Sound is one of the most important elements to a successful video. This blog is a follow up to a previous post in June of 2009 entitled "Video Is All About Sound". The way you approach audio recording will greatly impact the quality of your final product. When it comes to audio, there are a million areas we can cover so to narrow the focus, I decided to narrow the choices and write about "Audio Clipping". Lately, I have had the opportunity to work with video footage recorded by other companies and noticed a trend with audio clipping.
WIKIPEDIA definition:
Clipping is a form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and attempts to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum power capability. Driving an amplifier into clipping may cause it to put out power in excess of its published ratings.
To translate into english, audio clipping is when sound is attempting to be recorded above 0db (decibels). The sound is too loud to record and therefore, can cause distortion in the form of buzzing. Here is a great example of a video that includes clipping.
Watch this video! More inportantly listen to this video.
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In this example, we had to use some video (Classroom footage only) recorded by another company as part of a project. Unfortunately clipping is extremely difficult to correct and in some cases such as this irreparable. Did you notice the difference between the Studio audio and the classroom audio?
This situation could have been avoided, but first I will provide an educated guess how this happened.
Prior to the presenter taking the stage an audio check was performed. "Check 1, 2, 3" most likely sounded great through the headphones, but when the presenter began speaking, he did what most presenters do. He raised his voice levels higher than during the test on the side. The Camera person never made the adjustment and the results were irreparable.
This could easily be avoided in the future by performing two tasks.
1. When doing the first sound check be sure to have your talent speak at the highest level.
2.A good set of headphones will allow for volume adjustments on the fly. I always suggest headphones that covers the ears. The old walk man style just doesn't cut it.
Remember audio is just as if not more important to your project than video is at times. You don't need expensive equipment to get the job done right.
Feel free to comment or add to this blog as well as ask to read about other video subjects.
Brightstreet Blog 
Sound is one of the most important elements to a successful video. This blog is a follow up to a previous post in June of 2009 entitled "Video Is All About Sound". The way you approach audio recording will greatly impact the quality of your final product. When it comes to audio, there are a million areas we can cover so to narrow the focus, I decided to narrow the choices and write about "Audio Clipping". Lately, I have had the opportunity to work with video footage recorded by other companies and noticed a trend with audio clipping.
