Audio is half of the viewing experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re creating travel videos, tutorials, or podcasts — great audio can make or break your content.
When I first started, I was all about the visuals. I focused on lighting and camera angles, leaving audio as an afterthought.
But as I kept creating, I realized that poor audio was turning away viewers, even when the visuals were on point.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how to approach audio for your videos, with tips that will help you capture professional-quality sound on a budget.
1. Start by Considering Audio Early On
Most creators get so caught up in filming and editing that they forget about audio until it’s too late. But audio should be a priority from the moment you start planning your video.
Whether it’s capturing dialogue, background sounds, or music, audio quality is crucial.
Pro Tip: Always keep audio in mind, no matter the type of content you’re creating. Great visuals won’t save poor audio.
2. Choose the Right Microphone for Your Content
The type of microphone you choose depends on the content you’re filming. There are tons of options out there, but I recommend focusing on four types:
- Lavalier (Lapels): Small and flexible. Great for interviews and when the subject moves around. I use these all the time for their convenience and flexibility.
- Onboard Camera Mics: These are built-in microphones found on cameras or smartphones. They’re convenient but not the best for clear audio in noisy environments.
- Shotgun Mics: Mounted on top of the camera and directed at the subject. Ideal for capturing sound from a specific direction.
- Condenser Mics: Often used by podcasters and YouTubers for voiceovers or talking-head content. They provide clear, crisp audio when you’re sitting in front of the mic.
Pro Tip: For flexibility, a lavalier mic is your best bet. They’re affordable, versatile, and can be used in nearly any situation.
3. Keep Your Microphone Close to the Audio Source
One of the easiest ways to improve your audio quality is to reduce the distance between the microphone and your audio source. Ideally, your mic should be no more than 6-12 inches away from the speaker.
Pro Tip: Keep your microphone as close as possible to the person speaking to avoid picking up unnecessary background noise.
4. Mind the Ambient Noise
Ambient noise can make or break your audio. If you’re recording in a busy street, near traffic, or in a noisy room, your audio will suffer. Always consider your surroundings before recording.
Pro Tip: For outdoor shoots, use a lav mic and face away from the noisy area. This helps capture more of your voice and less of the surrounding noise.
5. Control Echo and Reverberation
If you’re filming in a room with high ceilings or hard surfaces, you’ll often get unwanted echo or reverb. This can be fixed with a few simple changes.
Pro Tip: Invest in acoustic foam to soundproof your space. If you can’t, use heavy blankets or pillows to absorb sound and reduce reverb.
6. Set the Right Audio Levels
Audio levels determine how loud or soft your recording will be. Too loud and you’ll get distortion; too soft and your voice won’t be heard clearly. The key is to keep your levels between negative 6 and negative 12 dB to avoid clipping.
Pro Tip: Use a test recording to check your levels before you start filming. This ensures the audio is neither too soft nor distorted.
7. Do a Test Recording
Before starting your main shoot, always do a quick test recording to make sure your audio is coming through clean and clear. Listen back with headphones and adjust the levels if necessary.
Pro Tip: Listening to the test recording will help you identify issues like background noise or imbalanced sound before you start filming.
8. Use Headphones for Real-Time Monitoring
If possible, use headphones while recording. This allows you to monitor the audio in real-time and make adjustments as you go.
Pro Tip: On professional setups, you can plug your headphones directly into your camera or audio recorder to listen and adjust while recording.
9. Invest in a Better Recorder if Necessary
Sometimes, the built-in mic on your camera or smartphone just doesn’t cut it. Investing in a portable audio recorder like the Zoom H1N can make a huge difference in sound quality.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a mic that requires an external recorder, make sure you understand how to connect them properly, whether it’s via an adapter or direct connection.
10. Post-Production Fixes
Once you have your audio recorded, don’t forget about post-production. You can use tools like D-reverb to clean up any residual echo or reverb. Additionally, adjusting EQ levels and adding a noise reduction filter can help smooth out your final sound.
Pro Tip: Always spend a little time in your editing software cleaning up the audio. A small fix can elevate your video’s overall production value.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can drastically improve the audio quality of your content without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re recording with your smartphone, a DSLR, or a high-end camera, proper planning, the right tools, and attention to detail will help you capture crisp, clear sound that complements your visuals.
Remember, audio is half of the viewing experience, so make sure you give it the attention it deserves!