help you get the best results.

Microphones

Microphones are one of the most essential components of any sound recording setup. There is no single best microphone for every situation. Different types of microphones capture sound differently, so selecting the right type for your recording needs is important. The following are some of the most popular microphone choices:

Dynamic: Depending on the type, dynamic microphones can pick up a wide variety of sound sources from vocals to drums and amps. They are fairly rugged and require no power to use.

Condenser: Condenser microphones are known for providing crystal-clear recordings that capture detail with amazing precision. They require an external power source, usually in the form of phantom power supplied by an audio interface or mixer.

Polar Pattern: Different polar pattern settings determine which direction a microphone will pick up sound from, and it’s important to choose the right pattern based on your application. Common polar patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight and multi-pattern (which allows you to switch between settings).

Ribbon: Ribbon microphones were used extensively in days gone by but are making a comeback thanks to their incredibly warm tone and high-fidelity performance. They tend to be more expensive than dynamic or condenser mics but make up for it with their advanced construction and elegant design.

Audio Recorders

Recording quality audio is key to any successful film or video production. Whether you’re making a corporate video, music video, feature film or commercial, recording sound is an integral part of the filmmaking process.

So what do you need to record sound? The most basic setup consists of an audio recorder and a microphone (or several mics) connected to it. Audio recorders come in all shapes and sizes, from professional-level equipment that costs thousands of dollars down to consumer grade equipment costing only a few hundred dollars.

All recorders have inputs for connecting microphones (line or mic/line input) as well as outputs for headphones or line out. Some also have built-in mics, though these are generally not recommended for professional production use due to limited quality.

The most common types of audio recorders are:
-Portable digital audio recorders – These are battery powered devices in which your recordings are stored on memory cards. These come in a variety of sizes, from pocket sized devices such as the Zoom H1n through bigger devices such as the Zoom F8n that can accept up to 8 XLR inputs at once.
-Field mixers – Field mixers come with any number of inputs (2-8 typically), allowing you to connect multiple microphones into one device and then mix/adjust levels on each channel before recording all into one stereo track, rather than having a separate track per mic in your recording setup. This makes setting up multiple mic setups easier and more organized. Examples include the Sound Devices 702T, Zoom F8n, Tascam DR680mkII and others.
-Computer interfaces – Computer interfaces allow you to connect both condenser mics (which require phantom power) and dynamic mics directly into your computer via USB and then record your signal onto one or more tracks inside your digital audio workstation software (such as Pro Tools). Many models also feature knobs/faders for adjusting levels on each channel before sending them out for mixing within your DAW software package. Examples include the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 and Audient ID4 USB interfaces.”

Software

When recording sound for your video production, you will need the right software and equipment to get the job done. The most commonly used sounds recording software is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). In production, a DAW uses an audio interface and one or more sound recorders to capture audio files which can then be manipulated, reimagined, or edited as needed.

In addition to the necessary hardware and software requirements listed above, there are other possibilities depending on what type of sound you are looking to record. This could include live recordings or complex multi-track editing.

Live recordings involve capturing moments in time – such as interviews, acoustic performances, lectures and so forth – giving it an almost 3D feel. Capturing these moments often involves portable devices for recording on location – such as devices that are handheld, lavalier mics (which clip onto clothing), shotgun mics (which sit atop a camera), etc.

Multi-track editing involves multiple layers of audio which allow composers to capture complex audio solutions that might not otherwise be achievable with a single recorder set up. This includes Foley effects (the systematic recreation of everyday sound effects in post production), ambience/environmental sounds and dialogue rerecording/repairing (ADR).

Sound Editing

The use of sound in video production can be essential to create a successful video. Sound editing is a major part of the post-production process. It involves a lot of different tasks including creating sound effects, adding background music, and making sure all of the audio levels are balanced. In this article, we will be looking at the basics of sound editing and how it can be used in video production.

Editing Techniques

Audio editing involves a range of techniques to modify audio recordings or create new audio from existing material. The most common technique used in the editing process is cutting, which simply means removing pieces of the audio that are not needed or desired. Other techniques include fading in and out, looping, reversing sound clips, adding effects and mixing multiple sounds together. It’s important to pay attention to detail and make sure that any edits pan out correctly across different parts of the recording.

When dealing with longer pieces of audio it’s very important to make sure that the transitions between various types of sound are smooth. To ensure this you can use volume automation and compressors to control dynamic range and evenly adjust levels over time. You can also experiment with creative effects such as EQ filtering, phase shifting and reverse reverb which add flavour to your recordings.

When it comes to mixing multiple sounds together, it’s essential that all elements have enough top end so they don’t become lost in a muddy or indistinct mix. This is accomplished through equalization where frequencies can be split into highlights (treble), mids (middle) and lows (bass). Most digital audio workstations offer tools such as compressors and limiters that help control dynamics by levelling off any spikes or fluctuations in the audio before it reaches its output stage.

