How To Capture Quality Audio
In our latest how to, we show you one of the ways that we capture audio and sync it up in post for an OliviaTech video. We’re using a Rode Videomic Pro and a Zoom H4N. Final Cut Pro is our editing program. One of the things we focus on is making sure the recorder isn’t picking up the ambient noise from the offices next to us or from traffic outside.
We reduce the sensitivity of the Rode VideoMic Pro to -10db, and adjust the levels on the Zoom as much as possible without picking up any room tone. We stay silent while we adjust the levels, and if we see movement on the Zoom screen it’s picking up ambient noise. We reduce the levels until there is no movement so we know it’s not picking up ambient sounds. Once we have this set, we’ll try our best to move the microphone closer or further to the talent (ME!), and this ensures the only sound we’re getting is from speaking. In some cases you want to capture ambient sound, so you can simply adjust the levels as needed.
Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun
These two small accessories are a bit expensive, but we use them for other projects. The Zoom H4n and VideoMic Pro offer additional features that we need. You might not require these features, so you could achieve the same results using less expensive equipment like the Rode VideoMic (non-Pro) and a Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder. The Rode VideoMic also has a -10db setting to help minimize ambient noise.
Zoom H1 Portable Digital Audio Recorder
capture audio, Final Cut Pro, How To, Rode Videomic Pro, sync audio in post, Zoom H4N
Can you make another video on how you would do things differently if you had less control of ambient sounds?
Ie. outside shooting kids playing. or at a noisy event like at a graduation.
Since reading yours and emms blogs, my wallet keeps getting thinner and thinner.
If you were to rate off board audio ie (zoomo r olympus), how important are they? I have picked up the vm pro and i now have a set of get ew100 mics.
I’m thinking my sources are excellent, but is the onboard of my 7d really that bad that I would need an external recorder?
I’ve consider the zoom for the xy stereo mics, but isn’t that feature lost once i coneect my rode/ sennheiser mics into it.
I know a little bit about audio. Does the zoom record at some thing higher than 44k stereo?
Luke, not only do you have better quality with a portable recorder, but you have more control. If you’re not familiar with already look into AGC for the 7D. The camera’s built in auto gain controls are very unreliable and the internal amps for the camera produce lots of noise. You should at least look into a Zoom H1 recorder.
Hey Olivia!
First time commenting and just wanted to let you know that I love your website.
This is kind of off the topic of your post but this was my first good look at a studio and was wondering what stands/backdrop and lighting you use?
I really like the results I see in your posts and would like to recreate that.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi Willie, you can get similar products and find more about how we set it up here: http://oliviatech.com/infinite-white-background-how-to
Hello from the England,
Thanks for sharing this video with us. I was wondering does the Rode mic connected to the Zoom H4N give better quality than just recording into the H4N itself? I can image putting it on a stand may be awkward…?
Rajesh, the Zoom has a pair of stereo microphones and good for recording a wide pattern like being outdoors. The Rode microphone records what’s more directly in front of the microphone and good for recording things like an interview. I suggest you get both, but you would use them separately depending on what you are recording.
Hello, please let me know – what the difference between Rode VideoMic Pro and Rode VideoMic (non-Pro)? Any links?
Hi Sergei, the Pro is a newer model that is smaller and has a +20db feature. The size makes it worth going for the Pro if you could afford to.
Hey Olivia, is there a cheaper alternative to the Rode VideoMic Pro as the H1 is to the H4n?
There is a Rode VideoMic (not Pro) here’s the link (click here)
Hello Olivia,
First I want to say thank you for all of the information you post I follow you and cheesycam on a daily basis and you guys are very helpful. I wanted to ask you what clamp and articulating arm are you using?
Hi Peter, you can use these friction arms http://cheesycam.com/friction-arms-back-in-stock/ and these clamps http://oliviatech.com/super-clamp-alternative-c-clamp-mount
Hey
I have a tascam thats quite similar to your H4N and a Rode videomic
but whenever I use the rode mic on the tascam, the audio level is
so low that you can only hear it when using headphones on the tascam.
Recording with the built-in mic’s on the tascam produces a nice loud
sound that works fine, but again using the rode, its waaaay to quiet
does anyone know why ?
PS I am using a battery in the mic since the tascam does not provide phantom power.
Hi Matt, which model Tascam is it? The DR-40 is very similar but there are some key differences. Please let me know the model. =)
Its a DR-07 MKII it does not support phantom and has no XLR so
I use an XLR to Mini-Jack and use a battery in the mic.
This is so good information. I have the Nikon D7000 and I like to do short (very short) videos and this will help.
Hey olivia, I saw a post on cheesycam about a budget shotgun mic (made in china) that was only around 50 bucks. Do you know anything about this?
I know you do some stuff with emm and cheesycam, so you might know.
I have the tascam DR05 and I don’t know what mic to get, if any. I will mainly just be doing interviews, with some ambient noise.
Do I need a shotgun mic for this?
Also, if I use the tascam with no external mic, should I just mount it on my shoulder rig, or should I get a mic stand like you did? I’ll be a meter away at max for the interviews.
Elliot, the close you can bring the microphone the better even if it’s the built in microphones on the recorder. Maybe you’ll get some ideas here http://oliviatech.com/basic-best-practices-for-capturing-quality-audio
Hi,
I use zoom h1 to capture sound and do the basic steps as you do in this video above. My question is what is the best way to set the volume of recordings in post? Zoom h1 recordings are much quieter than the ones straight from camera, so is it best way just pull up the levels in post as high as possible without peaking?
Thanks,
John
John, your Zoom H1 should be set at about -12db and -6db. You shouldn’t have to be pulling up levels in post as high as possible. Have you adjusted your levels in the Zoom H1?
Hi Olivia,
Given the opportunity to buy the NTG-2 or the Videomic Pro, which one should I get?
I’m currently shooting a documentary, but I’m also thinking about doing fiction in the future. Which one might get me the best quality and versatility?
Thank you,
João
Hello! I’d personally go, NGT-2 if you are looking for quality and versatility between this mic and and VideoMic Pro. The output is a standard 3-pin XLR male connector, XLR mics seem to produce better audio results than mini jack mics. The NGT-2 is a bit heavier as it is powered by either batteries or phantom power.
Hello again Olivia,
Thanks for the quick reply! I am indeed looking for that on the Mic I want to purchase. I have an opportunity to acquire any of them for the same price, so I was wondering if the NTG-2 was indeed a better choice.
About the XLR connection, I have a Zoom H4n where I plan to plug in the NTG-2, so it’s a win-win situation for me.
Regarding the fact that it is heavier, I don’t mind that, as long as it is better.
Joáo, I’ve been doin audio for 20 and video for 12 years but you always learn or relearn something you may have forgotten over time. Thus was the case with me today as I’m about to shoot a 5 minute short and was perusing the web for info on my beloved Zoom mics. I’ve actually only used the H4n but don’t have access to it and was thinking about getting the cheaper H1 to use this wkd. I came across this great thread at dvxuser that taught me something I had long forgotten about line versus mic ins and the need for preamps and other items. I ended up saying to heck with everything and just ordered a Zoom H2 since it was only $10 more than the H1s at B&H. But maybe you’ll find this thread useful. BTW, I LuV the site Olivia…here’s the link if you don’t mind
CLICK HERE
Thank you so much for this! Within audio, I’m constantly learning a great deal by reading up anything I can on the internet and having discussions with friends who are experts the field (Robert from JuicedLink). I have nothing on your 20 years! Feel free to share anything at all, I’d be happy to post and share. =)
Excellent tutorial. Your site just keeps getting better. Keep it up.