What are the best ways to prevent audio syncing issues in post-production?

1 Use a clapperboard

A clapperboard is a simple but effective tool that can help you sync your audio and video in post-production. It is a board with a hinged arm that makes a loud noise when snapped. By using a clapperboard at the beginning of each take, you can create a visual and auditory cue that can be easily matched in your editing software. You can also write the scene number, the take number, and the camera angle on the board for better organization and identification.

2 Record with the same sample rate

Another common cause of audio syncing issues is using different sample rates for your audio and video files. The sample rate is the number of times per second that the sound is captured or played back. If your audio and video have different sample rates, they will drift apart over time and create a noticeable lag or gap. To avoid this, make sure that you record your audio and video with the same sample rate, preferably 48 kHz, which is the standard for film and TV. You can check and adjust the sample rate in your recording device or software settings.

3 Use timecode

Timecode is a system that assigns a unique code to each frame of your video and audio files. It is usually displayed as hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (HH:MM:SS:FF). By using timecode, you can sync your audio and video files more accurately and easily in post-production. You can generate timecode from your camera, your audio recorder, or your editing software. You can also use a device called a timecode generator that can sync multiple cameras and audio recorders wirelessly. Timecode can help you avoid audio syncing issues caused by human error, dropped frames, or variable frame rates.

4 Edit with a proxy workflow

A proxy workflow is a technique that can help you edit your audio and video files more smoothly and efficiently. It involves creating lower-resolution copies of your original files, called proxies, and using them for editing. This can reduce the strain on your computer and software, and prevent lagging, freezing, or crashing. When you are done editing, you can replace the proxies with the original files and export your final project. A proxy workflow can help you avoid audio syncing issues caused by slow or unstable performance, or by changing the speed or duration of your clips.

5 Export with the right settings

The final step to prevent audio syncing issues in post-production is to export your project with the right settings. You should make sure that your export settings match your source settings, such as the frame rate, the resolution, the aspect ratio, and the codec. You should also choose a high-quality audio format, such as WAV or AIFF, and avoid compressing or converting your audio files. You can check and adjust your export settings in your editing software or in a separate encoding software. Exporting with the right settings can help you preserve the quality and sync of your audio and video files.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?