Contributor Guide
Contributor Guide Topics

Introduction
Why Clipcentric?
Signing Up
Submitting Content
Royalties & Payments
Submission Requirements
- File Overview
- Naming Conventions
- Video
- Photographs
- Graphics
- Music Tracks
- Sound Effects
Production Tips
- Videos & Photographs
- Graphics
- Audio
Metadata
- Videos & Photographs
-
Graphics
-
Music Tracks
-
Sound Effects
Release Guidelines
- Model Releases
- Property Releases
- Release Forms
ClipConnect
Agreements & Legal
Taxes and Withholding
Frequently Asked Questions
- FAQ About Clipcentric
- FAQ Enrollment
- FAQ Payments
- FAQ Taxes and Withholding
- FAQ Licensing & Ownership
- FAQ Video Submissions
- FAQ Audio Submissions

Audio Production Tips

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This topic presents some basic tips to help you achieve a recording that sounds clean and is free from unwanted distortion. Professional sound engineers make a career out of this, so this guide is only intended to offer a few quick pointers that will help with some of the most common problems.


Equipment


A lot can be done in post-production, but the cleaner the original recording is, the better the final product will be. So choose professional equipment (microphones, mixers) and opt for the microphone with the recording pattern that will work best for your source (cardiod for voiceovers, stereo for sound fx, etc.).


Mic Placement


There are no hard and fast rules, so experiment for your best results, but for standard voiceover recording start between 3 and 6 inches from the microphone, with the mic slightly off center to avoid popping p's.


Levels


Record levels between -20dBFS and -12dBFS, peaks no higher than-6dBFS. Monitor device and mixer levels to avoid clipping and distortion. Always give yourself room to boost the gain in post-production.


Unwanted Noise/Roomtone


After setting your levels for your source, record a minute or so of the roomtone. You can use this during post production to help set any equalizing or filtering. You can minimize unwanted noises by covering any hard, reflective surfaces with pillows or blankets. It also helps to turn off electrical devices and keep mic cables separate from other cables. Always monitor your device and mixer while recording.