Filmmaking 101 - How to Record High Quality Audio on a Budget

[@mikefixac]

9 years later. Still a great video. Thanks Steve, really enjoyed it.

[@DiCasaFilm]

Thanks Michael. Hey, just want to let you know that my Live Stream show starts tomorrow at 6pm EST, and continues every Monday and Wednesday. I hope you can join! Consider subscribing to my channel to be notified when I go live - it’s free! Thanks

[@OurFantasyLife]

Almost 10 years later and this video is still insanely helpful.

[@PoetWithPace]

agreed!

[@DiCasaFilm]

Thanks! Hey just so you know, I’m starting a live show that will stream every Monday and Wednesday right here on my channel! Come hang out if you can!

[@PoetWithPace]

@@DiCasaFilm oh wow! Still going strong after all these years on YT?

[@DiCasaFilm]

Trying to!

[@PoetWithPace]

@@DiCasaFilm good man!

[@oneshotmgmt]

I see complaints about this not being "budget." Understand what you are doing is not a cheap hobby or profession to begin with and you will understand that $500 is cheaper than $3000-4000.

[@Sageboy13]

oneshotmgmt this is true, thanks for that reminder lol now I don’t mind paying

[@spbstarproductions6593]

I totally agree with this. I am restating that being filmmaker is not a cheap hobby or profession (restated from the comment I'm replying to). When I bought everything for my needs (camera, shotgun mic, etc.) It equaled out to a total of around $700. Your budget is just something you need to keep in mind.

[@furiousfuture]

I have no words to say thank you. Only one thing I want to say that this video has given me something that I was looking for a long time. People like you help to forget us the misery that we couldn't join to a film school. GOD bless you. Your faith student from INDIA.

[@Oogabooga007]

Pointing the mic towards the ground is preferred because usually the carpet will absorb sound, instead of bouncing it which the ceiling would do (to answer your question at around 22:25), and the bouncing sounds echoey and bad. :)

[@Ahmedcoday]

What if there is no carpet?

[@jacvanderspuy5618]

Then you point it sideways towards the curtains lol

[@michaelveritas5067]

This video really helped me make my decision to go with the H4N and I have been very happy with the results. Steve you rock. A big THANK YOU from all of us independent film makers!

[@YannickReid]

5 years later and this still helps

[@dongerramarco9617]

not in 2020

[@Scratman12]

Don Gerra Marco why not?

[@dongerramarco9617]

@@Scratman12 the price did not go down like it suppose to

[@liesindisguise101]

Agreed. I think it's incredible that people now have access to these tools to create awesome films. Keep 'em coming!

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

Make sure your XLR cables are clean so that your Zoom recorder doesn't get STDs

[@ramoncarriedo717]

Great informational video! It had tons of info that I found interesting and learned about. Especially when you talked about setting up the H4N Zoom, so you don't run into the problem of having your audio levels sounding distorted. I am starting out as a Filmmaker and trying too gather so much knowledge. I appreciate the time you put into making this video and hope your still doing this, since this video was uploaded over 3-years ago. Hope your doing well and God bless!!!

[@jasonfeldman7009]

I would like to thank you for your videos. I have a dream to make my own movies - I am working on several scripts right now - got a camera and hope to get the basic terminology, ideas and basic knowledge. Thank you for your time and energy making these videos for those of us who cannot go to film school. HUGE THUMBS UP. I didn't plan on this chapter in my life - I am a pro-pilot by trade. So it's not easy to go back to school for this stuff now that I am nearing 40 and am married and have two kids. You seem like a nice guy - and you are a really good teacher. Thanks man- I will be watching all your videos (this is my second)

[@romanvasquezpliner4121]

we should make movies pilots would appreciate

[@wb7ptr]

GREAT video. I just bought a Zoom H4n. NICE stuff. The video answered a few questions I had about sound. I'm quite familiar with sound from a musician's standpoint, but new to film sound. You did a really good job of explaining it, and the job of the boom operator. You rock :)

[@corzed3465]

I watched this like two years ago when I was first interested in film-making and I've found it again now that I've gotten serious. Is this a sign?

[@DiCasaFilm]

It's an algorithm. ;)

[@swagmasterdoritos]

DiCasaFilm i have a question, what was that yellow tape that was taped around the microphone's wind screen useful for? i don't think you explained it in the video. you did it at 6:51

[@AmDsus2Fmaj7Am]

swagmasterdoritos 925 it's at 21:31

[@swagmasterdoritos]

AmDsus2Fmaj7Am so the yellow tape was so you could easily notice when the mic was out of frame or not?

