How to Use Dubbing

Dubbing is the process of overlaying sound over existing video. It is a common practice in film production, because many movies require sounds above and beyond what was captured during filming. It is also the only method to add sounds to animation, which often requires painstaking syncing of audio to video. Dubbing is also used to adapt movies foreign to the audience by replacing the voices in the original language with voices in the audience's spoken language.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Editing program Video Camcorder USB microphone USB cable

1. Upload the video into the editing program. This will typically involve a USB 2.0 or Firewire cable that will run between your computer and camcorder. While it will vary by program (popular programs include Final Cut, iMovie and Windows Movie Maker), uploading usually involves a "capture video" menu item.

2. Drag the video in need of additional sound, or dubbing, onto the timeline. All editing programs have a single canvas where the final video is assembled in proper order. By placing your video onto this timeline you can make it subject to additional audio tracks.

3. Make careful note of the time at the beginning and ending of your video clip. An essential part of dubbing is proper timing. Know in advance what sound you need, whether a voice or a sound effect, and how much time you need to fill with it. When you play back video inside your editing program, there will be running timers that tell you what minute, second and frame you are on at any given moment. Write down the beginning and end time measurement for where you need the sound.

4. Plug in a USB microphone. A broadcast-quality USB microphone will enable you to record directly at your desk. Your computer and editing program should automatically recognize the microphone.

5. Minimize all outside sounds. In order to get the most pristine sound possible you will want to minimize interference from environmental noise. Make sure to record sound in a closed room and turn off any other electronic appliance in advance.

6. Activate the "voice over" option in your editing program. This will bring up a menu that will allow you to record an additional audio track to be laid on top of the video on your timeline. Input the beginning and end points you wrote down earlier into this menu. When you press go or start, most programs will give you a three-second countdown, then will record audio for the duration of the time you requested while playing the video synced to that time.

7. Move the audio clip on the timeline until it fits. The audio you just recorded should now exist as a separate item on your timeline, either immediately above or immediately below your video clip. You can drag the audio clip around to alter its timing. If it doesn't sync up well, then delete it and try a new voice over.

Tips & Warnings

• Get creative with household items to produce sound effects. Move your USB microphone as far away from the computer as possible during recording to minimize noise from the computer itself.

Resources

• Dubbing with Film