Audio for Video: How to Use Pro Audio Equipment Without Having a Pro Camera

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Getting quality audio for your video production is critical. I firmly believe that poor audio will turn viewers off faster than poor video quality.

If people can not make out what you are saying, they will stop watching.

The best way to get quality audio in your video is to use a separate microphone that you plug into the camera. If you just use the microphone that comes on your camcorder, the sound will be hollow and you will pick up lots of room noise. (If you have absolutely no other option, make sure the room you record in is as quiet as possible.)

In order to use a separate microphone that plugs into your camera, you have to have a camera that has the correct plug in. The professional grade audio plug-in is known as an XLR. It is about 2/3 inch in diameter and has three prongs. Here is a picture of an XLR audio cable and another picture of two XLR audio inputs on a video camera.

XLR Audio Cable

XLR Audio inputs on a video camera.

Only expensive cameras have XLR audio inputs. Less expensive video cameras have a tiny stereo plug input…if they have one at all. (Many inexpensive cameras have NO audio input so they will not accept a second mic.)

A stereo plug is tiny and has one prong. You simply will not get as good of quality with a stereo plug as you will an XLR. It is better than using your camera mic but not as good as using XLR.

ADAPTERS TO THE RESCUE!

Incompatible plug-ins are a common problem in video production, so many adapters exist to MAKE stuff work together. In the video below from B&H photo, they show a neat little camera adapter that allows you to plug in an XLR audio source even if your camera only has a stereo plug-in. Buying the adapter is a lot cheaper than buying a new camera. There are two different kinds of adapters and one type is significantly better than the other type. This video shows you both and explains the difference.

So if you would like to get better quality audio on your inexpensive camcorder, one of these adapters may be just the gadget you need.

B&H photo is the largest video equipment supply house on the planet. They are an incredible source for information about video equipment.

Searching the B&H Photo website is always a lot of fun for me. Like the proverbial kid in a candy store! Go see what I mean!