Learn how to properly record audio on set with a traditional boom mic setup.
All images via The Film Look.
Welcome to the world of better films and videos! We’re excited to introduce you to The Film Look, a YouTube channel that is dedicated to helping you improve your filmmaking skills. With new episodes every week, you’ll learn valuable tips and tricks to take your videos to the next level.
We’ve partnered with The Film Look to bring you a series of tutorials on capturing better sound for your videos. This eight-part series covers a wide range of audio recording and mixing topics, providing you with plenty of valuable insights along the way.
In the first five episodes, you’ll learn how to work with audio on set. Then, the series will shift its focus to working with audio in post-production.
One thing you’ll quickly realize is that it’s not just about having the right gear; it’s about knowing how to use it properly. The audio kit used in the series is a basic setup for indie films and corporate video productions, including a shotgun mic, boom pole, audio recorder, and headphones. We’ll also provide tips on recording with smartphones and on-camera microphones for those without this setup. You can piece together a professional boom mic kit for around $500.
Microphone Position Is Key
The position of your microphone is crucial for achieving high-quality recordings. In the first episode, you’ll hear the difference between a smartphone recorder and a shotgun mic, but there’s a twist.
In the first take, the smartphone audio was better because the shotgun microphone was too far away. To achieve better audio, make sure to place a shotgun microphone over the head of your speaking subject.
If you’re shooting on a windy set, try positioning the microphone underneath the subject or use a dead cat or blimp to minimize wind noise.
When it’s time to record, be mindful of your hand movements. Use your arms and shoulders to reposition the microphone and avoid making noise. The video also provides great tips on how to grip a boom mic.
Capturing Dialogue Is Your First Priority
When recording a film or video, capturing clear dialogue should be your highest priority. Noises or sound effects can be recreated in post-production or sourced from an SFX library.