Audio repair: A guide to fixing common audio problems in post-production
Audio repair is an essential element in film production where raw audio footage undergoes editing by sound technicians to create a refined soundtrack. Despite having impeccable sound recordings, there are still occurrences of issues that need fixing during post-production. Audio repair aims to deal with regular audio issues like distortion or hums while enhancing the final product’s overall quality.
Unwanted background noises are one of the most common problems that editors encounter when handling raw audios- they include hissing sounds or electrical interferences from other sources nearby. The recommended solution is to use software designed for removing any unwanted noises; some widely used plugins are Waves NS1 and iZotope RX.
Hum
Hums, as an audio issue, are frequently encountered and often caused by electrical interference from nearby equipment. Detectable through the low-frequency buzz or drone in the background of an audio recording, hums can be effectively resolved using hum removal plugins or specialized software capable of identifying and eliminating the exact frequency range causing the hum. Among the most popular options in this category are iZotope RX, Waves X-Hum, and Adobe Audition’s DeHummer effect.
Clicks and pops
Clicks and pops are usually caused by abrupt changes in the audio waveform, such as when recording with a faulty microphone or cable. These problems can be fixed with a click and pops removal plugin or software that detects and removes the annoying clicks and pops. Popular click and pop removal plugins include iZotope RX, Waves X-Click, and Adobe Audition’s DeClicker effect.
Distortion
Distortion occurs when the audio signal is overdriven, resulting in a harsh, distorted sound. To fix this problem, you can use a distortion removal plug-in or software that reduces the specific frequency range of distortion. Popular distortion removal plug-ins include iZotope RX, Waves X-Crackle, and the Audacity distortion removal tool.
Dialogue editing
Dialogue editing is an essential part of audio post-production, where audio engineers and editors cut, trim and adjust dialogue tracks to improve their clarity and intelligibility. Dialogue editing can also include removing unwanted noise and optimizing the audio levels of dialogue tracks to match the overall soundtrack. Popular tools for dialogue editing include Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, and Reaper.
Conclusion
Audio repair is an essential part of audio post-production, helping sound engineers and editors transform unedited audio into a polished and professional soundtrack. With the right tools and techniques, common audio problems such as unwanted hiss, hum, clicks, pops, and distortion can be easily fixed, resulting in a high-quality audio track that adds overall value to the production of a film or video.