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It may be necessary to increase the volume of a video for various reasons, whether to improve clarity or to achieve a consistent volume throughout a project.
Increasing the volume of videos: How to do it retrospectively
First, download XMedia Recode and install the software. Then proceed as follows:
- Launch XMedia Recode and drag and drop the MP4 video onto the programme window.
- Select the MP4 file by left-clicking on it so that it is highlighted in blue. Additional tabs will then appear at the bottom, such as ‘Format’ and ‘Audio’.
- First, go to ‘Format’ and select ‘MP4’ from the drop-down menu of the same name.
- Now navigate to “Filters/Preview” and click on “Audio Track”.
- The volume correction should already be displayed below the video preview. If this is not the case, click on “Add Filter” and select the correction.
- When you click on the effect, you can choose between “Change volume (%)”, “Change volume (dB)” and “Normalise volume (dB)”.
- Once you have adjusted the volume, click on “Add job” at the top.
- Select “Encode” to save the changes and export the new video. You’ll find the file in your “My Videos”.
- Tip: If you want to make your video louder, you can also do this using video editing software. DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere, for example, are suitable for this.
Best practices: Audio optimisation for videos
Optimising audio quality is a crucial factor in professional video production. The following best practices will help you significantly improve the sound quality of your videos:
- Familiarise yourself with specialised tools and software, such as the Essential Sound panel in Adobe Premiere Pro. This tool allows you to make audio adjustments up to 20 times faster than with manual editing. You can correct volume levels, optimise the mix and apply creative adjustments for a more effective mix.
- If you’re using a microphone for your audio recording, make sure you position it correctly: place the microphone as close as possible to the sound source to ensure a clear recording. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces unwanted background noise.
- Use a pop filter for voice recordings. This helps to reduce disruptive plosive sounds and ensures a clearer voice recording.
- Use noise-reduction tools to minimise background noise. Many video editing programmes offer AI-powered noise-reduction features that can significantly improve audio quality. You can also remove noise using Audacity.
- Ideally, you should create a separate audio track for each audio source in your video project . This allows you to adjust and balance the volumes at any time whilst editing.
