How to Record Crystal-Clear Audio for Corporate Videos
Executive Summary:
Sound, the silent killer. Though, by its very definition, it ought to be audible.
In video production, poor audio can ruin even the most visually stunning footage. Whether you’re filming a CEO message, product demo, or training video, clear sound is non-negotiable.
This guide shows you how to capture crisp, clean audio on a budget.
Let’s get those headphones on and crank up the volume (rocket ship sound effects) get seated, belted up, and ready for take off (whoosh sound effect)…
This learning zone guide looks at:
Okay, chodźmy, let’s go!
Step 1: Choose the Right Microphone for the Job
Unless it’s been recorded, it may as well not exist. You need a microphone! But which sort?
All these mics are directional, which means they only pick up sound from where they are pointed at.
Let’s peruse some solid sound pickup possibilities:
- Lavalier / Tie clip Mics: These are great for interviews and presentations; they clip discreetly to clothing. Often paired up with a radio mic transmitter,
- Radio Mics: typically used to refer to Lavalier mics, this is a bit of a misnomer as if you pair a radio mic transmitter / receiver with any mic you have one, but, hey, that’s semantics for you.
- Shotgun Mics: Ideal for directional recording; mount on a boom or camera, or handheld with the correct anti vibration mount. Super versatile and useful. You’ll also hear boom mics used to describe this, if it’s on the end of a stick. If you hear anyone talking about an MKH 416 they also mean this.
- USB Condenser Mics: Used by the home recordist for voiceovers or remote recordings.
- Built-in Camera Mics: Fine for ambient noise or a guide/ sync track but lack directionality.
All hail the soundie
Once you have more than one person talking at the same time, you probably want to get a sound /audio recordist.
A “soundie” will –
- Have an audio mixer – and make sure that nothing is too loud or quiet
- Do proper sound checks – to make sure you have usable audio
- Stop proceedings – when intrusive background noise is present
- Make sure audio is backed up
And generally make sure you have good sound with which to edit.
People often overlook audio, which is easy as you cannot see it. But, you’ll certainly wish you had good audio if interview footage is unusable in edit because it’s too quiet or distorts terribly because it’s too loud.
There is an old industry joke about soundies being grumpy. It’s a shame as a good soundie, however cranky, is a very useful asset on set.
Step 2: Control Your Environment
You’d be amazed at what little we hear with our ears as we can tune out intrusive sounds. The finest microphone picks everything up. So beware these audio-killers. Beware, it’s noisy out there.
Find a Quiet Space:
Avoid echo-prone rooms or areas with air con, noisy lift/elevator, outside traffic, rumble of trams and metro trains, overflying planes, crashing doors (and 1000s of other noises).
Do a recce/ scout visit :
And really listen.
Even if it sounds trifling to you, chances are the mic will pick it up. If it’s noisy and you need to shoot a lot of audio, find another location. You’ll be thankful in the long run.
Soundproof a makeshift space on a Budget:
You could use blankets, foam panels, or even pillows to dampen reflections. Best of all, avoid hopelessly compromised locations.
Turn Off Distractions:
Phones, fans, and fluorescent lights can all interfere with audio quality. Make sure you can control the audio environment and turn AC off for example.
Step 3: Set Your Levels and Monitor
This is where having a proper sound/audio expert is useful. The reason why TV, Films and Radio sound good is because they have people that understand audio in charge.
Best-practice 101 for audio would include:
- Using Headphones: Always monitor audio during recording to catch issues early. And don’t be afraid to stop proceedings or ask for a re take if there is a noticeable noise during a bit of speech.
- Check Input Levels: Aim for peaks around -6dB to avoid distortion. If audio is too low or too high there is not too much you can do afterwards, it will sound awful. AI tools are coming on at pace but it is frankly amateur hour if you don’t manage your set and audio properly.
- Record a Test Clip: Listen back before starting your full shoot. Do a sound check with every person you film. Asking people about how they got to location and about what they had for breakfast are great sound – check cliche questions.
Step 4: Clean Up in Post-Production
You should always endeavour to get good clean audio on the shoot. “Fixing stuff in post” is never ideal. But,even if you got it right at time of capture lots of useful work can be done after the shoot.
- Use Noise Reduction Tools: Software like Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Descript can remove hums and hisses.
- Normalize and EQ: Balance volume and enhance vocal clarity.
- Sync Audio to Video: Use claps or timecodes to align tracks if recording separately.This is also a great use of the on camera mic as it is great for sync audio if you have recorded other mics onto separate devices.
Step 5: Back Up Everything
You might find it useful to keep track of files that you captured, in case needed for a re edit or other uses.
Here are some things you can do to better save, store and retrieve audio files:
- Label Clearly: Organize files by project, date, and speaker for easy retrieval.
- Save Raw Files: Keep original recordings in case you need to re-edit.
- Use Cloud Storage: Protect against data loss and make collaboration easier.
Conclusion & Further Reading
Audio Is the Unsung Hero of Corporate Video
You will not get very far if no one can hear your interviews properly. Sound/ Audio is something you don’t see on a shoot but only an idiot would overlook it.
Build good audio into your shoot from day one and don’t try to cut corners. If you have more than one audio source for an important interview a good sound recordist could well be a very shrewd investment.
The prettiest images on earth count for nothing on their own. So get your audio act in order from the outset.
Want to know more about Videography or ACrew4U?
Want to learn more about Video Crew?
- How to Plan Corporate Videography That Delivers Your Brand Message
- How to Direct a Corporate Video Shoot
- How to Light, Frame, and Capture Stunning Footage
- How to Record Crystal-Clear Audio for Corporate Videos
- How to Maximize ROI from Your Corporate Video
Find even more resources at our Video Crew and Videography Learning Zone
