Every time I get into a new project, there is always something new to learn about the production process. Not every project is the same, and some may have to be done differently than others – which is okay!! I’ve done some research on recording and editing audio for my upcoming podcast, Let’s Have a Sleepover!
“7 Secrets for Getting Pro-Sounding Vocals on Home Recordings”, Filippo Gaetani
This blog post focused on how to get the right sound on a tighter budget. One of his tips that resonated with me was being careful when vocal editing. While this may apply more towards music, I think it is also important to remember for podcast editing as well. During post-production, to keep things more natural-sounding for the audience, it is important to keep editing to almost a minimum, besides the added music or sound effects. Depending on different tools to alter or change your voice can easily ruin a podcast if overused.
Another point that I wanted to highlight was the importance of taking several takes to get the right sound. Again, while this mostly applies to music, this is just as valid for podcasting. To get the more natural sound of your voice, several takes must be made to get you more comfortable for the mic.
Sound Advice: Editing Audio for Video
In this article, Videomaker stresses the importance of audio in video productions. They even encourage readers to think of editing audio first for their next project, as it can “transform” their sound and elevate their projects. From recording extra B-roll footage to post-processing your audio, Videomaker offers many tips to elevate your audio in post-production. I believe the author’s main point to readers is the importance of audio in any production, as it sets the bar for the project’s quality. Bad audio means bad quality, and good audio means… well you get it.
I have a couple of examples of projects that I’ve enjoyed recently with exceptional audio and sound effects:
Via Li, a YouTuber that I watch frequently, has a channel exclusively for journal entries – to share things she has learned, share advice, and update supporters on her life. I enjoy this channel because of how relaxed it is, and how personal the video feels. The audio quality, though she is holding the microphone in her hand (which I’ve heard is a big no-no in audio), is great, and the added in sound effects add a lot of mood to her video. Sound effects, to me, portray a new side of hosts that you may not see in the rough cut of the podcast, when they’re just sitting in front of the microphone. I definitely want to edit my podcast a bit similar to hers, as I like her editing style for both audio and video.
A Quiet Place (2018) – Beau’s Death Scene
First off, apologies for such a sad scene 😭 Being such a quiet movie with almost no dialogue, this scene does a perfect job at keeping the audience on their toes. I also liked how the audio went super muffled when focusing on the girl, as it shows she is deaf. Hearing the quiet footsteps and then the sound of the toy rocket shows the audience how such a small noise can be much louder in their difficult situation, and keeps the audience engaged yet sympathetic for such a sad situation.
Baby Driver (2017) – Opening Titles, Coffee Run Scene
This scene involves the music syncing up perfectly to Baby’s life. Walking listening to Harlem Shuffle by Bob & Earl, the city’s noises sync with the song in his headphones. I love how playful this scene is, and how the music itself is pretty funky. Syncing them allows viewers to think they’re inside the character’s head, which is a pretty unique way to do so!
Through these examples and research of getting the perfect audio, I wanted to try creating a podcast episode for myself.
Listen to my first episode here!
Music
“Home Cookin’” by Jimit
https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/home-cookin/136470
Sound Effects
BusinessGoose. (2021). Vine boom sound effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7Cin_87H4
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