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- [Narrator] For me, capturing high-quality audio

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is at the top of the list

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whenever I create any type of video.

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It can also be one of the toughest tasks.

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Let's look at some ideas you can use

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with the tools you have.

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One of the biggest factors

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in capturing high-quality audio is proximity.

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Microphones, of course, capture sound waves.

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If the source is close, it's much easier for your mic

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to grab the good stuff.

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The further away your mic is,

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the more ambient sound and less voice you'll be capturing.

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So the first tip is get close.

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How close?

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Well, for headsets and such, this is about perfect.

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Make sure your mic is out of your breath line

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so you don't get ear-splitting plosives and sibilance.

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If you're using a standalone mic of some sort,

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finger to thumb distance is a good rule of thumb.

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And if you find your breath is ruining things,

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a pop filter can help with that,

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or speak over the mic rather than directly into it.

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If I'm shooting using a camera or a phone mic,

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I try to get within an arm length or two.

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Now, this can feel a tad invasive to your subject

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so I always explain what I'm doing

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to help set the situation at ease.

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Or better yet, use a tripod

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so only the camera is encroaching on personal space.

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And if you're recording yourself,

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a tripod will give you a much more stable view

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than trying to selfie the situation.

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So before you run out and buy a new mic,

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try making a few adjustments

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using the tools you already have.