[@AmDsus2Fmaj7Am]

swagmasterdoritos 925 Definitely

[@CarmenBelcher]

Omg you are a godsend! I am new to acting yet get a lot of auditions and your tutorials taught me so much on a budget. Keep doing this please! You have a great presence and are so informative

[@nextgas100miles9]

Mr. Dicasa, You Must continue these types of tutorials. Whether its the Zoom H4n of what-ever. You are a natural. Some of these tutorials on here are literally a waste of time, I want to die. Keep up the good work? PS. After watching 5 Zoom H4n tutorials I learned zero. I am now set thanks to you!

[@DiCasaFilm]

Thank you!

[@ScottTelle]

Man, I just shot the first of a 5 part series on how I do audio for DSLR. I'm going to finish editing/posting my videos, and then I'll come back and watch this all the way through to see how much of this we do the same way. Looking forward to watching - and using Batman is hilarious and genius!!! Nice!

[@Firebrand55]

Excellent How To........clear and well-delivered. I did detect an inate desire for the presenter to be the next Batman, so I wish you well on that!

[@revup67]

I've been shooting video since the early 80s and just want to say for a 101 you did a fine job. thank you. Love the H4N. good tip on the battery switch also, Lithium way to go and the -6 Rec level works well too vs. the limiter feature.

[@chrisjost9566]

This is the best tutorial on KZbin, this guy is awesome!

[@JohnHenkamGangte]

Really really helpful tutorial! I've never recorded anything in my life but I plan on making videos later on so watching this helps me get acquainted with how it all works. I greatly appreciate it.

[@nirmell]

Best tutorial ever.. you're such a good teacher :-) everything was clear and easily understood from the way you described. Thank you so much! Best tutorial video on KZbin!

[@brianarsenault9281]

A good tutorial that details and puts forth the basics of the H4N Pro very well. Due to the amount of information the narrator must have to plough through, lets also mention this very important point; in regards to scrolling through the menu settings, make sure that the Stamina switch in the battery compartment is not switched on, otherwise you will get fewer choices in the menu (e.g the mode feature will not be visible). The purpose of the STAMINA switch as I know, is to extended the battery life for the unit up to 11 hours. Also worth noting is a very handy tool in the Menu INPUT settings, if you turn off the sub menu's 1/2 LINK option it will give you the freedom to separately adjust the recording level for the external MIC 1 & MIC 2.

[@GustavoArceMusic]

please what lavalier mic are you using?

[@mazikiblade]

22:20 My tutor said its to avoid echo from sound bouncing off the ceiling. The sound doesnt feel natural and it makes the voice sound like its coming from somewhere different where the actor is. Pointing down means you dont get random sound that has bounced off from the ceiling. And you were right, pointing down outside helps to eliminate sound from above.

[@AlbowaSinema]

Just got the H4 and using it for a documentary...great tutorial. Much appreciated!!

[@allugo3726]

Awesome! Please make more videos!! You are the best at it. So many tutorials leave steps out. You don't. Baby steps, that's what I need . Great job man!

[@joshxt]

these filmmaking 101 videos are great

[@JasonSmithSlayboneGardener]

holding it up with the mic facing down at the mouth is ideal the persons voice and "sound waves" travels up when speaking it also travels in other directions but its a general rule when you can put the mic slight above the mouth.

[@albertibbotson9807]

please please please don't think that using a boom mic (condenser hypercardiod pick up pattern, "shotgun" mic) is used to "get" the room reflection. it is not. we do not want dungeon reverb on a production recording… we add that all in post. it won't cut together with ring out on dialog lines. You do know you will edit your takes right? We do like a boom mic but not because of that. It is a larger diaphram then a Lav. and generates full body and richness in recordings. The Lav. does reject most audio not coming from talent's mouth. But is designed to be thin in recording because it is placed on the chest and gets plenty of low end voice recording because of that. your reasons for using Lav. over Shotgun mics are mainly number of actors, and weather they move or not, and also the proximity of actor to the production mixer's recorder. i.e., do you need a bunch of length on a boom cable, or will actors walk /drive, etc… Also will you shoot wide and tight with 2 cameras? because boom may not be in frame of tight cam, but will be in frame of the cam shooting wide. also Lav. gets much closer and cleaner audio (clean of unwanted NYC traffic for instance). But yes that recording will be thin, and possibly have the cloth movement from wardrobe, or even radio interference (these mics are typically non wired, or have radio packs used along with… ) or crackle, at the worst possible moment of your talents lines.

