5 Serious Audio Editing Tips That Could Keep You And Others Alive (Literally)

You probably never thought that sloppy editing could get people killed. G.W Childs reports from the front line with news of how to avoid danger.  

One summer in 1993, I rolled in to Fort Bragg, NC to become the newest, youngest, lowest-ranking (thanks to some trouble at a previous duty station) and only audio editor for a special unit of the Army. My mission was simple: record linguists from all over the world and ensure the messages that they had to say hit their marks and did not cause a bullet to fly. No pressure, right? If you ever find yourself in an editing gig like this, here’s what I learned cutting audio for the U.S. Army.

1. Leave a Little Tail...

 

 

Whether you’re cutting on reel to reel or using a wave editing app like Sound Forge, cutting too close your dialog can be dangerous for the recording as well as the effect on the listener. This is especially true when you are editing dialog in a language in which you do not speak. Remember: timing, silence, and some sounds that might sound like mistakes may mean something entirely different in another language. Cutting in too close to the recording might change the delivery and cause a hostile message to suddenly become insulting, or something worse.

2. Careful with those effects  

Be careful with even corrective effects like de-essers that can alter the pronunciation of a word if the threshold is too tight. Or, tight compression settings that can alter the dynamic range of a phrase of audio. Again, some languages rely on dynamics and even sibilance for the pronunciation and even distinction between words. 

Additionally, all processing should be approached from the idea that the end audio is going to be played over crude audio systems like loudspeakers or highly encrypted radio transmissions. Remember: low frequency digital playback can introduce all forms of audio artifacts. Don’t make matters worse with over-processing!

3. Speak up!

When you’re an engineer that only speaks English and you’re recording multiple dialects, sometimes you need to trust your gut if a pronunciation sounds off or a delivery seems funky, even in another language (trust me, all humans make mistakes). Even if the person you’re recording seriously outranks you, do not be afraid to ask for a repeat performance of a specific line of dialog. This also applies to highly paid actors, singers, and more. If you don’t feel right about the delivery, most likely you won’t be the only one. But guess what? You could be blamed. Say something! It’s really hard to get talent back in the studio, especially if they are powerful talent. 

 4. Stay with the script 

A script is highly prized for many reasons in military, political, corporate and high level entertainment. The most obvious reason would be that written dialog usually clearly states whatever the goals are of either the government, organization, company or outfit you are operating out of. And may shed light on sensitive future dates. Should you obtain a copy of a script, you should:

  • Know the script/dialog as much as you can, given the time constraints, as well as ability to speak the language. 
  • Guard it as if your life depends on it... Because it probably does. Anything that sensitive should be kept locked up. 
  • If you find one left behind that was not specifically issued to you in a session, turn it in to the appropriate person as fast as you can. You do not want to be caught with it, later. Trust me.
  1. 5. Labels are everything 

This sounds like the least important part of the whole job. But in actuality, it’s the most important outside of the messages themselves. Most messages, be they military or even video game lines of dialog, will have a code number or name assigned to whatever is being said. Example 

T7651ENG- The Coffee is available for free.

Your system/workflow for saving dialog with the right files and code names must be impeccable. If any file names are wrong, especially in enemy territory, and the wrong message is played, hostility can erupt and suddenly everyone is in danger. Communication really is the answer in all conflict. Do not allow your work to become the wrench in the mechanics of your own operation.

Conclusion

There are some great audio gigs in government operations, as well as the military. However, you definitely want to be a little more on your toes. And safeguard your work!

Still alive? The AskAudio Academy is the place to be to hone your audio editing and production skills even further. Check out all our video courses here.

Sound Designer, Musician, Author... G.W. Childs has worn many hats. Beginning in the U.S. Army back in 1991, at the age of 18, G.W. began learning electronics, communications and then ultimately audio and video editing from the Department of Defense. Upon leaving the military G.W. went on to work for many exciting companies like Lu... Read More

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