How to Record Quality Audio When Videotaping a Presentation

One of the biggest mistakes novice videographers make is to settle for low-quality audio. In part this is because built-in microphones aren't very good and partly because they aren't aware of the demands of audio. When videotaping presentations, audio quality makes an even bigger difference. The speakers' voices must be clear and distinct.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Quality external lapel microphone(s)
• Sound mixer for more than one mike
• Covered headphones
• Wind screen

1. Use an external microphone. Good quality lapel mikes capture voices clearly, built in mikes pick up more background noise the further the camera is from the speaker. If you are recording a panel, you can connect multiple microphones with a mixer.
2. Limit background noise. This includes background music, fans, air conditioning and outdoor noises through open windows. You can reduce noise with sound scrubbing software in post-production, but it's better to eliminate it from the source.
3. Record one or two minutes of ambient and background sound before the speakers begin. Noise reduction software uses this noise to clean the signal. You can also mix it in later at moments without voice to convey a sense of the live setting.
4. Monitor the audio as it records. You need to make sure you're getting the voices clearly and there isn't competing background noise. Don't use ear buds, use covered headphones that block out external noise.
5. Use a windscreen on the mike when recording outdoors. You can buy professional windscreens, but if your budget's tight, socks or the foam lining from brassiere cups can do the trick.
6. Run your audio track through sound editing software in post-production. It's easy to lift the track from video editing software and mix it back in after processing. If you want music or other background noise this would be the time to add it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you intend to record a presentation move it indoors if at all possible. Outdoor background noise is much more difficult to screen.
• If you don't intend to do any post-production work, capturing good sound the first time becomes even more important.

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