[@mohsinsaida]

cen i record in this recordar with line in with sound mixer ??

[@saqib5766]

plz upload a complete tutorial for zoom h4n

[@1AvW1]

See the manual ;)

[@TheMorningBallad]

Holy baloney this is the greatest video ever. Thanks a bunch for the clear instructions and laid back approach. I wish you the best and am looking forward to using your tips to make awesome stuff. and seriously, awesome instructing

[@DiCasaFilm]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. :)

[@ariadneartemis]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO FOR ONE REASON. EVERYTIME BATMAN SAID "I'M BATMAN" IN HIS HUSKEY VOICE. THAT WAS SO FUNNY.

[@5mireya5]

Greatest video I have seen. Others never have to much detail on h4n. I have the microphone., but didn't know how it worked. Thanks

[@a.n.t.94]

"He just got a Canon60D, cool choise" Me: "What?" looks at the date of upload Me: "Oh"

[@JA-hg6ee]

😂 my reaction

[@LisaRoseASMR]

😆

[@danoc51]

Very good tutorial. I use the H4n and have had good luck with it. I strongly recommend you use head phones (or at least ear buds) to listen to what's being recorded. Sometimes there are cable or mic problems that cause poor audio and, if you aren't listening to the H4n (your ear phones plugged into the unit''s mic jack) you won't know about it.

[@TheProphegy]

@DiCasaFilm Since this video is 5 years old, what audio recorder and microphone would you recommend. I'm going to start doing short films.

[@DiCasaFilm]

Actually, I still use the Zoom h4n.

[@EstherWouters]

thank you, this answer is just what I needed. Compliments for your excellent lesson. And your charming assistant.

[@NicolasGomez97]

NTG2 is still good. I've heard the Tascam recorders (DR44wl, DR60D mk II) play nicer with the NTG2 in terms of preamps, but that's about it. Now a days you can also get the iRig Pro to use your phone/iDevice as a recorder instead of the Zoom so you can get a modern touch interface that way. Other than that everything still applies

[@PonySixfinger]

I really like the Zoom H6

[@janekailey2173]

Nowadays is really one word, and it's still MICROPHONE, not "miker phone".

[@katevalentine5736]

Really helpful video to help me get started with my new audio equipment. I watched to the end, which doesn't happen often! I will check out your other ones. Many thanks.

[@mudturtlevision]

I'm Batman.

[@scottstewart6180]

mudturtlevision No. I am Batman.

[@IanTheGamer]

Scott Stewart No, we're all batman

[@annasthesia8432]

+ZennorTale I’m Jeff.

[@discretionadvised7615]

I'M BATMAN...

[@proshooters1]

Im 5 years later

[@Vichardhara303]

Thank for this tips! but may I know how to synchronize Audio with video when audio recorded separately with voice recorder?

[@Nietzman]

Watched the whole thing because of a false promise. Never found out what the deal with the yellow tape on the 'condom' was. So depressing.

[@DiCasaFilm]

I mention it quickly. It's so you can more easily see if the mic is in your shot.

[@quinnthology31]

The reason aiming the boom mic from below-called "scooping"-is less desirable is that this angle doesn't pick up higher frequencies that the overhead position gets, and instead is relatively heavy in the mid-range. A great source for all things audio for indie film is Ric Viers' "Location Sound Bible."

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

500$ is on the budget? I can buy another dslr body for that kind of money. Show some real budget options.

[@greggb681]

Petar Maksimovic I am glad I was not the only one thinking this!

[@miguelangelvb1]

Petar Maksimovic the camera is not everything thats important.

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

No but dslrs are damn expensive and something that cost as much as it is miles away from "budget". Yes quality audio is important and is expensive, but then don't call it a budget variant.

[@miguelangelvb1]

Petar Maksimovic In comparison with other audio options, this is actually not that expensive.

[@ItzRoger]

Petar Maksimovic Low budget in the film industry or any for that matter doesn't mean it'll be dirt cheap. You still have to expect to pay the price for quality. You're complaining about DSLR costs but they are significantly cheaper than full feature entry level video cameras. In this video he uses maybe under 2,000 if you count the camera and lens but it's still better than paying $50,000 for a RED cinematic camera alone. Nevermind the cost of certain lenses, you've already bought the cost of a new luxury car. Makes you appreciate only paying $1000 or less, right?

