As with all new skills, audio cleaning will take some practice. Try each of the techniques we've described. If your audio software isn't up to the task, investigate an upgrade or the possibility of extending its power through plug-ins. There are mountains of free and almost-free VST plug-ins on the internet, and most audio platforms support them. Take a look. Or course, it's best to get the audio right from the beginning. But if you find yourself in a pinch and know all your options, you really can fix it in post.
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
Let's be real: sometimes you can't fix it in post. Then you have two options: mask it or ignore it. You might be able to cover some of your audio weirdness with some simple music. The difference is enough to distract the listener, and it could save an edit. I know it sounds cheap, but it's done all the time. Your final option is simply to embrace the flaws. Clean them the best you can, but, at the end of the day, live with them. You can tell everyone it lends honesty to the piece!
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
Video Glossary of Terms
Radio and Dialog Editing