Sunday, July 20, 2008

Steps for Removing Low-end Noise from Sound Effects for Video

By SFXsource

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.

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.

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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