Scott in 2009

A video’s soundtrack, or the audio, is often overlooked or is a second thought in the production process and this can be a huge mistake. With all of the focus on “high definition”, cheap camcorders, laptops with integrated webcams and, of course, all of the video sharing sites, the focus is really on the visual side of the equation. Audio is just “implied”.

Perhaps with all of the inexpensive methods of creating video available today we are becoming accepting (or is it immune?) to substandard audio. People are encouraged to just shoot something and put it on YouTube. Afterall, “all it takes” is a camcorder or a webcam or even a mobile phone. And, yes, millions of clips say this is so. Webcams might be the easiest method of all to record a video clip quickly and post to a blog or sharing site where quality isn’t completely sacrficed as it is on most mobile phones. And that immediacy really is fantastic. Who can’t deny the power of instant gratification.

Yet, we’ve all see a video that we could barely understand and not necessarily because of the visual aspect. Often is it because of poor audio quality. I’ll bet that you’ve seen videos that were “hard to watch” but were actually “hard to listen to”, thus leaving an overall negative impression about the video. In a personal video context this may not matter so much. But in a video that promotes your products, services or You, this can matter a great deal.

You might think that the plane or helicopter flying overhead aren’t that loud, nor is the dishwasher or the tv in the other room, or the kids or the dogs. How about that air conditioner (central or window) or the neighbor mowing the lawn? Perhaps your office is on a busy street where buses and trucks rumble by or you’re in an open office space with a lot of people talking on the phone or in the isles? The primary problem with shooting with webcams or camcorders is that the microphone is too far from the subject or the microphone isn’t directional. What if you have a perfectly quiet environment to shoot in? Well, the room you’re in has a sound, depending on how large it is and how much “stuff” is in there to absorb any sound bouncing around.

Recent advances in webcams and better onboard camcorder microphones have made capturing better sound much easier. But for a more professional and “closer” sound you can try a few different options, and it won’t cost you much. Headsets like the Plantronics Foldable USB Stereo Headset and the Logitec ClearChat Comfort USB Headset will get the mic right up to your mouth if you don’t mind wearing headphones on camera. Plus, what you’re hearing stays in your ears and out of your neighbor’s, if that’s a consideration. USB mics, like the Logitec USB Desktop Microphone and the Blue Microphones Snowball USB Mic Bundle are easy to use with your webcam (just select as the audio input) or standalone for podcasts. An excellent wireless camcorder microphone solution is the Sony ECMHW1 Bluetooth Wireless Microphone which works with, you guessed it, selected Sony camcorders. One of the best is the Sony HDR-SR1 AVCHD 2.1 MP 30GB High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom. For more professional-level microphones for webcasting and podcasting check out the M-Audio MobilePre USB Mobile Preamp and Audio Interface which lets you connect pro microphones and musical instruments. Of course, you’ll need a pro-leve mic for that interface. The Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic might be the ticket.

Hopefully these items will get you thinking about taking your audio to the next level like you have with your videos. Please be sure to comment with your thoughts, tips and handy product suggestions.