Posting my 1st video – how can I increase audio?

[Tim Lee]

Hi,
I am trying to post my first video attempt by using youtube but the audio is low. Is there any way I can boost the audio?
I have the internal mic on my laptop set on high and when I upload to Youtube I have the audio slider all the way to the right but the audio is still not loud enough. Any ideas? Thanks to Bryce for your tutorial since it’s got me this far – just want to improve the audio before I post my first bad attempt……thanks.

[drutgat]

Hi bluesguitarlvr,
If you have done things the same way as my memory of how Bryce did them, then you have a separate audio track.

If so, you should be able to use compression to raise the volume.

Another thing you can do with an audio track is to export it as a stereo or mono file to .MP3 or .WAV, or other audio format ( for example .AIFF, in Mac OS), and then bring it back into your audio or video program/app, and then boost the volume from there.

For me, the latter was the solution after years of having my GarageBand mixes reduced to near whisper-level after I exported them. That little trick is worth its weight in gold.

Hope that helps.

drutgat.

[Tim Lee]

drutgat,

Thanks for replying. I don’t have any daw software so am just using a basic laptop with webcam/internal mic. Unfortunately, I can’t manipulate an audio track as you have suggested. Maybe I just have to get the guitar closer to the laptop mic…? will try that. Thanks again.

[drutgat]

Hi bluesguitarlvr,
You might want to download either Audacity, and/or Reaper (the latter is a full-featured DAW, available for free for an unlimited evaluation period – i.e., there is no time limit as there is in a typical ‘demo’ situation; at the end of your evaluation time, you are asked, on an honour basis, to pay $60).

Both Audacity and Reaper have ways of increasing the gain, and other effects (especially Reaper) to increase the volume of your track.

Audacity is free, and you will just have to download the LAME plugin (file) to enable it to make MP3s. You can make MP3s in Reaper, too. The reason that I am mentioning this is that this functionality, as I explained previously, will enable you to ‘treat’ an audio track separately, as long as you can separate it from the video first.

In terms of doing that (separating the audio from the video, in order to boost its volume and then sync it back up to the video), Windows Movie Maker and the Mac equivalent (don’t have my Mac open right now) should be able to accommodate your video needs free.

Hard to argue with those kind of free products.

[Tim Lee]

Hi drutgat,

I’ll try Audacity or Reaper and see if that does the trick. I may have an old copy of Protools that should workif I can find the software. May be awhile till y’all see my first attempt…. Oh my ! Thanks again.

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Hi Bluesguitarlvr,

If I understand you correctly you are recording directly on to Youtube and using an acoustic. I would sit closer to the laptop. It is ok if it just show the fretboard. You could possibly get a inexpensive external usb mic.

But before you buy anything try sitting closer. If you are using an amp put the amp closer to the laptop. Let me know if that helps.

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[Tim Lee]

Hi Bryce,

Yes, you understand exactly. I’ll try what you have suggested and move the amp closer to the laptop and sit closer to it all. Appreciate you taking the time to help out.

[Tim Lee]

Bryce,

Your suggestions worked! Thanks to you and Drutgat for your help. Moving the amp closer worked like a charm and then I found I was getting a ringing sound from the laptop internal mic so checked out the properties and found that the microphone boost was set at x no. of decibels so I unchecked that and the ringing disappeared. Think I’m in business. Don’t hold your breath but I’m working on my first Active Melody attempt – won’t sound anything like y’all and your great playing – my playing will be very basic. Anyway, thanks so much.

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Sweet! I look forward to your first video post. Don’t worry, your playing is going to be great and everyone on here is extremely supportive. Think of your first AM video post as your baseline. Continue practicing and making videos. Even if you don’t share them on AM. Go back and watch your very first video after a couple of months and I guarantee you will see progress.

I look forward to seeing your very first AM video post! And remember the Active Melody community is here if you get frustrated or run into problems on a lesson or recording.

Hope is well!

-Bryce

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

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