In today’s multimedia-focused environment, video and audio production is becoming more and more prevalent and part of everyday life for all of us. From simple phone footage for social media posts to more full-scale productions for aspiring filmmakers, the scope of A/V production is universal and all-encompassing.
Video has come a long way over the last decade with premium quality footage becoming available to the everyday consumer. The rise of DSLR and subsequently mirrorless cameras for video and the improvement of smartphones to shoot in 4K means many of us now have access to high-grade video options. Your videos may look great, however, what about the other side of the equation, the audio. In any professional broadcast or production situation, the quality of the audio must mirror the vision to create the total package. The final product is only as strong as its weakest link and often it’s the audio side that is neglected much to the detriment of the final outcome.
Why is achieving quality audio for video such an issue?
Every camera or phone has an inbuilt microphone - so why can’t you just use that?
The answer is you can, that is as long as it is not anything too critical and you just want to throw something quickly up on your social pages, however, in the industry this is known as “scratch” audio, ie, it’s a reference track to be replaced later by the real deal. The problem is the inbuilt microphones are generally very small condenser microphones which are incredibly sensitive and subject to picking up lots of extraneous noise as well as overloading the microphone itself creating distortion. If you ever tried to film your favourite band at a large concert chances are you have experienced this effect as the volume will overload the capacity of the small diaphragm of the camera creating audio that is pretty nasty and completely unusable in a professional context.
What are the options?
Dedicated External Recorder
Like anything, a devoted piece of equipment that is designed and allocated for a particular purpose is always preferable to one piece of equipment that undertakes a variety of functions. External audio recorders are great for capturing pristine audio from a variety of sound sources and many have multi-channel ability to independently record vocal, music, foley or ambient stems all at the same time. They also offer the ability to use the correct microphone for the task at hand and shotgun microphones, lavaliere microphones or handheld microphones are all easily accommodated here. They also have the ability to provide phantom power (48+) for powering condenser microphones and many are battery powered for run and gun video shoots.
In terms of a workflow, you have two clear options here, using the dedicated recorder and striping the audio directly back to your camera or striping (syncing) the audio from the recorder. Obviously, the first option is easier, however, the second option is safer as you are only monitoring one audio level (the recorder) rather than two sources (the recorder and the camera). If you are striping directly to the camera it’s suggested to still roll on the recorder for a backup. It’s also prudent to remember your camera microphone input is waiting for a mic signal rather than the line-level sent by the recorder so some form of attenuation will be necessary to prevent an overly hot signal or a noise floor on your audio if you are stripping directly to your camera from the external audio recorder.
What External Recorder Options are Available?
There are a multitude of options here all providing useable solutions for specific audio to vision applications. Many boast XLR (balanced) jacks for inputs which is very handy as these are the standard microphone connectors found on most professional equipment. This makes patching easy and reliable without the use of adaptors which can be noisy. XLR jacks also allow for a number of various microphones to be used depending upon your needs and they will support phantom power (48+) volts. The range covers very small compact and portable stereo options all the way through to larger field recorders. What to keep in mind is, what you are generally paying for here is the amount and type of independent channels and the overall quality of the pre-amps, many offer a whole world of other features, even guitar amp simulations, however, it is best not to get to carried away here and focus on what you primarily need and treat the extra features as a bonus.
Examples of Popular External Audio Recorders
Brands such as Zoom, Tascam and Roland have been leaders in the market for decades and are considered the go-to for audio for video for very good reasons. Simplicity, reliability and affordability.
Here are some of our most popular divided into various price points. Many offer an in-built pair of XY microphones for easy, on the go options and use handy and affordable SD cards for storage. Zoom handy recorders also come with a “light” copy of the popular Cubase recording software if you need a post-production editor.
Zoom H1n Handy Recorder |
Tascam DR-05X Handheld Recorder |
Zoom F1LP |
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Zoom H2n Handy Recorder |
Roland R-07 Portable Recorder |
Zoom H5 Portable Recorder |
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Zoom F6 Field Recorder
Pros
- Six professional-grade preamps
- 32-bit float for massive dynamic range
- Professional timecode for sync
Cons
- No internal microphones
What are the Options to Pimp your Phone for Quality Audio?
So you really would just like better sounding audio for your phone and you don’t want to mess with external recorders just a quick plug and play solution. Here are some very handy and affordable products to consider including IK Multimedia microphones and handy Rode microphones. There are also a variety of user-friendly apps to support these products.
I Rig Video Creator Bundle
Includes shotgun microphone and camera stand. All in one audio for video solution
I Rig Mic HD 2
Handy handheld dynamic microphone perfect for interviews or vocals.
