RODE's new on-board microphone for small cameras!
Introducing the new VideoMic GO, on-camera microphone for clear, directional audio on the GO! http://t.co/AhTBLU4fZG pic.twitter.com/JpAmQVK4zF
— RØDE Microphones (@rodemics) November 18, 2013
Why is music so important to your production?
As videographers come and go, especially those that focus more on the visuals rather than the audio aspect of production, some may not realize the importance of the sound that accompanies the visuals. It builds atmosphere, tension, and can play on many different emotions and feelings that is just not possible through visuals (hearing someone behind you for example). Remember, AUDIO is 50% of a final video or film, the other 50% is the VISUALS. Without good audio, your audiences perception of the recreated reality portrayed in the visuals becomes blurred as it is not realistic to hear naturally, think about it!
If you are working on a production where you know the quality of the audio or visuals will be compromised, then have a back up plan! I shoot all the time on my Canon 60D, DSLR's having notoriously terrible in built microphones so I overcome this in ENG situations by using a RODE Videomic, which does the job. However, for exceptionally clean and high quality audio recording an external mic+recorder device is crucial especially for talking heads! I used the Zoom H2 audio recorder to capture the sound externally, to then sync up in post.
A GREAT TIP!! If you are in a shooting situation that allows; set the camera and audio device recording and clap. This will create a spike in the audio waveform and will make it so much easier to sync up later on!
My reason for discussing; I'm currently choosing the accompanying music for the GLF conference video. I use a site called Audio Network to source most of my audio media as it has great creative commons uses and is reasonably priced too, as well as having such a vast array of production style music.
So far, to go with the up-beat and enthusiastic, youthful visuals I have chosen these two to go with the visuals; let me know what you think!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the music, and any similar production questions or issues you may be having!
Thinking about Audio?
One big problem that lots of solo or freelance videographers stumble across is sound. It is easy for some to focus only on the visuals, rather than both the visuals and audio; one has to remember that a piece of media is 50/50 between V and A, so capturing crisp and audible sound is just as important as in focus, well exposed images.I've had countless problems with sound over the years, more recently I have found practical solutions using the Zoom H4N, but before I had access to that portable stereo recorder I used a Rode VideoMic. Many newbies will be famililar with it; a standard on-camera shotgun mic with ok quality.. Very ok to the sub standard level. One issue I've always had with it is the amount of background room noise, but Adobe Audition does a reasonably good job of removing the sound print from the signal.
However, all that terrible tech is about to change as Zoom have begun shipping their all new H6; a 6 channel portable recorder, with interchangeable mic capsules! I've just watched the test + review from B&H and it looks incredible, and it would be hard to forget fantastic quality sound with that bulky piece of kit in the bag! I've been in contact with the Zoom team so lets hope I can get my hands on one soon!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBfJveLuANk