Why Do Background Noises Appear So Loud in Online Video Clips?

Have you ever experienced the frustration of watching a video online, only to find that the background noise is overwhelmingly loud and distracting? In a world where video content is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, this issue can be quite noticeable. Understanding why this happens and how to address it can significantly enhance the audio quality of your videos. Let's explore the reasons and solutions.

Why Background Noises Seem So Loud

When you view a film clip online, the background noise might seem particularly loud due to several factors. Often, the problem resides in the original recording process. Many creators, especially those working with low-budget or amateur settings, do not pay sufficient attention to capturing high-quality audio.

1. Amateur Video Production

Amateur videos are frequently recorded with smartphones or simple cameras, which typically come with omnidirectional microphones. These microphones capture a wide range of sounds from the environment, including background noise, making it difficult to isolate and focus on the dialogue or the main sound of interest.

For example, if you have ever observed a YouTube tutorial or a vlog, you may have noticed that the noise from the environment seems to be more pronounced. This is because these creators often use the built-in microphones, which are not designed for professional recording. The result is a recording that includes significant ambient noise.

2. Stock Footage and Merchandise

When acquiring stock footage for your projects, you might encounter similar issues. Stock footage providers often do not include high-quality audio, as it can be a significant expense and is often not the primary focus. As a result, even if you purchase stock footage that is visually appealing, the audio quality might still be subpar.

The solution here is to invest in quality microphones and proper recording techniques. A modestly-priced directional or cardioid microphone can be a game-changer. These microphones are designed to pick up sound more selectively, reducing the amount of ambient noise that enters the recording. For instance, the Zoom H1 (now available at a competitive price) is a popular choice among creators seeking to improve audio quality.

3. Professional vs. Amateur Audio Production

Professional audio production is a different beast altogether. Unlike amateur or even most amateur videos, professional films often record audio in a studio separately from filming the video. This allows for precise control over the sound quality and the removal of unwanted background noise.

The process involves the use of noise gates and directional microphones. Noise gates automatically quiet the recording when there is no sound, effectively muting background noise. Directional microphones, on the other hand, are engineered to capture sound from specific directions, allowing filmmakers to focus the microphone on the subject while minimizing other sounds.

Improving Audio Quality for Your Videos

Now that we understand the reasons behind the loud background noises, let's look at how you can improve the audio quality in your videos. Here are a few steps you can take:

Invest in Quality Microphones: Purchasing a quality microphone can make a significant difference. Consider getting a directional or cardioid microphone to capture higher-quality sound. Invest in Studio Gear: For professional results, using studio-grade equipment such as noise gates and directional microphones is essential. Opt for Stock Footage with Good Audio: When using stock footage, make sure to choose providers that offer high-quality audio. Some providers may offer bundled packages with both audio and visual content.

Conclusion

Background noise can be a significant challenge when working with video content, but it is not an insurmountable problem. By understanding the reasons behind the issue and taking the necessary steps to improve the audio quality, you can produce videos that are both visually and audibly engaging. Whether you're creating amateur content or professional productions, putting effort into capturing good audio can pay off in a big way.

Key Points

Understanding why background noises are noticeable in videos. Investing in quality microphones and audio equipment. Using professional-grade equipment to capture good audio. Choosing high-quality stock footage with good audio.

Explore our collection of professional-quality microphones and audio equipment to improve the sound quality in your videos today.