Day 7: Recording Better Audio

Audio is Half the Viewing Experience

Audio is half of the viewing experience. This applies to everyone, no matter what content you're shooting.

Even travel videos without dialogue need music and sound effects - without them, content quality really suffers.

The 7-Step Process

Step 1: Consider Audio to Begin With

A lot of people shoot content, focus on filming and editing, then their final product is worse than it could be because audio sounds bad.

Bad audio drives people away from watching your content. You MUST factor it into your workflow from the start.

Step 2: Decide on the Right Tool

There are tons of different microphones and recorders - can get confusing. Here are the 4 overarching tools:

⚠️ Important Distinction

A microphone and a recorder aren't always the same thing.

Example: Lavalier mic = microphone but NOT a recorder. Needs to plug into something (Zoom H1n, camera, smartphone with adapter).

Zoom H1n: Microphone AND recorder - has mic built in top + technology that stores audio to SD card.

The 4 Microphone Types

1. Lavalier Mic (Lav/Lapel Mic)

  • Small, attach to shirt
  • Omnidirectional (record audio in all directions)
  • Anthony's choice: Most flexible - uses more than any other type

2. Onboard Camera Mics

  • Built into camera/smartphone
  • Default if you don't buy another mic

3. Shotgun Microphones

  • Mounted on top of camera
  • Point in one direction, record in that direction
  • NOT omnidirectional like lavs

4. Condenser Microphone

  • Podcasters/YouTubers use these at desk
  • Great for voiceovers
  • Subject sits right in front, doesn't move much
  • High quality audio
💡 Why Anthony Uses Lavs for Everything

Reason: FLEXIBILITY

  • Yes, better mics exist for certain situations (condenser for desk content)
  • But lavs work for course content, commercial shoots, adventure filming
  • Can tape lav on back of mountain bike going down mountain
  • Always record audio to certain level of quality that fits most productions
  • All about efficiency and flexibility

Step 3: Proximity to the Source

One of the #1 things impacting audio quality: How close the microphone is to the source.

The 6-12 Inch Rule

I always want my recorders to be within 6 to 12 inches from the actual source of the audio.

Example: Camera is 5-6 feet away, but microphone is taped underneath collar of shirt (~6 inches from mouth).

Result: Crystal clear clarity - way better than mic on camera 5 feet away (would pick up echoes, heater, unwanted noise).

Step 4: Analyze Ambient Noise

Analyze the ambient noise in the environment you're filming.

Anthony's Office Example

Heater in corner makes hissing noise. But because mic is super close to mouth (proximity!), it's exponentially more sensitive to voice than heater. You don't really pick it up.

💡 Strategies for High Ambient Noise

Filming in front of road:

  • Turn back to the road
  • Use lav mic on subject (within inches)
  • Records voice more than road

Don't use: Shotgun mic on camera 5 feet away with ambient noise blasting - will sound much worse.

Sometimes you can't do anything (rocket launch = super loud), but try to film in areas where ambient noise is as low as possible.

Step 5: Reduce Echo/Reverb in Room

Has to do with ambient noise but specifically echo factor and reverb of the room you're in.

⚠️ The Problem

Anthony's office before treatment:

  • Really high ceilings
  • Hardwood floors
  • Big windows
  • All increase echo and reverberation

When first moved in: Terrible! Sounded like recording in metal box with tinny reverberation. No matter how close mic was, it would get that reverb. Couldn't fix in post - very frustrating.

✓ The Solution: Sound Treatment

What Anthony did:

  1. Acoustic foam: Ordered from Amazon - material that absorbs sound rather than echoes it. Filled half the wall (still needs more!)
  2. Area rug: Put on floor - absorbs sound rather than reverberate like hardwood
  3. Artwork on walls: Helps absorb sound
  4. Filled desk with gear: Talk into area with lots of gear that absorbs rather than bounces sound

You need to consider this and do as much as you can to sound treat the room you're filming in.

