Complete Audio for Video Production Cheat Sheet: Recording, Editing, and Delivery Techniques

Introduction: Understanding Audio for Video

Audio is a critical component of video production that often receives less attention than visuals but can make or break a project. High-quality audio enhances storytelling, establishes emotional tone, improves audience engagement, and increases overall production value. Poor audio quality can distract viewers and undermine otherwise excellent visual content. This cheat sheet covers essential concepts, techniques, and best practices for capturing, editing, and delivering professional audio for video productions.

Core Concepts and Technical Standards

Audio Specifications for Video Production

Audio Levels and Metering

Audio File Formats for Video

Equipment and Setup for Video Audio

Microphone Types and Applications

Essential Recording Equipment

• Audio Recorder: Zoom H4n/H6, Sound Devices MixPre, Tascam DR series
• Mixer/Interface: For multiple mic inputs and level control
• Headphones: Closed-back for monitoring (Sony MDR-7506, Beyerdynamic DT770)
• Windscreens/Dead Cats: For outdoor recording
• Shock Mounts: Minimize handling noise
• Boom Poles: For positioning shotgun mics above talent
• XLR Cables: Professional balanced connections
• Power Solutions: Batteries, power banks, AC adapters

Camera Audio Connections

Audio Recording Techniques for Video

Dialogue Recording Methods

Room Acoustics and Location Considerations

• Reflective Surfaces: Glass, hardwood, concrete create echo
• Room Tone: Always record 30+ seconds of ambient noise for each location
• Background Noise: Identify and mitigate HVAC, refrigerators, traffic
• Outdoor Challenges: Wind, traffic, aircraft, natural sounds
• Set Design: Consider acoustic properties of filming locations
• Acoustic Treatment: Portable sound blankets, foam panels for problematic spaces

Recording Levels and Monitoring

• Set levels with -12dB to -20dB average, -6dB peaks
• Always monitor with headphones while recording
• Watch for distortion, background noise, or interference
• Record redundant audio when possible (recorder + camera)
• Use limiters to prevent unexpected peaks
• Check for RF interference when using wireless systems
• Slate or clap at the beginning of takes for sync reference

Audio Syncing and Organizing

Synchronization Methods

File Organization for Post-Production

• Use consistent naming conventions: [Scene]_[Take]_[Audio Source]
• Group files by scene/location
• Back up audio files immediately after shooting
• Keep original files unmodified
• Create proxy/working copies for editing
• Document mic placement and equipment used
• Note any audio issues on set for post-production awareness

Post-Production Audio Workflow

Audio Editing Process

1. Import and Organize: Bring files into DAW/NLE
2. Sync Audio: Align double-system audio with video
3. Dialog Edit: Clean up dialogue, remove unwanted sounds
4. Sound Design: Add effects, ambience, and foley
5. Music: Add score and/or licensed tracks
6. Preliminary Mix: Balance all elements
7. Review and Revisions: Get feedback, make adjustments
8. Final Mix: Finalize all audio elements
9. Mastering: Ensure technical compliance with delivery specifications
10. Export: Render final audio according to delivery requirements

Essential Post-Production Tools

Audio Clean-up and Enhancement

Common Audio Problems and Solutions

Dialog Editing Techniques

• Crossfading: Smooth transitions between clips (3-10ms)
• Room Tone: Fill gaps with consistent ambient noise
• Audio Scribble: Use waveform visibility to identify issues
• Alternate Takes: Replace problematic lines from other takes
• ADR: Re-record dialogue in studio when necessary
• Dialogue Isolation: Use EQ, gating to focus on speech
• Clip Gain: Adjust levels before applying effects
• Batch Processing: Apply consistent treatment to similar audio

EQ for Video Dialog

Sound Design and Music

Layering Audio Elements

Music Placement and Mixing

• Music should enhance emotion without competing with dialogue
• Use volume automation to duck music during dialogue
• Consider frequency masking between music and speech
• Use stems (separate elements) when available for more control
• Instrumental sections for dialogue-heavy scenes
• Bridge scenes and transitions with musical themes
• Clear music rights and licensing before final delivery

Sound Effects and Foley

• Use sound libraries for efficiency (Soundsnap, Epidemic Sound, etc.)
• Record custom effects for unique sounds
• Layer multiple sounds for complex effects
• Pan effects to match screen position
• Create perspective with reverb and volume
• Consider the emotional impact of sound choices
• Use foley for clothing movement, footsteps, and handling sounds

Mixing for Different Platforms

Surround Sound Mixing

Platform-Specific Considerations

Loudness Standards and Management

• LUFS (LKFS): Loudness Units relative to Full Scale
• True Peak: Actual peak level including intersample peaks
• Dynamic Range: Difference between loudest and quietest parts
• Dialog Normalization: Calibrating levels based on speech
• Downmixing: Converting surround to stereo/mono compatibility
• Limiters: Preventing digital overs while maximizing loudness
• Loudness Meters: Tools to measure and ensure compliance

Delivery and Quality Control

Final Delivery Formats

Quality Control Checklist

• ✓ Dialogue intelligible throughout
• ✓ No dropouts or digital artifacts
• ✓ Consistent levels between scenes
• ✓ Meets loudness specifications for platform
• ✓ No unauthorized music or effects
• ✓ Correct channel configuration
• ✓ Sync maintained throughout
• ✓ All required deliverables included
• ✓ Metadata correctly embedded
• ✓ Correct file formats and specifications

Export Settings by Platform

Common Problems and Solutions

Troubleshooting Audio Issues

When to Use ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)

• Location audio is unusable due to noise/interference
• Performance is good but technical quality is poor
• Script changes after shooting
• Heavy accents need to be moderated
• Dialogue needs to be heard over unavoidable environmental noise
• For voiceovers and narration

Best Practices and Tips

On-Set Audio Practices

• Scout locations for acoustic properties before shooting
• Always record room tone at each location
• Use redundant audio recording when possible
• Monitor audio with headphones during every take
• Document equipment, settings, and any issues
• Communicate with the team about audio needs
• Control the environment whenever possible
• Have backup equipment ready

Post-Production Efficiency

• Use templates for common workflows
• Create keyboard shortcuts for frequent operations
• Use track presets for dialogue, music, effects
• Apply batch processing for similar audio clips
• Create submixes/groups for easier control
• Save complex signal chains as presets
• Label and color-code tracks consistently
• Save incremental versions of your project

Client Communication

• Set clear expectations about audio quality
• Educate on the importance of good production audio
• Establish review and approval process for audio
• Discuss music licensing early in production
• Create reference mixes for client review
• Document feedback systematically
• Consider accessibility needs (subtitles, described audio)

Resources for Further Learning

Books and Publications

• “Modern Recording Techniques” by David Miles Huber
• “The Location Sound Bible” by Ric Viers
• “Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures” by John Purcell
• “The Sound Effects Bible” by Ric Viers
• “Audio Post Production for Film and Television” by Mark Cross

Online Resources

• Pro Tools Expert (tutorials and articles)
• Sound on Sound magazine
• Film Sound theory (FilmSound.org)
• LinkedIn Learning courses on audio post-production
• “Tonebenders” podcast
• Curtis Judd YouTube channel (video audio techniques)
• Location Sound Recordist groups on social media
• A Sound Effect blog

Software Tutorials

• LinkedIn Learning / Lynda.com
• Groove3
• YouTube channels specific to your DAW/NLE
• Manufacturer websites for specific plugins
• Specialized forums for audio post-production