The goal of background music is to enhance your content, not distract from it. If your music is too loud, it becomes noise. If it's too quiet, it loses its emotional impact. Finding the perfect balance—the "mix"—is one of the most important skills for any content creator.
You don't need a professional recording studio to get this right. Here are 5 simple mixing tips to ensure your background music is perfect every time.
1. Start with the Voice
Your message is the most important part of your video or podcast. Always set the volume of your voice recordings first. Aim for a clear, consistent level that's easy to understand without straining. Once that's set, you can bring in the music.
2. Lower the Music Volume
A common mistake is keeping the background music far too loud. For most videos, your background music should be at least 15-20dB quieter than your voice. On OnlineAudioEdit, you can use our Volume Control slider to reduce the music's volume significantly (usually 25-40% of its original level).
3. Use the "Ducking" Technique
If you have specific moments in your video where you want the music to be louder (like an intro or a montage) and quieter when you're speaking, use the Split tool. Create two separate clips for the music, then adjust the volume for each section independently.
4. Avoid Complex Instrumentation
When choosing background music, look for tracks that are relatively simple and don't compete with the frequencies of the human voice. Avoid songs with lots of lyrics or busy melodies, as they can make it harder for listeners to focus on what you're saying.
5. Trust Your Ears (and Your Headphones)
The best way to judge a mix is to listen to it. Use a good pair of headphones instead of your computer's built-in speakers. If you can clearly understand every word being said while the music provides a nice "atmosphere," you've probably found the perfect balance.
Ready to start mixing? Head over to the editor and see how easy it is to balance your audio!