YouTube Thursdays - The Sound of Music
https://activerain.com/groups/youtubethursdays
Just like the hills, videos come alive with the sound of music. A well-chosen music bed can do wonders to enhance a viewers experience. Music is powerful, especially when it reinforces and compliments the mood of a video.
However, it is important to keep in mind some basics.
The volume of the music should compliment, not detract from the video.
Don't bury the narrative or dialog under the music.
Make sure the music is loud enough, that too is distracting.
The use of Ducking - Or not.
You can tell when someone is using ducking in a video as the music lowers when there is speaking, and rises again when they finish. Personally, we think it can be distracting too.
Instead, we try to find the "just right" level for music that allows a narrative, or dialog, to be heard, without the need to adjust the volume continually. Admittedly, it takes practice and occassionaly we will ride the volume levels a bit to adjust.
Listening to the music and watching the video with headphones really helps you to tune-in, and fine-tune any sound issues.
Just Listen
It would be great if there was a general rule for choosing the right decibles for a music bed. However, because music varies so greatly, there are too many factors involved. The best advice is to listen.
If you find yourself distracted at any point between the music and the dialog, there is a problem. Good videos are seamless. There is nothing jarring, including the music. Unless it's meant to be part of the theme, or story.
Here's a recent video to illustrate the point. The music stays at the same decible throughout the video and the narration stands on its own.
Mumbo Jumbo - The Humble Bumble Bee from News and Views of Clark County on Vimeo.
Much like Anita Clark 's Facebook Fridays, we encourage you to subscribe to each other's YouTube Channels - and take a minute to "like" or leave a comment. You can also add your own YouTube Channel in the comments below, and ask for subscribers. Be sure to subscribe back though - it's quid pro quo!
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