To make great videos, it’s important for them to not just look good but to sound great, too. The audio in a video is a huge part of the viewers’ experience, and one many people simply overlook.
In this episode of Movies for Makers, we cover tips for using the microphone you already own (yep, you likely already own one!), we share a variety of gear recommendations to upgrade your audio quality with minimal cost or fuss, and we answer questions live too!
THE SHOW
General Tips for Recording Audio:
- (0:44) Microphone placement is one of the biggest factors that can improve the quality of your audio.
- (3:39) Do a test recording to save yourself time from re-shooting later
- (5:04) How room acoustics can affect your sound, and how to make the most of them
- (6:48) How ambient noises where you’re recording can affect the sound, and how to avoid them
- (9:32) Microphones are like lenses: There are different types and some are better suited for isolating your voice than others.
Gear Recommendations:
- (12:00) Smartphone microphones that we recommend
- (19:13) Computer/USB mics that we recommend
Questions and Answers:
- (26:02) What if you’re picking up too much ambient noise?
- (30:14) What’s the best microphone to record a video in a crowd?
- (33:25) What about using a wireless lavalier microphone with a smartphone?
- (40:12) What adaptors are necessary for using a lavalier mic with a smartphone versus a tablet or a computer?
Products and Resources that We Mentioned (some of these are affiliate links):
- Standard lavalier microphone: Giant Squid Audio Lab Omnidirectional Microphone (requires the Rode SC4 below to work with a smartphone or tablet)
- Standard lavalier mic to smartphone mic adapter: Rode SC4 3-inch Microphone Cable
- Zach’s USB microphone: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone (best for recording solo)
- Jen’s USB microphone: Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone (better for recording in multiple kinds of setups)
- Smartphone/tablet audio extension cable: StarTech 2-meter TRRS Extension Cable (enables you to position your smartphone further from yourself/the subject, which is ideal)
Want more?
Here’s a list of every episode in the first season of Movies for Makers. Experience the live show on Mondays, and episode replays on Tuesdays.
- Episode #1: Choosing a Camera and Filming Tips
- Episode #2: How to Be Watchable (or Being Yourself On Camera)
- Episode #3: Recording Quality Sound for Your Videos // hey, this is the post you’re on!
- Episode #4: Editing and Sharing Your Videos