💡 Pop-Up Studio Solution

Can't buy acoustic foam for location? Apply same principles in pop-up fashion:

Example: Hung blanket off to right (off camera) because echo coming from that corner. While waiting for more foam, blanket catches ton of noise, brings reverb down.

Still use de-reverb effect in editing software (covered in another training).

Step 6: Choose Your Levels

Setting levels = making sure audio being recorded isn't too loud or too soft.

Understanding Decibels (dB)

Volume is measured in decibels. Scale goes negative:

  • Top of scale: 0 dB
  • Bottom: Can go infinitely down (recorders usually show -24 or -36 dB)

IDEAL RANGE: Peak should fall between -6 and -12 dB

Why this range:

  • Gives buffer if someone talks louder
  • Gets closer to zero but still protected
  • Going over zero = CLIPPING (sounds like distorted guitar, freaks out viewers)
⚠️ Clipped Audio Can't Be Fixed

There's not much you can do once audio clips. It's like blowing out highlights in a scene - once highlights are blown out, we can't fix it. Same for clipped audio.

That's why we want levels in -6 to -12 dB range: Clear audio + big buffer to prevent clipping.

How to Set Levels on Different Devices

Zoom H1n: Dial that fine tunes how loud audio is

  • All way up at 10 = really sensitive, loud audio (use when can't get close to subject)
  • All way down at 0 = no audio, mic off
  • At 1 = someone needs to scream
  • At 2-3 = filming concert with massive speakers (want sensitivity low)

Sony A7S III: Audio recording setting - scale of 0 to 20. Do tests to figure out where setting needs to be.

Smartphones: Do this automatically (good to certain extent). FiLMiC Pro allows manual control - good idea if you know what you're filming.

Step 7: Record a Test Clip

Before filming full production, record quick test clip.

Anthony does this before almost every video: Course content, commercial content, general smartphone videos where audio is important.

The Process
  1. Record quick test clip
  2. Play back with headphones OR import into computer
  3. Listen, make sure it sounds good
  4. Now know with high certainty that content moving forward will have high quality audio
💡 For Big Commercial Shoots

Camera has mic input (plug mic in) AND headphone output (plug headphones in).

Can listen to audio as it's recording and fine tune levels while recording.

For this program, assuming most people are one-man bands - fine tune levels before officially starting to record.

Key Takeaways: 7 Steps to Better Audio

  • Step 1: Consider audio from the start - it's half the experience
  • Step 2: Choose right tool - 4 types: Lav (most flexible), Onboard, Shotgun, Condenser
  • Step 3: Proximity = 6-12 inches from source for best quality
  • Step 4: Analyze ambient noise - film where it's low, use lav close to source
  • Step 5: Reduce echo/reverb - acoustic foam, rugs, blankets, artwork
  • Step 6: Set levels at -6 to -12 dB to avoid clipping (can't be fixed!)
  • Step 7: Always record test clip before full production
  • Mic ≠ Recorder - some mics need separate recorder
  • Lav mics most flexible - work for almost all situations

How to get absolute best quality audio out of your smartphone setup.

The Proximity Problem

Built-in mic on iPhone 13 Pro (and most smartphones) is really good when proximity is 6-12 inches, maybe 2 feet max.

But as soon as distance increases, quality decreases like crazy. Need to solve this if content requires you to move further from phone.

The Solution: PopVoice Pro Lav Mic

Under $15 on Amazon - absolute best budget-friendly lav mic.

How to Set It Up
  1. Get adapter for iPhone (no standard headphone jack anymore - thanks Apple!)
  2. Plug lav mic into adapter
  3. Plug adapter into phone
  4. Test in Voice Memos app (can see audio levels coming in)
  5. Tap mic to prove it's recording from lav (not built-in)

Built-in Camera App vs FiLMiC Pro

Built-in Camera App

Actually pretty dang good! Apple automatically levels your audio:

  • Talk really loud → levels drop to prevent clipping
  • Talk quieter → levels come up
  • Does its best to make audio A+ straight out of camera
  • Not much editing needed
FiLMiC Pro - Manual Control

For those who want to finely tune levels (like Anthony):

  • See audio levels on right-hand side of screen
  • Adjust bar with finger to set levels manually
  • If bar too high = clipping (not good!)
  • Bring down until natural voice falls between -5 and -25 dB
  • Sweet spot: -6 to -12 dB

Might sound really low straight out of camera, but it's safe. Can increase levels in post. Can fix quiet audio but can't fix clipped audio!

