Video Production, Johannesburg: Noisy Settings

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most industrialised city, is a hub for creativity, commerce, and content creation. But its energy comes with an acoustic cost. Traffic, construction, public transit, street musicians, and general urban hustle make it one of the noisiest cities in Africa. For professionals involved in video production in Johannesburg, recording clean, usable sound is a continual battle against this noise pollution.

Managing Johannesburg’s Urban Noise
According to the Gauteng City-Region Observatory’s Quality of Life Survey 7 (2023/24), urban noise is among the top environmental complaints of Johannesburg residents, especially in high-density areas like Braamfontein, Sandton, and Newtown. With this constant din forming part of the daily backdrop, sound professionals must go beyond standard practices.

One tactic is location scouting at off-peak times—recording early mornings or during public holidays when traffic is lighter. Another is using natural buffers like buildings, trees, or alleyways to block out nearby noise sources. For interview-style setups or dialogue scenes, placing your subject with their back to the noise source and using directional microphones can drastically reduce pickup from the rear.

These small adaptations can make or break video production in Johannesburg.

Microphone Selection for Urban Settings
Microphones are your first line of defence. Choose wisely:

• Shotgun microphones (supercardioid or hypercardioid) offer tight polar patterns that focus on sound from a specific direction—ideal for isolating voices in busy environments.
  
• Lavalier (lapel) microphones clipped close to the mouth can work well, especially under clothing to shield against wind and ambient noise, though they require careful placement to avoid fabric rustle.
  
• Omnidirectional microphones, while not always ideal for noisy locations, can be useful when ambient sound is intentional or when capturing group conversations.
  

Choosing the right microphone directly impacts the effectiveness of video production in Johannesburg, where background noise is often unavoidable.

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment on the Fly
In many cases, recordings happen in locations that aren’t acoustically treated—cafés, rooftops, or even inner-city sidewalks. Temporary fixes can drastically improve sound quality:

• Hang thick blankets or duvets behind your subject to absorb reflected noise.
  
• Use portable acoustic panels or foam shields, even around lavalier microphones.
  
• Avoid bare walls or glass surfaces, which cause reverb. If indoors, stack soft furnishings nearby.
  
• Close windows and turn off fans or machines—even fridges—before recording.
  

Improvised soundproofing can drastically improve the viability of video production in Johannesburg when working without access to a studio.

Wind Noise Reduction for Outdoor Shoots
The Highveld region is known for gusty conditions, especially in open spaces like Constitution Hill or rooftop venues. Wind can wreak havoc on your audio if not controlled.

Here’s how to reduce wind interference:

• Always use windshields or “dead cats” on shotgun mics.
  
• Employ foam covers indoors and fur covers outdoors.
  
• Position mics close to the source and use physical barriers (walls, vehicles, people) to shield from prevailing wind directions.
  
• Use the subject’s own body to block wind by standing between them and the gusts.
  

Wind control is a cornerstone of outdoor video production in Johannesburg, particularly for documentary and lifestyle content.

Utilising Boom Operators in Busy Locations
Boom operators remain invaluable in chaotic settings. Their ability to dynamically follow the subject, adjust mic angles, and stay just out of frame can produce dramatically better sound than static setups.

In public spaces, a skilled boom operator:

• Stays alert to noise intrusions (sirens, dogs, car horns).
  
• Moves with the talent to maintain ideal mic placement.
  
• Works closely with the director to anticipate movement and dialogue cues.
  

Having this human flexibility adds an essential layer of audio control in video production in Johannesburg, where unpredictability is a given.

Field Recorders vs. On-Camera Mics
While most cameras include a built-in microphone, these are generally unsuitable for professional use in noisy locations. Instead, external field recorders are preferred for their:

• Higher bitrates and audio fidelity.
  
• XLR input compatibility with professional mics.
  
• Better gain control and preamps.
  

Using a field recorder, even with a dual-system workflow, greatly enhances the quality of video production in Johannesburg, ensuring that your visuals are matched by clear, rich sound.

Embracing Johannesburg’s Ambient Sound
Sometimes, ambient sound isn’t the enemy—it’s the atmosphere. Johannesburg offers a wealth of authentic urban texture: minibus taxis calling out destinations, music drifting from corner shops, and multilingual chatter from pedestrians.

These elements can enhance storytelling:

• Use ambient city sound as intro/outro layers.
  
• Blend natural noise under dialogue for authenticity.
  
• Create sound bridges to connect scenes.
  

When done deliberately, ambient sound becomes an asset rather than an obstacle, elevating the local flavour of video production in Johannesburg.

Final Thoughts
Recording clean sound in Johannesburg’s vibrant, noisy environment is both a technical challenge and a creative opportunity. Whether it’s choosing the right mic, soundproofing on the go, or artfully layering ambient city life, successful audio capture comes down to planning, awareness, and skill.

At Oliver Karstel Creative Agency, we specialise in navigating these challenges with precision and creativity. If you’re producing in Johannesburg and need clean, compelling audio, get in touch with us today—we’re ready to help bring your vision to life, sound and all.