It’s important for video producers to understand the fundamentals of sound editing so they can confidently produce quality sound recordings for their projects. With some practice, you too can become an expert at making great uses of these powerful techniques!

Effects and Filters

Effects, or audio filters, are transformations that change how a sound manifests. They can be used to create special effects, shape and sculpt the audio, or alter the existing sound altogether. These transformations are designed to affect a range of variables such as sounds’ frequencies, amplitude, reverberation and delays. Sound design professionals use these effects to manipulate raw sound elements into desired formats for specific purposes in audio and video production.

The most common types of effects used in media production include:

-Equalization (EQ): EQ controls the amount of time each frequency within a signal is audible by adjusting levels at different frequencies or by adding high or low frequency boosts. This can construct atmospheres such as creating natural acoustics and ambience in a scene that would otherwise be muted or overwhelming.
-Reverb: Reverb alters the sonic space of an audio signal to make it sound like it’s echoing in a room. It creates depth in situational audio and texture for spoken parts within scenes.
-Filters: Filters adjust an audio signal’s frequency area which consists of highs, mids and lows. Width adjustment settings will determine which frequencies remain when cutting out unwanted areas with narrow filters settings or leaving more sonic character when boosting certain areas with wide settings― known as peak cut (narrow frequency) & broad band algorithms (wide).
-Compression/Limiting: Compression decreases dynamic range of an audio signal resulting in less variation between louder and quieter sounds while limiting sets an absolute maximum above which the loudest sounds will not reach past–– making them stay consistent throughout any scene enhance clarity while at times preserving intensity against loud transients that could otherwise overload other levels within the mix or recording.

Sound Mixing

Sound mixing is a vital part of the video production process. It involves bringing together different elements of sound to create a cohesive, powerful audio experience. This could include combining music, dialogue, foley and sound effects to create a unique and powerful soundscape. Sound mixing can be complicated, but there are some key principles and techniques that can help you get the most out of your sound.

Understanding Levels

The use of sound levels is an essential skill in sound mixing. Recognizing and understanding the changes in sound levels is essential to achieving a good mix. A sound mix is the combination of all audio elements used to deliver a finished product such as a song, movie dialogue, or podcast episode.

When you’re mixing sounds, it’s important to remember that louder doesn’t always mean better. Control over the various levels needs to be exercised in order to achieve the desired effect. This requires an understanding of a few key concepts:

-Gain staging: This refers to the relationship between gain (input level) and output (mix level). The gain should be set at appropriate level for each individual element being mixed, but not too much or too little.

-Headroom: Headroom works hand-in-hand with gain staging by setting aside additional space within the mix for unexpected events like peaks or silent moments during transitions.

-Dynamic range: Dynamic range is a measure of how far apart loud and soft sounds are relative to one another in any given recording or composition. When mixing, it’s important to pay attention to this so as not to distort softer elements when increasing levels on louder ones.

By understanding these concepts and mastering their application, you can create professional sounding mixes with greater ease and precision than ever before!

Setting Levels

When setting levels for sound mixing, it is important to use your ears as a guide and adjust the audio according to what sounds good. Generally, you will want your tracks to be balanced and have all the elements heard audibly. If one element is too loud or quiet, it can affect the entire mix.

First you must establish a reference level; usually this is set at average playback level (around -18 dBFS). Thenyou can begin adjusting individual tracks so they all sit in the same ballpark as each other. You will want to make sure that each track fits in the mix with an appropriate level of volume and no unwanted noise. This balancing process can take some time and patience, but will result in a professional sounding mix when done correctly.

Be careful not to introduce distortion while setting levels; heavy compressors or over-saturating limiters tend to cause distortion when used improperly. When balancing levels you may want to activate processors such as EQs or Compressors selectively, so you don’t loose elements of your mix by processing them too heavily.

Finally be aware of any problems occurring close together on multiple tracks; if several tracks are competing too heavily for a frequency band in your mix then try re-balancing them as an ensemble by using EQs or multiband compressors until each part has enough room within the arrangement without overpowering other parts of the recording. With some practice, setting levels can become second nature!

Creating the Final Mix

Creating a great mix involves balancing and blending the various elements of a recording to achieve the desired sound. Different recordings require different techniques, so it’s important to have an understanding of the entire recording process from start to finish. Here are some tips for creating a great final mix:

-Always start with the basic elements, such as vocals, drums, and bass.
-Leave some “headroom” or empty space in your mix to avoid clipping and distortion.
-Mix low end instruments like bass and drums together first. This will make it easier to blend other instruments into the mix without competing with the bass and drums.
-Be aware of frequency ranges when adjusting your equalization settings. Don’t boost frequencies that are already present in multiple tracks at once or you will create audio “clutter”.
-Automate your faders if possible – this allows much greater control over how each element relates to one another in terms of balance and volume over time.
-Listen carefully for any artifacts that may be present in your recordings. These can often be reduced or eliminated through careful mixing application of effects such as reverb, delay, chorus etc…
-Perform loudness normalization if you plan on rendering your track for streaming services or general playback from an mp3 player; this will help ensure your song is heard at comparable levels no matter what device is used for playback.

