7 Fundamentals Of Successful Audio Production In Web Video Production

Okay you’ve got a new camera, but the audio doesn’t sound so great. Now what do you do? Follow these simple tips for getting clear audio in your next video production.

1) Don’t use The Internal Microphone

If you follow one bit of advice from this blog post, let it be this one. Do not use, I repeat, do not use the internal microphone on your camera. Though convenient, internal microphones are terrible. They pick up operator noise-you pushing buttons and turning knobs-and they pick up internal camera noises. If you are shooting on miniDV, the microphone will pick up the sound of the drum inside the camera. On camera mics also pick up the operator’s voice better than they pick up the subject’s voice. Do yourself a favor and spend a few extra bucks on a wired or wireless microphone.

There are three types of microphones you want to look at. Each one has its own application.

2) Lavalier Mics

Lavelier microphones are the small mics that you see pinned to newscaster collars or lapels. They are generally used when you want hands-free operation and you want to focus on one subject. In a pinch, you can use them as an interview mic.

3) Shotgun Mics

Shotgun microphones are the microphones that you see at the end of boom poles on a film shoot or in the hands of a newscaster. Of the microphones available they are the most directional. These microphones need to be pointed at the speaker and are good for doing interviews in noisy spaces.

4) Dynamic Mics

Dynamic microphones are the workhorse of the microphone world. These are the microphones you see during a live stage event. They are generally more rugged than condenser microphones. Unlike condenser microphones they do not require power supply.

5) Be Prepared

As the Boy Scouts say, you always need to be prepared. Before you go out on a shoot make sure that you know what kind of power supply your microphone needs and that you have it available in case something goes wrong – like a battery dying.

Also make sure that you know how to use your microphone. Often, in the heat of a shoot something doesn’t work. It could be as simple as the as the switch being set to the off position. Have your troubleshooting checklist laid out before you get in the field or in front of your client.

6) Watch Your Levels

Audio peaks out at 0 dB. This is when you hear loud pops and clicks in your audio track. In your on camera monitor make sure that your levels are between -12 and -6. This will save you time and frustration when you are editing.

7) Monitor With Headphones

Don’t rely on your monitor to tell you how the sound is going. Make sure that you always use a set of headphones. Your ears will tell you when something is wrong before the camera will. If something doesn’t sound right, it usually isn’t. Don’t be afraid to stop and readjust in order get the best quality sound.

Image credit: hiddedevries