[@sauce8277]

I have seen this a couple of times over the years. This is a very informative vid. Done well. Explains without out going overboard.

[@leopoldvincentmedley5870]

extremely helpful advice but that batman shit isn't funny.Thank you for great advice though

[@DiCasaFilm]

Well, I think it's fucking hysterical.

[@krash1440]

haha

[@FifteenSpatulas]

I was searching for videos on improving audio quality and yours was the first one that came up...I remember meeting you at the KZbin space in NYC! I thought "DiCasaFilm" sounded super familiar. Anyway, great to find your channel again and hope you're well. Thanks for the tutorials. I'm trying to work on the production side of things and they've been a big help so far.

[@kdogtv]

Can you show us how to edit out all of your tongue smacks?

[@DiCasaFilm]

Lol. If I knew I'd be rich.

[@kdogtv]

+DiCasaFilm LOL, you're a good sport.

[@memecream9912]

adobe audition is your friend :P

[@jbiwer32]

Awesome video Steve. You touched on some very important fundamental points for beginner filmmakers. I've been a part of several indie films here in the Twin Cities (MN), and this info would have been helpful to know on a couple of the sets :-). I'm a television producer by trade for the last 12 years, but I'm always looking to learn more and stay fresh. Thanks very much for taking the time to make it. Subscribed.

[@camoranenzo]

I dont see how "just below $500" would be considered "on a Budget"

[@MatthewGlover]

You've never worked on a film set then.

[@camoranenzo]

Matthew Glover If you want to learn what "on a budget" means dont be afraid to watch Film Riot. These guys make $10 DIY Camera Slider! Now that is what I call "on a budget". Dont misunderstand, I loved ur video, its just wrong title.

[@MatthewGlover]

I watch Film Riot, but you can't build audio devices. You have to purchase them, and there are a lot of components to them. I just built a two light bank light system out of fluorescent lights for under $200 where a Kinoflo system cost around $2000 for one light. That's "on a budget". "On a budget" means cheaper than the alternative. If YOU want to learn what "on a budget" means don't be afraid to work on an actual film set. Ryan Connolly would rather work with real equipment than stuff he makes.

[@jonalex6161]

film makers ball hard thats why 500 is on a budget

[@casadepistola]

Watching this in 2020; still as useful and relevant. Thank you for making and sharing these tips.

[@Exorce]

HOW IN THE FUCK IS THIS BUDGET

[@jordanwicks2424]

+TheSentimentalGoat This is really cheap compared even to what most indie filmmakers use.

[@UnderCurrentAtlanta]

+TheSentimentalGoat Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I know it's far less than any Indie movie but you're still looking at over $500. If I was going to spend that much money, I'd go ahead and splurge on something really nice. I thought the price would be closer to $200

[@WalterTonetto]

start learning some manners ... and then the proper use of a keyboard, douchebag!

[@Exorce]

Walter Tonetto Learn how to tie a noose, and then use it :)

[@Juni0rxz]

You should spend as much on audio as you do on visuals If you spend $600 on a camera you should be looking to spend around $500 - $600 on mics and recorders

[@JesseReynoldsInc]

Appreciate what your doing bud! Wish you could explain every part of the device as I am researching to purchase it myself and would love to hear another film maker explain how 1,2,3,4 would be used. Also about the Stereo, 4Channel, and MTR button works.

[@kalef1234]

over 200 dollars for a mic without an on switch? wow that's stupid

[@DannyTaddei]

Pro mics never have an on switch

[@Redreefmedia]

Get out of your parent's basement

[@ColHogan-le5yk]

RuneScape. Nice.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

kalef1234 That’s not stupid pro mic don’t have on/off switches Leave the guy alone.

[@lukos1107]

Very informative video. Can you share some insight on recording audio for weddings. What's the best setup to get good, clean audio

[@bobbillings]

quit watching after the fourth i'm batman. annoying

[@DiCasaFilm]

❤️

[@lizzibeats3690]

you also could cast shadows in the frame if you do overhead as well so scooping is good in that situation

[@franktorres6067]

Great tutorial my friend! Aspiring filmmakers are grateful for your guidance.

