Audio Articles

• Microphones
• Sound Design

• Audio for Video Production: Balanced Vs. Unbalanced
  September, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Overview of balanced vs.Unbalanced signals with ways to adapt a balanced audio signal to an unbalanced camera input when recording audio for video production.
• Buyer's Guide to Finding the Best Audio Recording & Mixing Gear
  September, 2009
  by George F. Young
  Guide to finding the best audio recording and mixing gear for video production with tips on how to stay within your budget and links to manufacturers.
• Listen Up! Videomaker's Headphones Buyer's Guide
  July, 2009
  by Randy Hansen
  Careful shopping and consistent use can make your videos a pleasure to hear. Silent movies went out of fashion with The Jazz Singer in 1927.
• Audio: Getting To Know Your On Camera Audio
  June, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Did you know your on camera audio may include several tools? Depending on your make and model, these extra goodies may be hiding somewhere.
• Audio: Plosives and Sibilance
  May, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Using a combination of talent and recording techniques, along with some post-production tricks, you can create a clean, professional vocal recording.
• Videomaker's Microphone Guide
  May, 2009
  by Tom Benford
  Guide to finding the best microphones for video production. Learn about the many types of microphones. Includes list of manufacturer's websites.
• Audio: Mixing Audio for Video
  April, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Tips on how to set up your video editing software tools to achieve the best work flow for adding, cleaning and mixing audio for your video...
• Basic Training: Recording Good Audio for Video
  April, 2009
  by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr.
  If they can't understand your audio, they'll walk out. Learn to get the best audio for video. How to select the right mics & sync external recorders.
• Audio: Make Your Own Mic Blimp
  February, 2009
  by Tom Benford
  Owning the latest state-of-the-art video equipment is very cool, but making your own gear can sometimes be a lot more fun. Let's DIY it this month with Audio…
• Audio Dual-System Sound
  August, 2008
  by Hal Robertson
  When you need to sync many mic sources into your video or want to boost the audio you're already collecting, you might want to look at dual-system sound.
• Basic Training Basic Sound for Video
  August, 2008
  by Kyle Cassidy
  People seem to forget that capturing events requires capturing video and audio. You need to balance the best way to capture video versus the best way to…
• Audio: It's a Noisy World
  May, 2008
  by Hal Robertson
  Unless you're sitting in the middle of a soundproof room, the sounds of distant traffic noise, construction and aircraft are everywhere.
• Audio: Sound Control
  April, 2008
  by Hal Robertson
  Compression makes vocals easier to hear and volumes more consistent and brings out sounds that might get lost in a complicated mix.
• Audio: 10 Voiceover Tips
  March, 2008
  by Hal Robertson
  Voiceovers are the mainstays of advertising, instruction and promotional videos, television programs and feature films.
• Sound Advice: Room Without a View
  February, 2007
  by Hal Robertson
  Anyone who has ever struggled to record a clean voice over appreciates the importance of a dedicated recording space.
• Sound Advice
  January, 2007
  by Hal Robertson
  Learning to Listen
• Sound Advice: Digital Audio Secrets Revealed!
  October, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  When it comes to audio in our videos, most of us just plug in a microphone and hit the record button.
• Sound Advice: Announcing... You?
  August, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Commercials, movie trailers, product and training videos all have one thing in common -- they often need a voiceover.
• Directing: Dual-Role Directing
  June, 2006
  by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
  Multitasking when you are directing is not easy but sometimes necessary. Here are a few suggestions.
• Sound Advice: Natural Sound to the Rescue
  May, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Two minutes of extra work on the set or in the field can save you hours of headache in the edit bay. You just need to remember to do it.
• How to Make a Documentary Part II
  May, 2006
  by Randal K. West
  Considered an art form by many, documentary video production has its own special challenges and rewards. In this second of three parts on how to make a…
• Audio Advice: The Right Tool for the Job
  April, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Using an off-board mic is a big step for many video producers but just using any old mic is not good enough. For the best sound, use the best mic for the…
• Audio Mixers Buyer's Guide: Mix it Up
  April, 2006
  by Paul Suchecki
  One day while shooting you'll run out of audio inputs. It just seems we never have enough.
• Basic Training: Shooting an Interview
  March, 2006
  by Kyle Cassidy
  It might not be 60 Minutes, (more like 15 minutes!) but if you want to make your interviews shine like Ed Bradley's on CBS, read on!
• Sound Advice: Phased & Confused
  February, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  After countless hours of careful acquisition and editing, you go to play your finished work on a television set and part of your audio is gone. What happened?
• Sound Advice: The Natural Approach
  June, 2005
  by Hal Robertson
  Waves crashing, seagulls screaming, kids laughing... all elements of natural sound that enhances every story and boosts the impact of your video.
• Sound Advice: Audio Isolation
  January, 2005
  by Hal Robertson
  In order to ensure the quality of your audio, grab a pair of headphones and put them to good use. Better audio awaits you.
• Sound Advice: Bits and Bytes
  September, 2004
  by Hal Robertson
  Understanding the language of digital audio.
• Sound Advice: Ninja Sound
  August, 2004
  by Hal Robertson
  Choosing the best microphone for your next video shoot.
• Jargon: Audio Acquisition Terms
  July, 2004
  by Chuck Peters
  Audio Acquisition Terms