Audio post-production
Sound design and audio post-production for spoken-word video
Dialogue cleanup, balanced levels and a clean mix for interviews, corporate video, podcasts and other spoken-word projects, whether we filmed them or you bring us the files.
What audio post-production does
Viewers forgive a plain picture more easily than muddy sound. Audio post-production is the stage after recording where speech is made clear, volume is balanced and any music or effects are placed so nothing competes with the voice.
Our work focuses on spoken-word video and audio: interviews, testimonials, training, corporate messages, podcasts, event speeches and documentary-style pieces. The focus is dialogue editing, mixing, ambience and effects, and exports. If a project also needs music, composition, mastering or licensing, those needs are scoped and confirmed before work begins.
Dialogue editing and cleanup
Dialogue is the center of a spoken-word project, so most of the work happens here.
Editing for clarity
Tightening pauses, removing stumbles when the speaker agrees, and aligning audio to picture so lip movement matches.
Noise and hum reduction
Reducing steady background sounds such as air conditioning, fridge hum and room tone, within what the recording allows.
Evening out loudness
Smoothing the gap between a soft speaker and a loud one so the viewer is not adjusting volume.
Room echo and harshness
Reducing reverb and harsh frequencies where possible, since recordings in large hard rooms have limits.
Questions before you decide?
Describe the project, the recordings you have and where it will play, and we will reply with questions and a plan.
Levels, mix and final exports
A mix balances dialogue, music, effects and ambience so each sits where it should. We deliver mixes matched to where the project will play, because a video for a conference screen, a website and a social feed do not all want the same loudness.
Balanced mix
Dialogue stays on top. Music and ambience sit underneath so they support the speech rather than compete.
Loudness targets
We ask where the piece will be published and aim for sensible loudness for that destination.
Export formats
A final mixed audio file, the video with the new mix, and separate stems or dialogue-only files when requested.
Sound effects, ambience and music
Subtle sound effects and ambience give a scene life, such as room tone under an interview, a door closing or a transition whoosh. We use them with restraint on spoken-word projects.
Music is a rights question as much as a creative one. Bring music you are licensed to use, tell us the license terms, or let us suggest sources and confirm what you are permitted to do with it. We never assume rights, and the license for any track is confirmed before it is used.
- Music you supply: please include the license or permission for your intended use.
- Music we help source: we describe options and you confirm the license before we use it.
- Effects and ambience: used sparingly, with the source and license confirmed.
What to send us
The better the inputs, the better the result. Send original, uncompressed recordings when possible rather than files exported from a messaging app or social platform.
Video or audio files
Original camera files or recorder files, plus any separate microphone recordings.
A rough cut or reference
For video, the edit with picture locked, so audio changes do not drift against later picture edits.
Notes and priorities
Which sections matter most, any words to preserve and any known issues, such as wind in a particular scene.
Music and license paperwork
Track names, files and license information.
Revisions and realistic limits
We agree the number of revision rounds up front, and each round is easier when notes are specific, such as a time code and a description. Revisions are for balance and polish, not for rebuilding the project.
Damaged recordings have limits. Heavy distortion, severe clipping, speech buried under loud noise or very low-quality phone audio may improve but cannot be restored to studio quality. We listen first, tell you honestly what is achievable and agree the plan before work begins. We do not guarantee results on damaged material.
Standalone audio inquiries and related services
You do not need to have hired us for filming. Audio post-production can be a standalone project for footage or recordings you made yourself. If you want us to record and edit a show, the podcast production page explains that service. For video made by a team, the corporate video page covers the full production.
Related video and audio pages
- Podcast productionPlan, record and edit an audio or video podcast.
- Corporate video productionBusiness video from planning to the finished edit.
- Training videoInstructional video that needs clear dialogue.
- Testimonial videoCustomer interviews where the voice matters most.
- Our workRecent photo and video projects.
Common questions
Can you fix a recording that is already noisy?
Often it can be improved, but damaged audio has limits. We listen to a sample, say honestly what is achievable and do not guarantee results.
Can you provide or compose music?
Music and composition needs are scoped and confirmed before work begins. We can place music you have licensed, and rights are confirmed before any track is used.
Is this only for spoken-word projects?
The service centers on spoken-word video and podcasts. If your project involves music mastering or other audio work, describe it at inquiry and we will confirm the scope.
Can I send files without hiring you to film?
Yes. Audio post-production can be a standalone project for recordings you provide.
How many revisions are included?
The number of revision rounds is agreed in writing at the start of the project.
What files should I send?
Original recordings and, for video, a picture-locked edit, plus notes and any music license details.
Tell us about your audio
Describe the project, the recordings you have and where it will play, and we will reply with questions and a plan.
Keep exploring
Tell us what you want to make.
Email tyler@legendphotoandfilm.com or call 860-255-8802.
Talk about your project