The best tips for high-quality sound recording in videos

When it comes to videography, the focus is often on the visual design - and understandably so. But the sound is just as important. After all, even the most beautiful image can't be convincing if the sound isn't right. In this guide, you will learn how to record the sound for your videos correctly. Whether you are working with a clip-on microphone or a directional microphone, I will guide you through the individual steps and offer you useful tips to ensure that your sound recording sounds clear and professional.

Key takeaways

• Sound is crucial to the quality of a video.
• Clip-on microphones offer close and precise sound recording.
• Directional microphones are ideal for specific recording environments.
• Correct placement and technique are essential when recording sound.

Step-by-step guide

1. choosing the microphone

First you need to decide which microphone you want to use. Clip-on microphones and directional microphones are two popular options. Clip-on microphones pick up sound directly from the body, making them ideal for interviews and explainer videos. Directional microphones, on the other hand, are more suitable if you want to record from a certain distance, for example for vlogs.

2. position the lapel microphone correctly

If you are using a lapel microphone, make sure you position it close to the source of the noise. As a rule, you should position the microphone so that it is about 15-30 cm away from your mouth. This reduces background noise and ensures that your voice can be heard clearly.

3. establish a connection to the recording device

There are various methods for transmitting the sound from your microphone to the camera. You can use a cable to connect the clip-on microphone directly to the camera. Alternatively, you can use a wireless link to replace the cable. This option is very practical as it allows a great deal of freedom of movement.

4. use your smartphone as a recording device

Another creative option is to use your smartphone as a recording device. Connect your clip-on microphone to your smartphone and use a suitable app such as "Voice Record Pro". This app allows you to record in high quality and offers various options for post-processing.

5. use a directional microphone correctly

If you decide to use a directional microphone, make sure you point it at the source of the sound. Directional microphones are designed to pick up sound from a specific direction, which makes them ideal for interviews or vlogs when you point the microphone directly at the person.

6. optimize the sound recording

When recording, you should take care to minimize background noise. It is best to film in a quiet environment and avoid having large sources of noise nearby during the recording. If you are working with a directional microphone and the camera is further away, you can also place the microphone overhead to achieve better sound quality.

7. check the sound quality

A final, important step is to check the sound quality. Listen to your recording and make sure that the sound is clear and there are no distracting noises. If the quality is not optimal, you can make repeated adjustments to the microphone placement or the environment to achieve better results.

Summary - Recording sound for videography: achieving the perfect sound

Recording high-quality sound is a fundamental skill for any videographer. With the right technique and microphone choices, you can ensure that your videos are both visually and aurally appealing. Experiment with different microphones and techniques to find out what works best for you.