Welcome to an enlightening tutorial where we will unveil a set of invaluable techniques to elevate the audio quality of your built-in camera microphones.
It’s a well-established fact that microphones integrated into mirrorless and DSLR cameras are often found wanting when it comes to delivering top-notch audio quality. In the world of filmmaking, seasoned professionals consistently advocate for utilizing the built-in camera microphone solely as a reference audio source. They recommend recording your primary audio on a dedicated field recorder or enhancing it further with a supplementary plug-in microphone.
What if you find yourself without access to an additional microphone? Fear not, this tutorial is designed to provide innovative solutions. Within the following guide, we will present you with a series of practical tips to enhance the audio quality emanating from your camera’s built-in microphone. These tried-and-true techniques have the potential to significantly augment your camera’s audio capabilities and might just be the lifesaver you need in challenging audio situations.
Join us on this journey to unlock the full potential of your camera’s audio, and discover how you can achieve remarkable results even with the equipment you currently possess. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or an enthusiastic beginner, these tips will empower you to capture audio that truly stands out. Let’s dive in and explore the world of improved audio quality together!
Record Close to the Microphone
Indeed, the first tip may seem straightforward, but it lays the foundation for capturing superior audio quality. To achieve this, it’s crucial to position yourself in close proximity to the microphone. Built-in camera microphones often capture audio with a limited range, so maintaining close proximity is essential.
You should position yourself no farther than an arm’s length away, which is approximately three feet or less. This proximity not only ensures clarity in your recorded audio but also minimizes the risk of excessive background noise interference.
By adhering to this fundamental practice, you’ll be on the right track to significantly enhancing the quality of your audio recordings. Remember, the simplest adjustments can yield remarkable improvements in your final audio output.
Maintaining microphone proximity is indeed more straightforward for vlog-style content. When it comes to recording audio narration, a specific approach can yield exceptional results. I highly recommend positioning yourself directly in front of the microphone at face level and recording the audio on a separate video clip. This technique allows you to isolate and optimize the audio for your narration sequence during the editing process.
To further enhance your audio quality, it’s preferable to record audio narrations indoors, and I suggest using a clothing closet if available. The soft materials within the closet, such as clothing, act as natural sound absorbers, effectively reducing unwanted audio reflections and reverb. This results in a cleaner, more professional sound for your narrations.
By implementing these practices, you’ll be well-equipped to capture top-notch audio, whether it’s for vlog-style content or narration, ensuring that your final product resonates with clarity and professionalism.
Disable Automatic Audio Leveling Settings
The first step is to turn off any automatic audio leveling settings or level limiters that your camera may have for its microphone. These settings, more often than not, tend to do more harm than good. They can excessively boost background noise when no one is speaking, resulting in a less-than-ideal audio experience. It is advisable to disable these settings and manually monitor the audio levels on your camera.
Adjust Microphone Input Levels
After turning off automatic audio leveling, you’ll likely need to adjust the microphone input levels. The optimal level may vary depending on your camera model, so it’s recommended to perform test recordings to determine the best setting. Generally, reducing the audio level to around -10 dB or -12 dB is a good starting point.
Wind Noise Protection
When recording outdoors, wind noise can be a significant issue with built-in camera microphones. Since they lack built-in wind protection, you can mitigate this problem by covering the microphone with a lens-cleaning cloth. Use gaffe tape to secure the cloth temporarily over the microphone. While this might not look aesthetically pleasing, it acts as a makeshift windscreen and helps reduce wind noise. Keeping a cleaning cloth and gaffe tape in your filmmaking kit can be a handy solution for outdoor shoots.
Enhance Bass in Post-Production
Built-in camera microphones often produce audio that sounds somewhat shallow. To address this, consider enhancing the bass during the post-production phase. This process can make the audio sound more natural and well-rounded. In video editing software like Premiere Pro, search for the “bass” effect in the Effects panel and apply it to your audio. Using the Effects controls, you can increase the bass dB to achieve the desired effect. You can experiment with other audio effects such as Equalizer, DeNoise, and Vocal Enhancer to fine-tune your audio and improve its overall quality.
By following these tips and making a few adjustments, you can significantly enhance the audio quality when using the built-in microphone on your camera, resulting in more professional-sounding video content.