[@ZekeSage3]

Wow, this tutorial must've taken a great deal of effort to make. This is awesome- thanks man!

[@LauraRoseSaunders]

Amazing tutorial, thank you so much. I'm shooting a short film in 2 weeks time, forgot about the sound recording and started to panic! I feel more relaxed now!

[@jounster]

Great tutorial! You get right to the points without all of the extraneous chatter other tutorials seem to have. Show and tell, hands-on, very direct approach. Thanks!

[@gamer151293]

Great tutorial! I'm trying to learn as much before i begin any of my more recent projects, and the one thing that i have not been as well informed about was sound. This video has definitely helped me understand the most important things, and even though i am going to have to work with an even lower budget than your's, I will still know these details for what the sound man needs to do. Thank you!

[@bootlegcowboys]

Have a suggestion if it has not been covered yet. Guitar Center sells xlr cables by LIVE WIRE that run about $5 more than standard cables and come with a LIFETIME warranty. Which means, if one breaks, bring it back they give you a new one! I picked up 3 15" $22/ea.

[@LittleHRHelper]

Loved this video, Steve. I inherited some film equipment, which included a zoom microphone. I bought an H4n and didn't know how to sync everything up. This really helped. Thank you!

[@wuhseem]

I've been looking around for a tutorial like this for ages. God bless you, man

[@fusion-music]

You are making nice videos. The type of mic you used is a condensor, hence the "phantom power" to charge the mic diaphragm so that it is more sensitive and gives a better signal to noise ratio. The specific type is a "riffle" mic where the mic focuses on what it is pointing at. The slots along the barrel let in audio at a different angle. This results in phase cancellation. This separates unwanted sound from the desired sound. Sometimes the are called shotgun mics. The actual mic diaphragm is nearer the battery than the tip. The main reason for aiming the mic downwards is all about reflections. For a start, it is aiming at soft tissue and soft furnishings and even harder surfaces will scatter the reflections. This is more pleasing to the ear. Of course, you could intentionally aim the mic upwards in order to convey the cavernous space. The longer the distance to a surface (wall, doors, glass, ceilings etc) the more noticable the rlections will be. For this same reason interviews are best recorded closer to walls and close mic technique or lavelier mic or both. If you recrd with 2 different mics, it gives you a huge range of sound options. Personally, I would choose to phantom power from the recorder rather than use 1.5volt battery. It does require quicker changes of batteries on the recorder though.

[@DigitalCinematography]

Never heard of a "riffle" mike, only shotgun.

[@TV2DAYproductions]

Paul Kapp Hi Paul. Yes, if you search for riffle/shotgun mics, you will find articles on them. They are names such because they look like a barrel. They are the same. There are a range of lengths. How long the barrel is and the position of the mic capsule will determine how focused the sound is. They are useful mics for focusing sound recording and minimizing other noises, but will never be studio quality, simply because of where the mic capsule is. However, I get great results by pairing up a nice studio mic with a riffle/shotgun mic. Sensheiser will have literature on it. Canford Audio also have great information on all the gear they sell. It's really worth getting to understand how mics work and how they are designed. One capsule could be put in a range of housings and it would sound different. Also, the angle you have the mic to the source affects which frequencies will be emphasized (bass tip up). It's a fascinating subject and allows you to choose the best for your needs. And, mics have really come down in price from when I started.

[@dphotos007]

Good tips. Also you should mention for both the boom operator, cameraman and gaffer to be aware if boom shadows. Especially when the actor or camera moves.

[@FreshandFelicia]

Thanks for taking the time to make and post these videos. This is great stuff.

[@TomBirminghamBigSur]

Thanks Steve - This is an excellent tutorial on sound. I do have a question on DSLR for video - I am using a Nikon D-90 to record video on short art workshops. I find after a while it won't record the full 5 minute allotment as (at least this is what I've read on line) the chip gets too hot. It will stop after 15 or 20 seconds. Do you address these and any other DSLR Video challenges in another Video?

[@davidbrohede]

Thanks for a great, relaxed and funny tutorial. I was wondering how you handle sound bleeding between mics when shooting two or more people. I've had trouble setting up separate mics because they bleed into each other. Thanks again.

[@TheMagnas26]

I can't thank you enough for putting so much time and details in your videos. You help a lot in democratizing the art of film making. You do really cool stuff, and I like your style ;)

[@gaelgarciaisagod]

By far the best audio tutorial I have ever come across! Thank you so much!