Sound in Video Production

Sound plays an important role in video production and is often overlooked. From the underlying sound design to the music that’s used to create a certain mood, sound can be used to enhance the overall production value of your videos. Understanding the different aspects of sound, such as what it is and how to use it in video production, can help you create more engaging and dynamic videos. In this article, we’ll look at what sound is and how to use it in video production.

Sound Design

Sound design is the process of creating, selecting, and manipulating sounds in video projects. This can include recording and editing soundtracks, adjusting levels of audio, adding effects and sound design elements, and more. In order to create a successful soundtrack for your project, it’s important to understand the different components of sound design, and apply them when appropriate.

There are three main aspects to sound design: field recording, editing/mixing/processing, and performance.

Field Recording involves utilizing location audio (sounds from where your project is taking place) which usually requires external microphones or reflectors. This can include foley (the replacement or augmentation of sounds), support dialog recordings (to follow dialogue levels), extra-diegetic sounds (background noise that can be heard by characters in the scene but not by the audience members), ADR (audio recorded after production has finished filming), musical instruments or singing voices recorded live on location etc).

The Editing/Mixing/Processing aspect involves editing tracks together in video post-production; balancing volumes; adjusting simple parameters like EQ or compression; creatively designing reverberations; adding Foley elements such as footsteps or breath sounds to existing sequences; mixing down final audio formats like 5.1 Dolby Digital etc.

The Performance aspect involves live music recordings with multiple microphone placements for either big orchestras with multiple sections of instruments being used at once or smaller setups such as solo singers/instrumentalists that use one main microphone for single-take performances etc.

All three components should be utilized when assembling a well-rounded soundtrack for your project as these are all important ingredients working together to ensure your visuals have an accompaniment that helps tell their story effectively and adding layers of emotion & meaning through sonic elements while immersing the viewer within its environment throughout the length of its duration!

Music and Sound Effects

Music and sound effects are essential for taking your video production to the next level. Music is a great way to build emotion, reinforce timing, and guide the audience through your video. While sound effects can underscore important moments or enhance a particular mood you’re trying to create in your video.

When selecting music for your production, it’s important to consider the overall feel you’re looking for. While classical music may evoke feelings of grandeur and majesty, rock or hip-hop may be more suitable if you want to create excitement around a product launch or promote a sporting event. Additionally, make sure that the tempo of the piece matches with what you’re trying to portray onscreen – too many fast cuts combined with slow string music can make viewers seasick! Finally, when searching for pieces online be sure to double check whether it requires a license before use!

Sound effects can also be invaluable in creating atmosphere – even if it’s subtle – and often go beyond simple ‘noise-making’. Sound can help craft characters; footsteps become heels walking across a boardroom floor for an executive that carries herself with an iron fist and efficiency – now that won’t just come across visually! From thunderous explosions and angelic harps, an audio library should cover all manner of events that occur on screen so look into them when producing sound-sensitive discussions!

Finding the right soundtrack is not only key in making compelling video but also essential in finding royalty free pieces (as much as possible) to avoid copyright issues later down the line. Before using any piece of Audio Visual material dig deep into its background (including artist info) …if necessary get explicit permission from its creators – this will ensure there will be no problems down the road! Music & Sound Effects are important components when making Video content so think carefully about how they are used in order create memorable moments within your videos!

Post Production Sound Mixing

Using sound to create atmosphere, focus attention, and add tension or conflict to your video is an important step in post-production. This sound engineering technique involves adding elements such as music and sound effects to the audio of a video. Getting it right can be a complex process but understanding the basics will help you make great sounding films.

Post production sound mixing combines various audio sources with your video footage music in order to create a cohesive audiovisual experience. The different components of this process include dialogue editing, Foley track recording, score composition/recording and integrating sound effects in the overall soundtrack. Audio engineers use sophisticated software packages such as Adobe Audition or Pro Tools for this purpose.

Sound mixing is done on two levels – sweetening and mixing. Sweetening involves correcting any problems such as background noise or hiss when recording the original audio track during filming, while mixing consists of balancing levels between all audio elements so they work together rather than detract from each other. It’s important to consider factors like tempo, loudness and timbre when performing this task to ensure that all sounds have their intended impact on viewers by working in harmony with each other. The emotional impacts of music should be considered during the mix as well; if you’re trying to convey a sense of dread or terror then selecting appropriately moody music could help to boost the effect dramatically.

It’s also important not to overlook additional elements like voiceover recordings or narration which may need merging into the finished product; again getting levels just right ensuring seamless changes between videos can take time but should result in a polished product that viewers can enjoy for years after its release

Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.