The Ultimate Audio Recording for Video Cheatsheet

Introduction: Why Audio Quality Matters for Video

Audio quality can make or break your video production. Viewers are more likely to forgive poor video quality than poor audio quality. Good audio:

• Enhances viewer engagement and retention
• Establishes production credibility
• Communicates your message clearly
• Creates the right emotional impact
• Prevents viewer fatigue and abandonment

Essential Audio Equipment for Video Production

Microphone Types and Applications

Essential Audio Accessories

• Windscreens & Deadcats: Reduce wind noise in outdoor recording
• Shock Mounts: Isolate microphones from handling noise and vibration
• Pop Filters: Reduce plosives (‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds) in vocal recording
• XLR Cables: Professional balanced connections for less interference
• Headphones: Closed-back design for accurate monitoring
• Boom Poles: Position shotgun mics close to source while out of frame
• Portable Recorders: Capture high-quality audio separate from camera

Recording Devices

Audio Recording Techniques for Common Video Scenarios

Interview Setup

Single Subject:

• Primary mic: Lavalier on subject (hidden under clothing if needed)
• Backup mic: Shotgun on boom or camera-mounted shotgun
• Room tone: 30 seconds at start/end of recording
• Levels: Peak between -12dB and -6dB

Two-Person Interview:

• Two lavalier mics (one per person) OR
• One shotgun on boom swung between speakers
• Consider recording to separate channels for editing flexibility
• Monitor both speakers for level consistency

Documentary/Field Recording

Run-and-Gun Approach:

• Camera-mounted shotgun as primary audio
• Wireless lavalier for main subject if possible
• Record ambient sound separately for each location
• Use windscreen/deadcat in outdoor environments

Planned Field Shoots:

• Boom operator with shotgun mic
• Wireless lavaliers for main subjects
• Ambient/room tone recording (1 minute per location)
• Consider recording to external device for better quality

Narrative/Film Audio

Dialogue Recording:

• Boom-mounted shotgun as primary audio
• Hidden lavaliers as backup
• Record room tone for each setup (1 minute minimum)
• Slate each take for sync reference
• Consider separate audio team with dedicated mixer

Sound Effects:

• Record on location when possible for authenticity
• Isolate each sound effect without dialogue
• Multiple takes with different microphone positions
• Label meticulously for post-production

Online Content/Vlogging

Studio Setup:

• Large diaphragm condenser or shotgun mic just out of frame
• Consistent microphone position between recordings
• Acoustic treatment to reduce room reflections
• Consider pop filter for close vocal recording

Mobile Setup:

• Camera-mounted shotgun or wireless lavalier
• Wind protection for outdoor recording
• Monitor audio with headphones
• Consider smartphone lavalier for ultra-portable solution

Technical Settings and Best Practices

Optimal Audio Specifications

Microphone Placement Techniques

Lavalier Placement:

• 6-8 inches below chin for clear pickup
• Avoid clothing rustle (use moleskin if necessary)
• Hide under clothing using vampire clips when needed
• Shield from wind using medical tape method or commercial windscreen

Shotgun Placement:

• Point directly at sound source
• Keep as close as possible while staying out of frame
• Position above subject aimed down at mouth
• Use proper shock mount to avoid handling noise

Studio Microphone:

• 6-12 inches from subject’s mouth
• Slightly off-axis to reduce plosives
• Use reflection filter in untreated rooms
• Consider hanging position to eliminate desk reflections

Recording Environment Considerations

Indoor Recording:

• Identify and eliminate background noise (HVAC, refrigerators, etc.)
• Use soft furnishings to reduce reverb/echo
• Close windows to block exterior noise
• Consider portable sound blankets for problematic spaces

Outdoor Recording:

• Use appropriate wind protection
• Identify ambient noise that may interfere (traffic, aircraft, etc.)
• Position subject with back to noise sources when possible
• Record early morning or evening for quieter conditions
• Allow extra time for unexpected audio interruptions

Dual-System Audio Recording

Synchronization Methods

Camera/Audio Device Sync:

