Upgrade Your Videography with an External Microphone: 5 Tips for Improved Audio Quality

I'm going to let you into a little secret when it comes to creating better quality videos.

Well, okay, it's not exactly a secret. It's just people really don't talk about it enough.

When it comes to videography, the audio quality is just as important as the visual element. If the audio is poor or hard to hear, it can significantly impact the viewer's experience and make it difficult for them to fully engage with the content.

So what is the simplest way to drastically improve the quality of your audio? Get your wallets out, or get ready to tell the MD about your new marketing gear budget...

External microphones

One way to improve the audio quality of your videos is by using an external microphone. these can pick up clearer, more nuanced sound and reduce background noise, resulting in a more professional and enjoyable video for your audience. In this article, we'll explore the 5 steps to choosing and using the best external microphones for your needs.

1. Understand the different types of microphones and their uses

First thing to consider when using an external microphone for videography is what different types of microphones are available and their specific uses.

There are several types of microphones to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and best uses. For example, a shotgun microphone is great for picking up sound from a specific direction, making it ideal for interviews o voiceovers. On the other hand, a lavalier microphone is small and discreet, making it suitable for on-camera use or capturing audio in a crowded environment.

Knowing the strengths and limitations of different microphone types can help you choose the right one for your videography needs.

Shotgun Microphones

A shotgun microphone is a type of directional microphone that is designed to capture sound from a specific direction while rejecting noise from other directions. It is characterized by its long, narrow shape and its ability to focus on sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone.

Perfect for interviews, shotgun microphones are often used in situations where there is a need to pick up sound from a specific location, such as in film and television production, live events, and news gathering. They are also useful in environments where there is a lot of background noise, as they can help to isolate the desired sound. They can be mounted on a stand or boom and are usually more expensive than omnidirectional microphones, which pick up sound equally from all directions.

Lavalier Microphone

A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel microphone, is a small, wireless microphone that is worn on the body, usually attached to clothing such as a shirt lapel or collar. These are designed to be unobtrusive and allow the user to move freely while speaking or performing. They are often used in television and film production, interviews, and live events, as well as in public speaking.

Lavalier microphones are characterized by their small size and can be combined with a wireless transmitter, which allows the user to move around without being tethered to a microphone cable. They are also often omnidirectional, which means that they pick up sound equally from all directions, allowing the user to speak or perform in any direction without having to face the microphone directly.

Studio Microphone (Large Diaphragm Microphones)

A studio microphone is a type of microphone that is designed for use in recording studios and other controlled environments where high-quality sound capture is important. Studio microphones are characterized by their ability to capture a wide frequency range with high accuracy and low noise, making them ideal for recording vocals, instruments, and other audio sources.

There are many different types of studio microphones, including condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and ribbon microphones. Condenser microphones are known for their high sensitivity and fast transient response, making them ideal for recording vocals with subtle nuances. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are more rugged and less sensitive, but can be better at rejecting unwanted background noises (such as the Shure SM7B). Ribbon microphones, which use a thin ribbon of metal suspended in a magnetic field to produce a signal, are known for their warm, smooth sound and are often used for recording voices with a mellow tone.

Studio microphones are typically much more expensive than other types of microphones, but their high quality and versatility make them an important tool for professional audio recording and highly recommended for YouTube videos and podcasts which focus heavily on the spoken word.

2. Choose a microphone that fits your budget and needs

Choosing a microphone that fits your budget and needs is crucial when it comes to using an external microphone for videography. There are many options available at a range of price points, so it's important to consider your specific requirements and how much you're willing to invest. For example, if you're just starting out with videography and are on a tight budget, you may want to opt for a more affordable microphone that still provides decent sound quality.

On the other hand, if you're a professional videographer looking to capture high-quality audio, you may want to invest in a more expensive, professional-grade microphone. Consider your goals and needs carefully when choosing a microphone to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a microphone:

1. Purpose: What will you be using the microphone for? Different microphones are designed for different purposes, such as interviews, voiceovers, or capturing sound in a crowded environment. Consider the type of content you'll be producing and choose a microphone that is suitable for your needs.
2. Price: External microphones can range greatly in price. Decide how much you're willing to invest in a microphone and choose one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a good-quality microphone.
3. Compatibility: Make sure the microphone you choose is compatible with the equipment you'll be using. For example, if you're using a DSLR camera, you'll need a microphone with a 3.5mm jack or that can connect via a hot shoe mount.
4. Brand: Consider the brand of the microphone you're considering. Some brands have a reputation for producing high-quality microphones, while others may not be as reliable. Do some research and read reviews to get a sense of the quality of different brands. Brands we use at Naik Media include Rode, Shure, Neumann, Telefunken and Sennheiser.

