Your Guide to Audio Production and Editing Terminology: From Recording to Post-Production
You might initially think that audio production is as simple as sitting in a quiet room, grabbing your iPhone, and pressing record. However, producing high-quality audio content, especially for business purposes, is an art that requires a considered process.
The dictionary defines audio as “sound, especially when recorded, transmitted, or reproduced.” With social media platforms such as TikTok and LinkedIn growing in popularity and 464 million podcast listeners recorded worldwide in 2023, it does not surprise us here at AVC that audio production and editing are at the centre of everything we do.
Like video production, audio production is a complex field filled with technical jargon and seemingly complicated software. This blog aims to explain the basics of audio production and editing terminology, perfect for those looking to build confidence in audio or elevate their knowledge. And if you still have questions, we’re more than happy to explain further over a coffee.
Learn More: Check out our article on ‘Video Production and Editing Terminology’
Let’s begin
Recording (Production)
Understanding basic recording terms can greatly enhance your audio quality. Here are some crucial concepts:
Decibels (dB): Decibels (dB) is a way to measure how loud a sound is. When you hear a sound, like music or someone talking, the loudness of that sound can be measured in decibels.
- Quiet sounds: Whispering or the rustling of leaves might be around 20-30 dB.
- Normal conversation: This usually falls around 60-70 dB.
- Loud sounds: A lawn mower might be around 85-90 dB.
- Very loud sounds: A rock concert can be 110 dB or more.
Acoustics: Acoustics is the study of sound wave transmission, often referring to the design of spaces like auditoriums, theatres, and studios that affect sound quality. Over the last few months, we’ve created our own content studio that’s available to hire for content production such as podcasting. Acoustics of the space are essential here, as even with the best mics (we love Shure SM7B microphones for podcasting), reverberation off walls and glass can degrade the quality.
Background noise: Background noise includes unwanted sounds that interfere with the primary audio. This can be airborne, structure-borne, or from recording equipment. Most background noise can be edited out, or reduced in post-production, however, it is best to eliminate as much background noise as possible during recording.
Microphone: A microphone amplifies recording, or broadcasting. There are hundreds of different microphones that all have different purposes, pros and cons such as USB, XLR and cordless.
- USB Microphone: A plug-and-play microphone that connects directly to a computer via USB cable, ideal for quick and easy recording without additional equipment. These are often used in virtual podcasts. These are the cheapest option and you can record directly onto your laptop or some inexpensive podcast software like Zencastr.
- XLR Mic: A professional-grade microphone that requires an XLR cable and audio interface or mixer, offering superior sound quality and versatility for studio settings. These are often used in in-person podcasts. We use Shure SM7Bs plugged into a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface directly into our Mac. We then record using Adobe Audition which offers more advanced recording.
- Wireless Mic: A microphone that transmits audio signals wirelessly to a receiver, providing freedom of movement and convenience for live performances and presentations, these are great for live events, panel discussions and talking to camera interviews. These are also good for shooting on location, as they tend to be close proximity and not impacted by background noises such as cars driving past.
- Boom Mic: A directional microphone mounted on a boom pole, used primarily in film and video production to capture dialogue and ambient sounds from a distance without being visible on camera.
Reverberation: Reverberation, or reverb, is essentially an echo that can be heard in smaller spaces with less distance between the sound source and reflecting surfaces.
Post-Production
Post-Production refers to the editing stage of audio production. Familiarising yourself with editing techniques will massively improve the quality of your content. Here are some important terms and techniques:
Cutting/Trimming: Removing unnecessary parts of an audio file to streamline and focus the content. Some examples are removing ‘Ummm’s, repetitive phrases like “Ya know?”, coughs or mistakes.
Crossfading: Crossfade is a technique for smoothly transitioning from one audio clip to another. It involves gradually decreasing the volume of the first clip while increasing the volume of the second clip, creating a seamless blend. This could be used if you trimmed out a section in the middle of someone’s sentence or if they said an incorrect word that needs chopping out but the next word was said in a way that didn’t seamlessly blend.
Noise Reduction: To enhance clarity, background noise and other unwanted sounds from audio recordings are eliminated or minimised. This can include hums, hisses, and other sounds that detract from the main audio. Sometimes, audio is recorded in less-than-optimal environments, such as during a live event, which means mic type and location need careful consideration and generally more noise reduction during editing.
Equalisation (EQ): EQ involves adjusting the balance between different frequency components in an audio signal. This helps to enhance certain frequencies while reducing others, shaping the overall sound to achieve clarity and balance.
Reverb/Delay: Adding artificial echoes or reflections to create a sense of depth and space, making the audio sound more natural and immersive. In a business setting, we tend to de-reverb which makes the audio sound closer and more compact.
How to work with us: Audio Production and Editing Services
We hope you found this guide useful as you embark on your journey into audio production and editing. Audio production can indeed be a challenging field to master. If you need expert assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help!
Are you ready to launch a successful business podcast?
TILLY
I manage the social media strategies of AVC and our key clients. This involves content planning, creative campaigns and daily management. I am the team expert for all things social media, such as algorithm and platform updates, and how to formulate compelling social-first content. I also am a content specialist who loves writing and video editing.
SPECIALISMS
+. Social Media Strategy
+. Social Media Management
+. Digital Marketing Strategy
+. Content Strategy
+. Content planning
+. Writing
+. Video editing