How To Capture The Best Audio For Your Video: DIY Filming Tips

We’re back with our DIY filming tips and today we’re concentrating on sound!

Sound is a super important part of a video.

Sure, you might have flashy graphics, awesome animation and engaging content, but if you can’t hear anything, you are likely to lose your viewers' attention.

Take a look below at the things you need to consider when recording sound for your video.

Background noise

It is important to minimise your background noise as much as possible before filming.

Any sound that directs your viewers attention away from the desired source will result in reduced engagement, annoyance and an unprofessional opinion of your brand.

If you’re outside, avoid busy roads or windy weather.

Inside, avoid keyboards tapping, air con and people chatting. Simple things such as closing windows and turning off computers whilst you film will give your video a clearer, crisper sound quality.

Microphones

As a beginner searching for a microphone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice. The first question you need to ask yourself is, “What will I be using this mic for?”

Are you using your mic to record direct vocals from one person, perhaps in an interview setting? Are you recording a small or large group? Once you have narrowed down your need, you will be able to pick a microphone most suited for the task.

Here is a little run down of microphones for video production and what they are used for:

Shotgun Microphone - Best for versatility.

A shotgun microphone is great for video production as you can attach it to your camera. Their narrow shape is an effective on-camera tool for sound capture as it prioritises the sound in front of the mic whilst collecting some surrounding sound.

They are a great “all in one” microphone for video production. However, they are not suited for loud environments and sometimes collect too much background noise.

Learn more about shotgun microphones here.

Handheld - Filming at interview style video? A handheld microphone allows your subject to control their sound whilst capturing their direct vocals.

For more information on handheld microphones, check out this blog by CIE.

Boundary/PZM- These small mics can be placed anywhere where you need wide coverage. A wireless option for capturing surround sound.

Learn more about them here.

LAV Mics- A Lavalier mic (or lapel mic) is perfect for capturing dialogue.

Lavs come in a wired version and a wireless version, both being small enough to hide beneath the collar of a shirt or jumper.

Find out more about LAV mics and how they work in this article.

Stereo Microphones- Recording music? These mics can capture natural sounding musical performances.

Find out more about them here.

Direction

It may sound silly, but it is important to make sure your microphone is directed at the sound source. It should be close to the subject without being in the shot.

If you have a clip on mic (Lav - as mentioned above), try to clip it on to the subject's collar or shirt.

If you have a directional microphone, perhaps invest in a boom pole so you can hover it above the subject's head directing it at the mouth.

Music and effects

If you are adding music post-filming, this will require some production skills.

You can follow quick guides by reading blogs like this one.

Adding music and effects can be time-consuming so you might want to consider hiring a professional.

However, before you begin it is important you understand the role of the music and what you need it for.

Background of Foreground?

Decide how your music should be featured.

What is its purpose? If your music becomes a distraction during an interview for example, you are taking the attention away from the content you are hoping to get across.

Whatever you need your music for, the volume of it will play a large part in its success.

Paid or Unpaid?

You must pay close attention to the rights listed on any song you’re considering using for a video.

Adding copyrighted music to your video will result in a request that you take it down. You could also face legal action, which would not look good on your brand!

There are many websites where you can find free music. However, there will probably be a lot of low-quality tracks you will have to sift through and the terms and conditions may vary.

Established music sites that sell licenses will have catalog full of high-quality songs that will help your video sound chic and professional.

If you pay for your music there will be no limits on what you can do with the song and no royalties or legal concerns you need to worry about.

Video is a great tool to achieve your brand awareness or sales goals. If you want to know more about how we can help you maximise your engagement through video, please get in touch with us on hello@foxfifth.com