Whether you are a seasoned sound mixer or a humble beginner just learning how to use sound effects, and production music, here are some tips and tricks for putting together the perfect audio track.
1. Good Sound Editing Begins With Good Recording
Make sure to use a recording device you are familiar with. Include about a second of silence both before and after recording a sound. This will help with mixing later on. Record close to the source of the sound with a directional mic for best results.
2. Use Trusted, Intuitive Software
Free software for simple audio editing projects is out there. Many computers also come with audio editing software pre-installed. If you have a Mac, look for a program called GarageBand. If you’re using a video editing program, you can usually edit audio within that program, too.
3. Set Your Volume Levels Carefully
Import all new sounds into your project at the zero level. This is the baseline. Once a few sounds are imported, you can adjust the levels of different tracks to create a spectrum of high to low level sounds. Always listen to your project with your computer volume set to a medium level, both with headphones and speakers. If something sounds too quiet or too loud, it likely needs to be adjusted.
4. Always Dissolve or Fade New Tracks
A new sound appearing out of nowhere is very jarring for the listener. Even a short fade-in can make it seem like the sound is entering more naturally. Use dissolves when one sound is leaving at the same time another is entering.  
5. Don’t Forget Room Tone and Background Noise
If you are creating an audio track for a scene, it won’t sound natural unless you include a recording from the space that the scene is taking place. It may seem silly to record what seems like silence in an empty space, but it is absolutely essential for setting a scene.
6. Apply Filters/Effects As Needed
In general, you should only add an effect to a sound when there is a clear source for the effect, otherwise it may come off as cheesy or disorienting. For example, if a character is walking through a tunnel, you can add reverb to the footsteps. You can also add filters to recorded voices to differentiate voice-over narration or a voice on the phone from regular dialogue.
7. Use Sound Databases for Royalty-Free Clips and Music
Online resources like Storyblocksare great places to find high-quality sounds that you aren’t able to record yourself. Just subscribe and download all the sounds you could ever need!
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Caroline Mercurio
Marketing Creative Specialist
An avid storyteller with a background in film, theater, and fine art, Caroline covers the latest trends in film and design while managing our social media platforms. In her free time, she can be found awkwardly practicing ballroom dancing in public places or “studying” to become a level 1 sommelier. Maybe.
I'm an audio production enthusiast with a profound understanding of sound editing and mixing. Over the years, I've honed my skills, working on various projects that range from amateur recordings to professional soundscapes. My experience includes using a variety of recording devices, both simple and sophisticated, and experimenting with different software to achieve the best results.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
1. Good Sound Editing Begins With Good Recording
- Familiar Recording Devices:
Utilize a recording device you are familiar with. This ensures you can navigate its settings efficiently, resulting in a smoother recording process.
- Silence Before and After Recording:
Including about a second of silence before and after recording is a practice that aids in the mixing phase, providing room for adjustments and preventing abrupt transitions.
- Directional Mic:
Optimal sound quality is achieved by recording close to the source using a directional microphone. This helps in capturing clear, focused audio.
2. Use Trusted, Intuitive Software
- Free and Pre-installed Software:
Explore free audio editing software for simpler projects. Many computers come with pre-installed audio editing software. For Mac users, GarageBand is recommended.
- Integration with Video Editing Software:
If you're using a video editing program, you can often edit audio within that program. This can streamline your workflow and keep all elements in one place.
3. Set Your Volume Levels Carefully
- Baseline at Zero Level:
Import all new sounds at the zero level as a baseline. Adjust the levels of different tracks to create a balanced spectrum of high to low sounds.
- Medium Volume Check:
Listen to your project at a medium volume with both headphones and speakers to ensure the mix is balanced. Adjust any elements that sound too quiet or too loud.
4. Always Dissolve or Fade New Tracks
- Smooth Transitions:
Abrupt sound entrances can be jarring. Use fades or dissolves for new tracks, creating a more natural entry or exit for each sound.
5. Don’t Forget Room Tone and Background Noise
- Capturing Ambient Sounds:
Including room tone and background noise is crucial for creating a realistic audio track for a scene. It provides the necessary atmosphere and context.
6. Apply Filters/Effects As Needed
- Purposeful Application:
Effects should be added only when there's a clear source for them. Avoid unnecessary effects that may seem out of place or disorienting.
- Examples of Effects:
Reverb for footsteps in a tunnel or filters for recorded voices to differentiate narration from regular dialogue.
7. Use Sound Databases for Royalty-Free Clips and Music
- Accessing High-Quality Sounds:
Online resources like Storyblocks offer royalty-free sounds and music, providing a vast library for your projects. Subscribing allows you to download a variety of high-quality audio clips.
In summary, mastering the art of sound editing involves a combination of technical knowledge, careful recording practices, and thoughtful application of editing techniques. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, these tips and tricks form a solid foundation for creating the perfect audio track.
