Steps for Removing Low-end Noise from Sound Effects for Video
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.
Software plugins that remove noise from audio abound and some function very well. However, under a fast approaching deadline, one may not have the time to find, purchase, and learn the nuances of a new plugin. For these situations, simply turn to the default equalization and reverbs provided in your audio or video editing software.
Armed with these sufficient plugins, use the following strategies to save your audio recording from being ruined by unintended noise:
Initially you can try using a Single Band EQ to attempt to erase much, if not all, of the unwanted hum. Using such an EQ you can take away all the audio below or above a certain frequency. For instance, since a low end rumble from an air conditioner emits around 60 Hz then by placing a Single Band EQ at 80 Hz one can most likely eradicate most of the unwanted noise without damaging any voice tracks.
Second, use a Parametric EQ to "notch" targeted areas by using a very small width of the sound spectrum to decrease a specific tone and its octaves, such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. By targeting only small areas of sound one hopes to rid the offensive noise while preserving the surrounding frequencies.
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.
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.
Software plugins that remove noise from audio abound and some function very well. However, under a fast approaching deadline, one may not have the time to find, purchase, and learn the nuances of a new plugin. For these situations, simply turn to the default equalization and reverbs provided in your audio or video editing software.
Armed with these sufficient plugins, use the following strategies to save your audio recording from being ruined by unintended noise:
Initially you can try using a Single Band EQ to attempt to erase much, if not all, of the unwanted hum. Using such an EQ you can take away all the audio below or above a certain frequency. For instance, since a low end rumble from an air conditioner emits around 60 Hz then by placing a Single Band EQ at 80 Hz one can most likely eradicate most of the unwanted noise without damaging any voice tracks.
Second, use a Parametric EQ to "notch" targeted areas by using a very small width of the sound spectrum to decrease a specific tone and its octaves, such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. By targeting only small areas of sound one hopes to rid the offensive noise while preserving the surrounding frequencies.
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.
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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posted by Marcondes Allen at 4:54 PM
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