There are some easy filming basics on how to get better audio in your videos. Because if no one can hear you, then "Houston, we have a problem."
In order to get better audio with video you need to buy a microphone. If you have a high-quality brand you need to make high-quality videos to match your brand. The good news—I have three recommendations all under $25 to get you started.
And just to compare, when I make videos for my clients or when we work on our TV show, we use microphones that cost between $600 and $1,200. So $25 is a steal compared to the built-in microphones that’s on your camera, your phone or your computer.
Here's how to get better audio in your videos with four simple tips! Plus, three different microphones all under $25 to get your started so you sound fantastic in your videos!
Four quick tips for recording audio:
1. Find a quiet place.
When I have the house all to myself it’s super quiet. But when my kids are home...haha, that's a different story!
2. Project your voice.
Don’t be shy on camera. Speak from the gut. (That's something I have to remind myself to do, too!)
3. Be in a place with good acoustics.
An example is my office. It’s a pretty small space with carpet on the floor that helps dampen the sound. However, if you’re in a room with a hard floor or tiles, you will hear that "echoey" sound that doesn’t sound too good.
4. Place the microphone near your mouth.
This way it will pick up your voice a lot better and you're audio will sound great!
Since we’re talking about microphones, let’s get right into my very budget friendly microphone recommendations. This is the key on how to get better audio in your videos.
1. Lavalier
This is a tiny little microphone that you pin on your clothes, like your top (or for the women...even your bra! That's my favorite place so that way it's hidden.) If you are starting out and you’re on a budget, I recommend the Boya BY-M1. For about $15 you really can’t go wrong.
My favorite thing about this is that you can use it for either your smartphone or your camera. Just flip the switch and plug it in. Plus it has a 20 foot long cable. So if you want, you can sit pretty far away from your camera and still get good audio. This is my favorite way on how to get better audio in your videos.
2. Shotgun microphone
Shotgun microphones are hidden from the viewer which I love about them. The budget-friendly Takstar interview microphone attaches to your camera. Because of this, you want to get closer to your camera at about 2 to 3 feet away so that it sounds better.
3. USB Microphone
The Fifine USB microphone is a great option if you're using your computer to record a video. It's budget-friendly and sounds great! Just plug it into your computer via USB, select it as your microphone in the settings, and push record!
There you go, three budget friendly microphones and four simple tips on how to get better audio in your videos. That way, you can record professional sounding videos.
