Professional video productions rely just as strongly on good audio quality as they do on good video quality. Some people might think of video and audio as being separate topics, and while they are different things, your video quality is only as good as your audio quality. This guide will introduce you to the importance of good audio in video production.
How Poor Audio Can Impair Video-Viewing Experience
Imagine you’re sitting down in a movie theater; when the film starts, the cinematography is incredible. Then, when the actors attempt to say lines, the dialogue becomes muddied by hectic feedback, excessive background noise, or a lack of sound entirely. Suffice it to say, it’s going to be tough to focus on the movie. This same principle applies to news broadcasts, sports broadcasts, and even Church productions as well.
For example, if you’re broadcasting the news, the video quality needs to look clean and professional. That being said, if the video quality looks great but the audience can’t hear what the news anchor is saying, they’re going to move onto the next channel, whip out their phone, or find something else they deem worthy of their time.
How To Avoid Poor Audio Quality
So, how can you avoid having poor audio quality in your video production? If you’re not familiar with the different types of audio gear such as lavalier or shotgun microphones, then that’s where you should start. Lavalier mics are tiny microphones you can clip onto the subject whose audio you’re trying to capture. Lav mics are easy to conceal, so if you take the time to properly position them, they’ll capture audio without sticking out to audience members. The audience should focus on what the speaker is saying, not what equipment they’re wearing.
Shotgun mics are held farther away from the subject, usually on the end of a boom pole. This type of microphone captures directional sound, so as long you’re aiming it at the subject—at a comfortable distance—you can still capture clean, clear audio. Make sure you’re buying equipment from reliable brands, so you know what you’re in for in terms of quality.
At the end of the day, the importance of good audio in video production comes down to its ability to engage viewers in the information you’re trying to convey. Outfitting your production with professional video accessories like high-quality lav and shotgun mics will help you engage audiences every time you go live. Whether you’re broadcasting Sunday Mass or the local news, the audio quality should add an extra dimension to your video, making the audience feel as if they’re right there in the room with the speaker.