Overview
This guide covers essential tips and recommended gear for recording high-quality audio with smartphones, as well as step-by-step editing workflows using free and professional software.
Importance of Audio in Video Content
- Good audio quality is crucial and often more important than video for overall production value.
- Poor audio can ruin content regardless of visuals.
Microphone Options for Smartphones
- Built-in smartphone mics work well only within a few feet; quality drops off quickly with distance.
- Affordable lavalier mics (lav mics) are a great upgrade, providing better quality and more flexibility.
- Shotgun microphones are industry standard for professionals but small smartphone-specific models offer only marginal improvements.
- Bluetooth wireless mics are the most versatile for content creators, offering ease of use and mobility.
- The Hollyland Lark M2 is highly recommended for its size, battery life, and convenience.
- DJI Mic 2Kit is a premium alternative allowing for hidden lav mics and higher quality at a higher cost.
Practical Audio Tips
- Mic placement should be 6–12 inches from your mouth for optimal clarity.
- Use Rycote stickies to discreetly place lav mics under clothing without rustling noise.
- Acoustically treat recording spaces with rugs, acoustic panels, or simply hang a thick blanket behind the camera to reduce reflections.
Audio Editing Tools and Techniques
- Adobe Podcast Enhanced Speech (free and premium) can dramatically improve poor audio; requires account setup.
- CapCut is a user-friendly, free video editor with tools like "Normalize Loudness" and "Reduce Noise"; paid version offers "Enhanced Voice."
- Adobe Premiere Pro offers advanced editing workflows:
- Use the "Essential Sound" panel and effects like Single Band Compressor (preset: Voice Leveler), Parametric Equalizer (preset: Vocal Enhancer), and Hard Limiter (set to -2 dB).
- Save effect chains as presets for efficiency.
- Minimal use of automatic audio repair features is recommended to avoid overly processed sound.
Additional Resources
- A full online course, "14-Day Filmmaker," is available for a comprehensive guide to shooting and editing cinematic content, with lifetime community access and more resources.