⚠️ CRITICAL: Don't Just Rely on Visual Test

Take audio clip, bring into computer, open in video editing app, put headphones on and listen.

Why: Some mics are more sensitive than others. Levels could look great on camera, but if it's really sensitive mic and you do harsh noise (puh, buh, sss), it's going to clip the audio.

Recommendation: Never record big project for first time without testing gear beforehand.

Two Ways to Attach Lav Mic

Method 1: Built-in Clip

PopVoice Pro comes with built-in clip - very easily just clip onto shirt or jacket. Audio sounds great within good proximity of mouth.

Con: Mic is visible in shot

Method 2: Rycote Stickies (Anthony's Preference)

Because Anthony is visual guy and doesn't like mics being visible:

  1. Get Rycote stickies from Amazon/B&H Photo (really dirt cheap)
  2. Put one side on microphone
  3. Run up into shirt
  4. Stick on inside of collar
  5. Now recording audio - mic not visible!

Will it be muffled? Slightly, very slightly - some high tones brought down because audio goes through fabric. But rarely ever an issue. Can bring into editing and increase levels a bit.

Always recommend editing audio a little to get extra pop - will sound great and audio isn't in your video!

Wireless Solution: Rode Wireless Go 2

Problem: Filming on tripod, walking around, PopVoice Pro cord not long enough?

The Wireless Solution

Rode Wireless Go 2 - very solid wireless solution

  • Cost: $200-$300 (more expensive but saves you in pinch)
  • PopVoice Pro: Under $15 (but wired)

What's included:

  • Two transmitters: Transmit audio wirelessly to receiver
  • Built-in mic in transmitter: Can use as-is OR plug lav mic into transmitter
  • Goes in pocket: Wirelessly syncs to receiver
  • Receiver: Has screen showing levels, cord runs out and plugs into camera/phone

Benefit: Audio transmits from transmitter to receiver, immediately bakes into video - NO synchronization in post required!

💡 Works with Smartphones Too!

Instead of plugging receiver into Sony A7S III, plug directly into smartphone. Now if smartphone's on tripod and you're walking around room, all audio transmits perfectly. Really solid setup!

⚠️ Understanding TRS vs TRRS

Two different types of jacks - can get confusing:

TRS = Tip, Ring, Sleeve

Look closely: Tip + one golden ring + sleeve

  • Used for: Most professional gear
  • Cameras (Sony A7S III)
  • Other audio devices
TRRS = Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve

Has two rings instead of one

  • Used for: Smartphones and most computers
  • PopVoice Pro is TRRS straight out of box (designed for smartphones)
✓ The Good News: Adapters Exist!

Very simple adapters can convert:

  • TRS to TRRS
  • TRRS to TRS

Example: PopVoice Pro (TRRS) → plug into adapter to iPhone. Want to use with Sony A7S III? Plug TRRS into adapter (converts to TRS) → plug into camera. Audio sounds great!

💡 For Wireless Setup with Smartphone

Smartphone = TRRS. Wireless GO II receiver = TRS (straight out of box).

Need: TRS to TRRS cable (professional to smartphone compatibility). Then you're golden!

Key Takeaways: Smartphone Mic Setup

  • Built-in mic good when 6-12 inches away, degrades with distance
  • PopVoice Pro: Under $15, best budget lav mic
  • Need adapter for iPhone (no headphone jack)
  • Built-in camera app: Auto-levels audio (pretty good)
  • FiLMiC Pro: Manual control, set levels -6 to -12 dB
  • Always test audio: Import to computer, listen with headphones
  • Two attachment methods: Built-in clip (visible) or Rycote stickies (hidden)
  • Wireless solution: Rode Wireless Go 2 ($200-300) for walking around
  • TRS vs TRRS: Different jacks, adapters convert between them
  • Can fix quiet audio but can't fix clipped audio!