I Rig Cast HD
Compact microphone which is bio directional making it perfect for interviews. You can select front, rear or both.
I Rig Mic Lav
Lapel microphone solution which is chainable, allowing another microphone to be introduced to the set-up.
Rode - Vlogger Kit Universal Edition
This all in one solution not only features a microphone but also includes a tripod and light.
Rode Video Mic Me
This compact directional microphone is a simple plug and play solution and is made in Australia. Also includes a windshield for outdoor shooting.
Rode Lavalier Go Microphone
A discreet wearable professional-grade microphone that can be paired with Rode’s Wireless Go System includes a Kevlar-reinforced cable, pop filter and durable mounting clip.
Rode iXY Stereo Microphone (iPhone / iPad)
High fidelity microphone with adjustable input level includes a foam windshield for outdoor recording.
Zoom iQ7 Mid Side Stereo for IOS
Create high-quality stereo recordings with this innovative microphone for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
What if you own a DSLR or Camcorder?
Professional-grade video or cinema cameras have dedicated XLR inputs and preamps on board for all in one audio solution. Consumer cameras and DSLRs will just have a 3.5mm input for an external microphone. These products are designed for exactly just that and they offer hi-fidelity sound at affordable price points.
Rode Video Mic Pro
Hot shoe mounted high-quality condenser shotgun microphone. Includes shock mount and a built-in foam windscreen.
Sennheiser MKE400 Shotgun Microphone
An inbuilt windscreen and shock absorption system as well as headphone output make this microphone a very capable solution. This microphone comes with a TRS cable for cameras and a TRRS cable for phones.
Sennheiser MKE440 Stereo Microphone
An innovative V style stereo set-up is claimed by Sennheiser to outperform AB, MS or XY setups in terms of accurate mapping of a stereo field. The all-metal construction is incredibly durable.
SE Microphones ProMic Laser Shotgun Microphone
Rugged aluminium design, windscreen and shock mount this microphone has a bass cut to eliminate rumble and a -10db cut for extra loud sound sources.
Rode Lavalier Omni-Directional Microphone
High-quality lapel microphone with wide frequency response and a reinforced Kevlar cable all housed in an anti trauma water-resistant case.
What accessories are available?
There are many options to help you with your audio for video. From power supplies, connectors and mounts there are multiple ways for you to improve your experience and final outcome.
Zoom H1n Accessory Pack
Zoom make a range of accessory packs to suit their handy recorders. This one includes a tripod, microphone stand adaptor, USB for file transfer, windscreen, power supply, tripod and a protective case.
Zoom Hot Shoe Mount for Handy Recorders
This is an easy solution for mounting your recorder to the hot shoe on your DSLR camera.
Zoom PIXI Tripod by Manfrotto for Zoom Handy Recorders
Manfrotto is one of the most respected manufacturers of camera support systems in the world and this lightweight, portable stand offers stability with a small footprint.
Zoom WSU-1 Universal Windscreen
Protect your recordings from the elements with this fluffy windscreen, will fit all Zoom audio recorders as well as a host of units from other brands.
Rode SC3 TRS to TRRS Adaptor
This is a really handy adaptor for using with mobile phones or tablet devices. Any microphone with a 3.5mm plug can be modified to suit mobile devices greatly increasing your options for quality sounds.
Rode SC6 Dual TRRS Input and Headphone Output
Allows two TRRS inputs to be coupled to one device meaning two microphones can be recorded on the same channel at the same time, also includes a stereo headphone output.
Rode SC6-L Dual TRRS Input and Headphone Output (IOS)
Allows two TRRS inputs to be coupled to one device meaning two microphones can be recorded on the same channel at the same time, also includes a stereo headphone output. The SC6-L is compatible with all Apple iOS devices with a Lightning connection and running iOS 11 or higher.
Is there an all in one solution available?
The Zoom Q8n-4K promises an all in one package offering 4K video quality with four channels of audio recording. Zoom has been producing this style of video camera in a number of configurations for a number of years now and their new generation of cameras offers both high-quality video and audio solutions.
These cameras may not be the filmmaker's first choice of set-up, however, for musicians, they are perfect for creating content from live gigs, studio performances or even rehearsal teaser clips. The video offers a 150° wide-angle lens with 5 fields of view as well as lighting presets designed for harsh LED concert lights. The audio features the Zoom interchangeable microphone system with two inbuilt X/Y microphones included as well as two XLR inputs with phantom power for the microphones of your choice. The screen also flips around for self-movie capture.
Currently, Zoom is offering both the Q8n and Q2n as options in this format.
No matter your audio and video needs, we've got you covered at Musos Corner. Check out our full range of audio for video products online and bring your next project to life.
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