Audio for video: why sound matters more than you think
Viewers forgive soft footage but not bad sound. Learn microphone types, placement and levels for clean audio.
Bad audio makes even beautiful footage unwatchable. Clear sound is essential for interviews, testimonials and social media.
Microphone types
- On-camera shotgun: good for ambient sound and run-and-gun; the Sony ECM-B10 connects digitally through the hot shoe.
- Lavalier: clips to clothing for clear voice in interviews.
- Wireless systems: lavaliers that transmit to the camera for freedom of movement.
- Handheld: for vlogging and events.
Placement is everything
The closer the microphone is to the mouth, the better. A lav 15 to 20 cm below the chin or a shotgun just out of frame above the subject sounds far better than a mic on a camera three meters away.
Set levels
Speech should peak around −12 dB to −6 dB. Never let it hit 0 dB, which distorts. Turn off auto gain when possible.
Control the environment
Turn off fans and air conditioning, close windows and use soft furnishings to reduce echo.
Monitor with headphones
Always listen while recording. Your ears catch problems the meters miss.
Record room tone
Record 30 seconds of silence in each location to help smooth edits.