• Timecode jamming for professional setups
• Slate/clapboard for manual sync point
• Embedded camera audio as reference track
• Signal before important takes (clap or countdown)

Post-Production Sync:

• Automatic sync using reference audio
• Manual sync using visual/audio cues
• PluralEyes or similar software for bulk synchronization
• Label clips methodically for easier matching

Best Practices for Dual-System

• Always record reference audio on camera
• Use consistent file naming between video and audio
• Verbal slate with project, scene, take information
• Maintain consistent sample rates between devices
• Set clear audio handoff protocol with post-production team

Common Audio Problems and Solutions

Audio Monitoring During Recording

Headphone Technique

• Always use closed-back headphones
• Monitor at moderate volume to catch problems
• Listen for both technical issues and performance quality
• Check wireless signal before recording begins
• Periodically remove one earcup to hear real-world sound

What to Listen For

• Unwanted background noise
• Microphone handling noise
• Consistent levels between speakers
• Plosives and sibilance
• Audio dropouts or digital artifacts
• Clothing rustle with lavaliers
• Room tone changes

Audio Test Checklist Before Shooting

• ☐ Record test audio and playback through headphones
• ☐ Check all cable connections are secure
• ☐ Verify phantom power is on for condenser microphones
• ☐ Set appropriate gain levels with typical source volume
• ☐ Monitor for interference or background noise
• ☐ Test wireless range if using radio mics
• ☐ Check battery levels in all devices
• ☐ Ensure memory cards have sufficient space
• ☐ Capture room tone for later editing

Post-Production Audio Workflow for Video

Essential Process Steps

1. Sync audio to video using timecode, slate, or automatic sync
2. Organize and label tracks for dialogue, ambient sound, effects
3. Clean up dialogue with noise reduction, EQ, and volume normalization
4. Add ambient sound to create consistent audio background
5. Mix relative levels between dialogue, music, and effects
6. Apply compression to control dynamic range for various platforms
7. Add music and sound effects to enhance emotional impact
8. Perform final mix with appropriate headroom for delivery
9. Export according to delivery specifications for intended platform

Essential Post-Production Toolkit

• Audio Editor: Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, DaVinci Resolve Fairlight
• Plugins:
  • Noise reduction (iZotope RX, Waves X-Noise)
  • EQ (parametric with high-pass filter capability)
  • Compression (dialogue-specific if possible)
  • Limiter (for final output control)
  • Loudness meter (LUFS measurement for platform delivery)

Platform-Specific Audio Requirements

Quick Tips for Better Video Audio

• Record room tone at every location (30-60 seconds minimum)
• Always monitor with headphones during recording
• Use the right mic for the situation (not just what’s convenient)
• Get close to the sound source whenever possible
• Test audio before every recording session
• Label files methodically for post-production
• Record at -12dB to -6dB peak for optimal signal-to-noise ratio
• Carry backup batteries and memory cards
• Use windscreens outdoors even on calm days
• Check audio at the beginning of each new setup

Resources for Further Learning

Recommended Equipment (Budget to Professional)

Entry Level:

• Rode VideoMic series
• Zoom H1n recorder
• Deity V-Mic D3/D3 Pro
• Audio-Technica ATR3350 lavalier

Mid-Range:

• Rode NTG4+ shotgun mic
• Tascam DR-70D recorder
• Sennheiser AVX wireless system
• Sony UWP-D wireless system

Professional:

• Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun
• Sound Devices MixPre series recorders
• Lectrosonics wireless systems
• Schoeps CMIT 5U shotgun

Educational Resources

• Books:

  • “Location Sound Bible” by Ric Viers
  • “Modern Recording Techniques” by David Miles Huber
  • “The Sound Effects Bible” by Ric Viers

• Online Courses:

  • LinkedIn Learning audio for video courses
  • Curtis Judd YouTube tutorials
  • Film Riot audio recording tutorials

• Communities:

  • JWSound Forums
  • Reddit r/LocationSound
  • Audio for Film and Television Facebook Group

Remember: Good audio is invisible—people only notice when it’s bad. Invest in quality audio equipment and techniques; it will elevate your production more than an equivalent investment in camera gear.