While watching videos, the audience is always subconsciously judging the sound as much as they are evaluating the moving image. Sound is not half the equation of a good video – it is just as important as the visual.

While there are several options to improve the sound quality of your video during post-production, a lot of hassle can be avoided if you optimize your shoot for sound during the production stage itself.

Here is what you can do to ensure great sound in your next video production:

• Monitor Live Sound – Use headphones during your shoot to monitor sound that is being captured. This eliminates 99.9% of all problems in post-production. This is especially a good idea if you need to capture live sound during an interview or are capturing real-time client testimonial videos.

• Use the Right Microphone – Shotgun microphones are excellent for man-on-street videos and customer testimonial videos for outdoor shoots. If you have an interview in a closed studio style environment, using lavalier microphones or body mics will give you greater depth of sound. Whichever mic you end up using, do a few sound tests before starting your recording to ensure you’re getting proper audio levels.

• Mute Bad Sounds – When you get to post-production and realize that you have picked up an annoying hiss, buzz or hum see if you can isolate and mute that sound.

• Add Music – The easiest way to mask bad audio is by laying down a music track.

• Use Atmospheric Sounds – Even after laying down music, if you feel the video requires authentic ambient sounds; use sound libraries to pick up atmospheric sounds.

The best defense is a good offense. When it comes to audio, make sure you monitor and test sounds before your shoot for a perfect production. And if something happens to turn up that you weren’t accounting for, use post-production to save the video!