If you want to improve the sound quality of your content, we have some practical tips for you. Great audio is one of the things that separates polished, professional content from the rest, so here are the steps that will help your work stand out and resonate with your audience.
Use a better microphone
One of the most crucial elements of quality audio is the microphone itself. Most computers and smartphones have built-in mics, but they rarely deliver the best sound. Investing in a good quality microphone can improve your audio dramatically, and it is one of the highest impact upgrades you can make.
Use a pop filter
A pop filter is a small device placed between the microphone and your mouth to reduce popping and breathing sounds. It works by dispersing the burst of air released when you speak, which would otherwise create unwanted noise. The result is audio that sounds much clearer and more professional.
Record in a quiet environment
Even the best microphone cannot compensate for a noisy room, so choose a recording spot where external noise is not a problem. Before you start, close the windows and switch off any appliances that make noise. Be mindful of the location too, as a room facing a busy street or near a construction site will hurt your audio.
Try to avoid large, empty rooms, since they cause reverberation and echo that will be obvious in the final recording. Smaller spaces such as walk-in closets or bedrooms are ideal, because they are quieter and produce far less echo. Taking the time to find a quiet space is genuinely worth it.
Use a noise gate
One of the biggest challenges in recording is eliminating unwanted background noise, especially in a less than ideal environment. A noise gate is a tool that can help.
A noise gate lets you set a threshold for when audio is allowed to pass through. Any sound below the threshold is muted, while anything above it comes through. This is excellent for removing low level noise such as the hum of an air conditioner or traffic outside.
To use one, first set the threshold. The right level depends on how much background noise you have and how loud your voice is. Aim to cut out the unwanted noise while still letting your voice come through clearly.
Next, experiment with the attack and release times. The attack time controls how quickly the gate kicks in when audio falls below the threshold, and the release time controls how quickly it fades out when audio rises above it. Look for a balance between a quick attack (to remove noise fast) and a slower release (so you do not clip the ends of words). A noise gate is a great tool, but it works best combined with a quiet room and a quality microphone.
Post-process your audio
Once you have recorded, a little post-processing gives your audio a final polish. Here are the essential steps.
- Remove background noise. No matter how quiet your room is, some noise always creeps in. Use a noise reduction tool such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. Select a section that contains only noise and let the tool remove it, but be careful not to overdo it or you will degrade your voice.
- Equalize your audio. Equalizing means adjusting the levels of different frequencies in your voice. Use an EQ plugin to boost or reduce frequencies that are overpowering or lacking, so your sound is balanced and natural.
- Compress your audio. Compression makes your volume more consistent, reducing the loud parts and lifting the quiet parts for a more even result. Use a compressor plugin to set the threshold and ratio.
- Normalize your audio. Normalizing brings the overall volume to a set level so your audio is neither too loud nor too quiet. A normalize plugin can bring it to around -3dB or -6dB, depending on your preferred standard.
- Add reverb or delay. For a professional touch, a little reverb or delay adds depth to your voice. Reverb makes a recording sound like it was captured in a larger space, while delay adds a natural echo. Experiment with the settings to find what suits your content.
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