The ability to record, edit and process audio directly on the timeline is like getting an audio editing program for free. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a dedicated package, the convenience is priceless. It's also easy to view the video as you record, making it possible to do Foley work and dialog replacement right inside your NLE. Mastering the process still takes time and dedication, but, as a self-contained video producer, you have all the tools at your disposal, piece by piece. It's up to you to use them.
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
In true guerilla video-producing style, I recently needed to replace some footsteps on a video. If I had been smart, I would have recorded various steps, sampled them and brought them into the NLE at home. But nooo... I had to do it in the field. Fortunately, using a laptop, headphones and a shotgun microphone, I could simultaneously watch the video, match the walking cadence and record the result. It took several passes and some tweaking after the fact, but we used the actual actor walking on the actual path, and the finished video sounded completely authentic.
Live Event Miking
Audio for Video Production: Balanced Vs. Unbalanced
Producing Great Sound for Film and Video, 3rd Edition
Audio for Video Tips (DVD)
Field Audio (DVD)
Directing as a Sound Recordist
Producing a Documentary Part 2
Music and Sound FX Libraries Buyer's Guide
Recording Ambient Sound
Foley Sound