Okay, let's talk about that ear-splitting, soul-crushing sound: distorted audio in your video. It's like nails on a chalkboard, but digital. Ugh.
First thing's first: restart everything. Seriously. Your computer, your software, even your cat (okay, maybe not your cat, but you get the idea).
Is the problem still there? Fine. We go deeper.
Silence of the Microphones
Check your microphone settings. Is the input level cranked up to eleven? Dial it back a notch (or five).
Sometimes, the problem isn't the volume, but the source. Did you accidentally record with your phone tucked inside a metal bucket? Just asking.
Unpopular opinion: built-in laptop microphones are basically tiny garbage disposals for sound. Invest in a decent external mic. Your viewers (and your sanity) will thank you.
Software Saviors (Maybe)
Fire up your video editing software. Most have audio editing tools. These are often hiding behind cryptic icons and intimidating sliders, but don't panic.
Look for something called "noise reduction" or "audio cleanup." Experiment! Click buttons! Embrace the chaos! (But maybe save a copy of your original file first... just in case).
Did you know that you can adjust your EQ? Yes, it's complicated and you don't need to know what all those things do. Just play around.
The "Just Mute It" Strategy
Sometimes, the audio is beyond saving. It's a lost cause. It's like trying to unbake a cake that's already charcoal.
Embrace the power of muting. Yes, it's drastic. But silence is often better than torture.
Then, add some music! Choose something upbeat and cheerful. No one will ever know the audio was a disaster. (Unless they read this article, of course).
Unpopular opinion: 90% of video problems can be solved with a well-chosen soundtrack. It's the duct tape of the digital world.
Preventive Measures (Because Future You Will Thank You)
Test your audio before you start recording. Seriously. Do a sound check. Clap your hands. Sing a little song (even if you're terrible at singing).
Keep your microphone away from noisy stuff. Like, your keyboard, your computer fan, or your neighbor's leaf blower.
Also, close any program that can produce notification sounds. It's very common to hear "ding!" in your video when you receive an email. So annoying.
When All Else Fails...
Admit defeat. There's no shame in it. Every video creator has been there. We've all battled the audio demons and sometimes, the demons win.
Re-record! It's annoying, yes. But it's better than inflicting distorted audio upon the world.
Unpopular opinion: If the video is really bad, just delete it. Pretend it never happened. Move on with your life. No one will judge you (much).
And if all else fails, there's always AI audio restoration. I'm joking... maybe.