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 connector. 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 above is another picture of two XLR audio inputs on a video camera.
Only expensive cameras have XLR audio inputs. Less expensive video cameras might have a tiny phone connector plug input…if they have one at all. (Many inexpensive cameras have NO audio input, so they will not accept a second mic.)
A phone connector plugin, which can be either stereo or mono, is smaller and has one prong. Generally speaking, the better microphones are XLR. XLR is considered the professional standard but for low budget groups like schools, microphones with phone-style plugs are fine. Be careful to plug them in fully to get a good connection.
The biggest advantage XLR actually gives you only makes a practical difference if you are running long cables.
ADAPTERS TO THE RESCUE!
Incompatible plug-ins are a common problem in video production, so many adapters exist to MAKE stuff work together. You can buy them from B&H photo, they carry everything, including microphone adapters.
Buying the adapter is a lot cheaper than buying a new camera.
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!
Thanks for reading Video Production Tips
Lorraine Grula
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- Why is it best to plug a microphone into your camera instead of just relying on the camera mic?
- What kind of incompatibility might you run into with microphones, cameras, and cables?
- Describe what a stereo plug looks like. Describe what an XLR connector looks like.