- [Narrator] For me, capturing high-quality audio
is at the top of the list
whenever I create any type of video.
It can also be one of the toughest tasks.
Let's look at some ideas you can use
with the tools you have.
One of the biggest factors
in capturing high-quality audio is proximity.
Microphones, of course, capture sound waves.
If the source is close, it's much easier for your mic
to grab the good stuff.
The further away your mic is,
the more ambient sound and less voice you'll be capturing.
So the first tip is get close.
How close?
Well, for headsets and such, this is about perfect.
Make sure your mic is out of your breath line
so you don't get ear-splitting plosives and sibilance.
If you're using a standalone mic of some sort,
finger to thumb distance is a good rule of thumb.
And if you find your breath is ruining things,
a pop filter can help with that,
or speak over the mic rather than directly into it.
If I'm shooting using a camera or a phone mic,
I try to get within an arm length or two.
Now, this can feel a tad invasive to your subject
so I always explain what I'm doing
to help set the situation at ease.
Or better yet, use a tripod
so only the camera is encroaching on personal space.
And if you're recording yourself,
a tripod will give you a much more stable view
than trying to selfie the situation.
So before you run out and buy a new mic,
try making a few adjustments
using the tools you already have.