How a Professional Sound Mixer Fixes Common Sound Problems on a Video Shoot
- Trinity
- Aug 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Table of Contents
Why Does Video Sound So Often Go Wrong?
What Is a Professional Sound Mixer and Why Do They Matter?
The 5 Most Common Sound Problems (And How a Pro Fixes Them)
Beyond the Shoot: What Happens in Post-Production?
Why Your Next Project Needs Professional Sound
Ready for a Free Consultation?
Why Does Video Sound So Often Go Wrong?
Have you ever watched a commercial or documentary and noticed that the sound just... wasn't good? Maybe there was a weird hum in the background, or a person's voice was hard to hear. Perhaps it just sounded fuzzy.
Bad sound can make a great video feel cheap and unprofessional, no matter how good the visuals are. The truth is, sound is often the most challenging part of producing a video. Our team has worked in video production in Sacramento for over 40 years. We've seen and heard it all. We know that sound is what makes the difference between a video that works and one that doesn't.
Bad sound is a bigger problem than most people think. It can cause your message to get lost and even make viewers stop watching your video. That’s why we believe a dedicated sound mixing expert is often the most important person on set.
What Is a Professional Sound Mixer and Why Do They Matter?
When we talk about a sound mixer, we're not referring to a DJ at a party. We're talking about a highly-trained expert whose sole job on a video production set is to ensure every sound is captured perfectly. They are the guardians of your audio. A good sound mixer can make a boring room sound alive and a busy street corner sound quiet.
At Dynasty Video, our dedicated sound mixer comes equipped with the best gear and the experience to know exactly how to use it. They are the reason we can promise our clients clean, professional audio, no matter the circumstances. They know how to anticipate problems and fix them before they occur, saving time and money in the long run. You can learn more about sound mixers and why they're so crucial in our article "What is a Sound Mixer and Why You Need One in Sacramento".
The 5 Most Common Sound Problems (And How a Pro Fixes Them)
Here are the five most common audio issues we see on video shoots and how a professional sound mixer might solve them.
The Annoying Hum or Buzz: This is often caused by unseen factors, like faulty wiring, noisy refrigerators, or even an old light bulb. A professional sound mixer doesn't just "hope for the best" when they step onto a new set. They come prepared and use special devices or physical equipment to filter out these common background noises. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding the source and unplugging it or removing it from the set area.
Echo and Room Noise: Have you ever been on a phone call in a big, empty room? Your voice sounds far away and echoes. The same thing often happens during a video shoot. A good sound mixer uses different types of microphones and special techniques to ensure they capture only the voice of the person speaking, not the echo of the room. They might use a shotgun microphone to focus on the sound right in front of them and ignore everything else.
Too Much Wind or Weather Noise: Filming outside can be beautiful, but the sound of wind on a microphone can be terrible. A pro sound mixer will use special wind covers, often called "dead cats" or "blimps," to protect the microphone. They also know how to position the microphone to avoid wind, even on a breezy day.
Fuzzy or Muffled Sound: This problem usually arises from a cheap or poorly placed microphone. If a mic is too far away or hidden under clothing, the sound can be muffled and hard to understand. A sound mixer will use high-quality microphones and ensure they are positioned perfectly to capture a clear, crisp voice.
The Unexpected Noise: Imagine filming a powerful interview with a CEO when a tree cutter starts their multi-hour-long project right outside the window. There's no way to stop something like that from happening. Our sound mixer, with 20 years of experience, faced that exact scenario, and the noise lasted for over an hour. To combat this, our sound mixer quickly set up a wall of sound blankets and added an additional backup microphone positioned differently. This helped capture a clean voice track we could use in post-production. This is the difference an expert makes. They are always ready for the unexpected.
Beyond the Shoot: What Happens in Post-Production?
Even with a perfect recording, the work isn't done. A great video production company in Sacramento also has experts in post-production. This is where all the audio is cleaned up and finalized with the finished video product.
Our post-sound experts use advanced software to remove any noises you might not even notice, add music that sounds good but isn't overpowering, and ensure all the voices in the video are leveled and easy to hear. This last step is crucial for a professional finish.
A professional sound mixer brings an entire set of equipment to the job, and you can learn more about their gear in our previous post, The Equipment a Production Sound Mixer Uses for Perfect Video Audio.
Why Your Next Project Needs Professional Sound
You can have the most beautiful video in the world, but if the sound is poor, your message will be lost. Sound is about trust and professionalism. By hiring a video production company with a dedicated sound mixer, you are investing in a video that works hard for your business. It shows that you care about every detail and want your brand to be seen as a leader.
At Dynasty Video, we have been perfecting our craft for over four decades. We bring not only the best production gear and crew but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing every element of your video, especially the sound, is in the hands of a true expert.
Ready for a Free Video Production Quote?
Not only will our team bring the highest quality of sound you can find in the Sacramento region to your project, but our executive team will consult with you to ensure your crew and entire production set meet the highest standards for your video project to succeed. Contact us today to discuss your next video project!
The Importance of Sound in Video Production
Sound is often an overlooked aspect of video production. However, it plays a crucial role in how your audience perceives your message. Quality sound can elevate your video from ordinary to extraordinary. It creates an emotional connection and enhances storytelling.
When I think about the projects we've worked on, I remember how sound transformed the viewer's experience. For instance, during a recent corporate video shoot, we focused heavily on sound design. The result? A compelling narrative that resonated with the audience.
Tips for Ensuring Great Sound Quality
Plan Ahead: Before the shoot, scout locations and identify potential sound issues. This proactive approach can save time and headaches later.
Use Quality Equipment: Invest in high-quality microphones and sound equipment. The difference in sound quality is significant.
Monitor Sound Continuously: During the shoot, have someone dedicated to monitoring sound. This ensures any issues are caught early.
Consider the Environment: Be mindful of background noise. Choose locations wisely and consider soundproofing if necessary.
Post-Production Matters: Don’t underestimate the power of post-production. Editing can enhance sound quality and remove unwanted noise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sound is a vital component of video production that should never be taken for granted. By prioritizing sound quality, you can create videos that not only look great but also effectively communicate your message. At Dynasty Video Productions, we are committed to delivering exceptional sound quality that enhances your storytelling.
Whether you're working on a corporate video, a nonprofit campaign, or a tech showcase, remember that professional sound can make all the difference. Let's work together to create something amazing!
