It really is a noisy world, but, using these techniques, you can gain control. The wonderful thing about reducing noise today is the Undo button. If your first try doesn't work, all you have to do is undo it and try other options. You will find a combination of recording technique, filtering and digital noise reduction that can zap even the most offensive noises.
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
Sometimes, it's not possible or practical to eliminate all the noise in an audio track. In those cases, you either live with the noise or hide it using masking techniques. To mask with environmental noises, simply record a background noise track and fly it in at a reduced volume. Add some random environmental sound effects to spice it up and fully embrace the noise. Another common technique is masking with music. A simple bed of music under a dialog track can hide many undesirable noises.
Live Event Miking
Audio for Video Production: Balanced Vs. Unbalanced
Digital Audio Sampling
Audio For Video: How To Mix Stereo
Introduction to Digital Video Editing: The Guide to Getting Started With Computer Video (DVD)
Sound Success (DVD)
Advanced Editing -- Guide to Advanced Computer Video Editing (DVD)
Audio Compression
Composition 201
Fix It in Post