The Four #1 Most Important Things: Thing 4 - Audio

Hello All -

Today's article closes a series of ideas of the most important things for your business video. Audio is probably one of the most underrated and misunderstood pieces in the video chain. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have build in mics. So why go any further? Microphones have cables, they are delicate, can get stupid expensive, have the ability to distort, and to many, just a pain.

But an educated ear can instantly hear poor audio. Lousy audio detracts. You are not listening to the message anymore. You are hearing an off-mic voice, room noise, and maybe a washing machine and refrigerator in the background.

When I see a business video and it sounds like they are using the on-camera mic, I turn away. And maybe go to their competitor's video.

Today's takeaway: people will forgive a poorly made video if it has good sound but they won't forgive a well put together video if it has poor audio.

You can read more about the subject here:

The fix is simple. Two options will take care of 85% of your filming needs.

Fix #1: The lavalier (or lapel) mic.

Simple, easy to hide, and provides great sound. They are a staple in the TV newsroom and in my production bag. The lav clips onto your shirt or tie and the receiver plugs into your camera. Because the mic is so close to your mouth, many unwanted sounds don't reach your camera. The majority of my videos use lapel mics.

Fix #2: The Shotgun mic.

If a lav is not practical, the shotgun mic is your next choice. I was filming a music recital earlier this week. I was in the front row and running onto stage to put a lapel mic on the performer just was not going to work. Out comes the trusty shotgun mic.

The shotgun mic is designed to pick up audio directly in front of it and reject sounds from the side. Usually shotgun mics are used when there are two or more people on camera or for whatever reason a lav mic is not going to work. There are shotgun mics designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras and offer a plug and play solution.

In short, there is no reason for poor audio. A poorly recorded sound track hurts more than you think. With just two types of microphones in your camera bag you can face almost any situation.

As always, if you have any questions about your video, if you need tips, or if you would like to engage me in your video production, please let me know. You can contact me in San Jose at 415-720-9551 or by email: [email protected]

BONUS - contact me to learn how to get a healthy discount on your next video!

Happy shooting!

#videotipsandtricks?#videotrends?#DanPowersSoundandVision #growyourbusinesswithvideo