The first audio recording was captured on a phonautograph in 1860. Since then, people have used various tools to make audio recordings, enabling people to listen to music, lectures, and audio letters.
Today, people also record podcasts and stream audio online. Statista reports approximately 120 million Americans listened to podcasts in 2021 and projects that number will increase over the next two years. As of 2021, there were more than 7.5 million streamers on Twitch, which is just one of the streaming sites people use to share content. Whether you’re podcasting, streaming, or making a film, you’ll want exceptional audio quality. Let’s look at things you can do to ensure you capture great audio and check out the following link to see the best rehearsal space melbourne.
1. Use the best microphones
Investing in special equipment makes it easy to capture great audio. You also need the correct type of mic. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, making them a great option if you’re recording or transmitting audio from someone that’s moving. Cardioid mics are good all-purpose mics, while hyper-cardioid mics are ideal for recording music from instruments.
Super-cardioid mics are also known as shotgun microphones. These are directional microphones with a unique pickup pattern, enabling them to block out background noise. Using a high-quality shotgun mic saves time when you’re editing, but if the subject you’re filming moves, your sound quality will be affected. Exceptional shotgun mics include the Sennheiser MKE 600, Sennheiser MK 416, Rode NTG5, and Rode VideoMic Pro. The Neumann KMR 81i, the Shure VP89M, and Audio-Technica AT987 are also among the best mics on the market today.
Studio mics are ideal for recording vocals or instruments. Neumann, Rode, Shure, Audio-Technica, Blue, and Tonor make some of the best studio mics currently available. Podcasters can consider the Rode Podmic, Rode Procaster, Shure SM7B, Audio-Technica AT2020, Audio-Technica AT2005, Electro-Voice RE20, Blue Yeti, Samson Go, and Elgato Wave:3.
2. Hire a sound engineering technician
Sound engineering technicians have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as audio engineering or communications technology. They know how to use different mics, audio editors, and mixers. Sound engineering technicians may work for radio stations, TV productions, or the motion picture industry. They use their skills to capture audio from performances, public events, and sporting events. Some sound engineering techs are self-employed, recording or transmitting audio for various clients.
Sound engineering technicians assemble sound equipment, ensure it’s working correctly, and capture the audio. They also edit and reproduce audio files. These technicians produce exceptional audio files and adjust the audio for optimal quality during live events. Hiring a technician is an excellent option if you aren’t familiar with sound equipment. It’s also essential if you’re working on a large production with a lot of equipment because you’ll want an expert overseeing the setup and use of that equipment.
3. Install soundproofing and sound absorption materials
Soundproofing involves installing materials that keep sound from passing from one place to another. People living on busy streets may soundproof their home to block out external noise, while gamers may soundproof their gaming room to avoid disrupting others inside their home. You’ll reduce the amount of editing required to filter out background noise because you won’t have external noise entering your space.
Some simple soundproofing techniques involve installing carpets and replacing windows. Alternatively, you can put down an area rug and use blackout curtains to reduce noise transfer. Installing acoustic panels made from foam or fabric will also block sound waves.
Acoustic panels. sound blankets and sound-absorbing curtains control the sound inside the room. Sound absorbing materials prevent sounds from echoing inside the room so that distortion won’t reduce your audio quality.
Capturing great audio ensures your audience can hear the content you want to share. Investing in exceptional microphones, hiring a sound engineering technician, and installing soundproofing and sound absorption materials are effective ways to capture great audio.