This lesson contains video tutorial on how to add sound effects to your videos for enhanced immersion and production quality.

📹 Video Content

This lesson is primarily video-based and demonstrates:

  • Where to find sound effects (free and paid sources)
  • How to import sound effects into editing software
  • Timing sound effects with visual actions
  • Layering multiple sound effects
  • Balancing sound effect levels with dialogue and music

Why Sound Effects Matter

Even if you don't have dialogue, you need sound effects in your videos. They create immersion and make viewers feel present in the scene.

Without sound effects, your content quality really suffers - applies to travel videos, action sequences, montages, and more.

Watch the video to learn how to effectively add sound effects to your videos.

Practice exercise focused on helping you record the best quality audio for your recording setup.

Who This Exercise Is For

Pretend you're a YouTuber or content creator who's going to have a lot of content with dialogue. This makes up a lot of us - tons of YouTubers in the program.

Let's focus on leveling up your setup.

Level 1: Built-in Microphone Baseline

  1. Set up your camera (cell phone or camera)
  2. Record quick test clip using ONLY built-in onboard microphone
  3. Talk at camera for 10 seconds
  4. Hit stop

This is your baseline.

Level 2: Add PopVoice Pro Lav

Order the PopVoice Pro lav microphone if you haven't already.

"I don't like forcing gear on people, but this thing is less than $15, and I really do think it is super crucial for having better content."

The Exercise
  1. If you have it already, great!
  2. If not, order it and wait for delivery
  3. Use it to record same exact clip as Level 1
  4. Tape under collar OR use clip on collar

Level 3: Build Your Sound Studio

Do whatever you can to acoustically insulate the room you're filming in.

Option A: If You Have Budget

Click links below module and buy acoustic foam to insulate your room. It's gonna help your audio a ton.

Option B: No Budget - Pop-Up Studio

Do exactly what Anthony did while waiting for acoustic foam:

  • Set up pop-up studio
  • Hang blanket to right and left of you (out of frame)
  • Now record same clip as Levels 1 and 2

This might sound tedious, but this practice exercise can help you conceptualize how important your audio is like crazy.

⚠️ For Those Without Dialogue

If you're not filming content with dialogue or audio, you can skip this practice exercise.

Although I will say it's still something that's really good to practice.

The Analysis Step

Bring those three clips into some sort of editing program (whatever you feel comfortable with). Can just play them back on phone if you don't have editing program yet.

What to Do
  1. Listen with headphones as closely as you can
  2. Analyze: How much echo? How much reverb? How much noise pollution?
  3. Compare: Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3

💡 Before & After Examples

Anthony plays two different examples in the video:

  • Clip A: Before sound isolation in room
  • Clip B: After sound isolation

Hopefully you have trained ear at this point to actually hear the difference. This should motivate you to acoustically insulate your recording studio - it's gonna help your content like crazy.

If You're Not Happy with Level 3

Try to do as much as you can to elevate setup even more:

  • Add more blankets
  • Bring in carpet from another room in house
  • Bring in couch to cover dead space on wall

There are tons of different strategies to do acoustic insulation, but it is key that you at least try to get the best audio that you possibly can.

Get Feedback from Community

If you want feedback on your audio and want to ask "Is it worth going this far?":

  • Post those clips in the community
  • Ask people for feedback
  • Tons of people will be happy to jump in

Key Takeaways: Practice Exercise

  • Level 1: Record with built-in mic only (baseline)
  • Level 2: Add PopVoice Pro lav ($15) - game changer
  • Level 3: Acoustically treat room (foam or blankets)
  • Analyze all three with headphones - hear the difference
  • Listen for: Echo, reverb, noise pollution
  • Not happy with Level 3? Add more blankets, carpets, couches
  • Post in community for feedback
  • This exercise helps conceptualize how important audio is
  • Make sure you do this - it's crucial!

Make sure you do this practice exercise.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next one.

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