By considering these factors, you can choose an external microphone that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

3. Test the microphone before shooting

Testing your microphone before a shoot is an important step in ensuring you get the best audio quality for your videography. There are a few different things you can do to test your microphone and make sure it's working properly:

1. Plug it in and turn it on: Make sure the microphone is properly connected to your camera or recording device and that it's turned on. You should be able to see the microphone's power indicator light or hear a signal when you speak into it.
2. Check the levels: Most microphones have a volume control or level indicator that shows how loud the sound is being picked up. Test the microphone by speaking into it and adjusting the levels until you get a clear, strong signal without any distortion.
3. Test the audio quality: Speak into the microphone and listen to the sound it's picking up. Is it clear and easy to understand, or is there a lot of background noise or distortion? If you're not happy with the sound, try adjusting the microphone's placement or settings to see if that improves the audio quality.

By testing your microphone before a shoot, you can ensure that it's working properly and that you'll get the best audio quality possible. This will save you time and frustration during the actual shoot and result in a more professional, high-quality video.

4. Pay attention to microphone placement

Paying attention to microphone placement is crucial for getting the best audio quality in your videography. The location of the microphone relative to the sound source can greatly affect the sound quality of your recording. Here are some tips for proper microphone placement:

1. Get close to the sound source: The closer the microphone is to the sound source, the more detailed and clear the audio will be. This is especially important for capturing dialogue or voiceovers.
2. Experiment with angles: Changing the angle of the microphone relative to the sound source can affect the sound quality. For example, placing the microphone at a slight angle to the side of a speaker's mouth can result in a more natural-sounding recording.
3. Avoid pointing the microphone directly at loud sounds: If the microphone is pointed directly at a loud sound source, such as a speaker or amplifier, it can cause distortion or clipping. Try to position the microphone at a slight angle to reduce the risk of this happening.
4. Pay attention to background noise: If the microphone is picking up a lot of background noise, it can be distracting and make it difficult for the viewer to hear the main audio. To minimize background noise, try to position the microphone as close to the sound source as possible and avoid shooting in noisy environments.

By paying attention to microphone placement, you can improve the audio quality of your videography and create a more enjoyable viewing experience for your audience.

5. Experiment with different settings and techniques to find the best sound for your videos

Experimenting with different settings and techniques can help you find the best sound for your videos and capture high-quality audio:

1. Use a windshield: A windshield, also known as a furry or dead cat, is a cover that goes over the microphone to reduce wind noise. This is especially useful if you'll be shooting outdoors or in windy conditions.
2. Experiment with the gain: The gain is the level of amplification applied to the audio signal. If the gain is set too low, the audio may be too quiet, while if it's set too high, it may be distorted. Experiment with different gain settings to find the best balance for your recordings.
3. Use a pop filter: A pop filter is a screen that goes over the microphone to reduce the sound of plosives, which are bursts of air that can cause distortion when speaking into the microphone. A pop filter can help to improve the clarity of your audio.
4. Use a shock mount: A shock mount is a device that attaches to the microphone and helps to isolate it from vibrations or movement. This can be especially useful if you'll be shooting handheld or in a location with a lot of movement.

By experimenting with different settings and techniques, you can find the best sound for your videos and improve the overall audio quality of your videography.

Improving your videography's audio quality is easy with an external microphone! From understanding the different types to finding the perfect placement and settings, these tips will help you create professional, high-quality videos. Follow them to engage and persuade your audience with top-notch sound.

Now that you've learned about the benefits of using an external microphone for videography and some tips for getting the best audio quality, it's time to put this knowledge into action. Why not try using an external microphone on your next video project and see how it improves the sound?

We'd love to hear about your experience and see the results. Share your thoughts and videos in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #naikmedia