[@SBBLURAY1]

Thank you so much. is a portable recorder (I have the Tascam Dr-05) better than using the RODE Videomic Pro directly with the Canon 70D camera. In both scenarios i have a non-xlr jack and the standard mini one. And is that RODE mic just as good as the one you used here (if used the same way? Thanks for the time.

[@djcandle3863]

Great video boss. Question... i'm trying to film a tutorial on how to play the sax. What would be the optimal way to record the audio from the sax, and the audio from the teacher? Many thanks!

[@videocasetteTV]

very informative tutorial thank u very much , kindly may u add a link to the boom mic you used and also for boom with xlr port

[@jonathanDIYs]

Have you tried the videomic pro by Rode? It might not work if you are trying to shoot a wide shot or happen to be too far from the camera, but it is pretty decent when shooting dialog similar to what you were doing in the video. The Canon t4i/t5i has an audio input that you can use to bypass the bad on-board camera mic. It might be a cheaper solution than 500 dollar external mic and can save you some time from having to sync an external audio source.

[@Moondogginjerzee]

The tape is to get your "frame". the bright tape is visible to the camera a lot more than black tape. Its to help you prevent from dipping your boom (the mic but its referred to as boom) in the shot.

[@AndrewFerrisOnline]

Thanks, I've had a zoom h4N for a few years but not really known how to use it well. Now I know more! Fantastic

[@berntstrickner193]

Really nice and informative tutorial - especially as i have a new h4n and the operation manual is really bad. You are a HERO! So, ignore what some IGNORANTS say;you are defenitely THE ONE AND ONLY BATMAN!

[@DanTr90]

Very nice video. Could you possibly make a tutorial on how to do lighting for a scene that is in motion? Everyone shows you how to do standard 3 point lighting, but what about when the camera follows the actor around?

[@ChristakyMe]

I would have to guess that the yellow tape is used for the placement of the boom mic. If you are shooting in low light conditions, it would be very easy to see if the microphone is entering the shot. This method can be used in any lighting since the tape is bright in color. He mentioned this indirectly at 21:04. Why it is on the windscreen and not the mic itself; don't want tape residue on the mic.

[@Neilx14]

Well, From what I've learned from FilmRiot, The budget film makers usually make use of only ONE camera. When a dialog scene between two persons will come up, They usually take a shot of one of the actors doing the sequence THEN switch to other one (If you know the 180-degree rule then that pretty much explains it). With that, You usually do 2 takes on a 2 person conversation. Leaving you 2 takes of the audio boom mic. Which you can then put the boom mic as close as possible on each take.

[@biscuitsalive]

Hi, i bought the exact same gear as you have here, I'm finding my volume is very quiet even with recording level up to 100. this is with battery in the mike (not on phantom) and everything set to default settings.... any advice on boosting volume. (note mouth fairly near mic)

[@IAMDIMITRI]

How do you properly record dialogue when two people are involved? I mean if you don't want to cut the recording? You just swing the stick back and forth?

[@AndrewBrannen]

Really helpful and informative. What was the tape on the windscreen for though?

[@kondjanegongo796]

Hi Steve. Thanks for all the helpful videos. I wanted to purchase a shotgun mic and wanted to know how would you connect it to your dslr and have it mounted to the hotshoe as i dont have an external recorder

[@aaronnel8364]

I was wondering what camera and light are you using during the video it looks great

[@Rajaga20]

Contd: 3. The Olympus DM-650 has only a pin jack. Suppose, if I use an adapter to connect it to any 3-pin jack external microphone, will it reduce the gain of the microphone? 4. Also, I could-not grasp clearly the importance of "Clapping Boards". Would you mind to explain it once more? In addition, if I switch on my "external" microphone and switch-off my "in-built" camera microphone, how will it play out in the post-production process?Will it amount to "Lips-sync"?

[@deberney7225]

Very informative video. I have the H4n and use it to record performances. I want to start using the H4n with video recorder for videos. This was a great help in setting this up.

[@jujurightnow]

And also, I just want to see if i got that right: if you want the stereo on (for a movie project), and you're only using one XLR cable, you have to put the mono mix "ON", is that what you said? Thanks again.

[@HoppingMadMedia]

I know that interview audio wasn't the topic of the video, but could you please tell me what lapel mic setup you're using? I'm doing a gaming talk show with a friend, and need to capture our voices without much room sound. Thanks in advance for any info you may offer. I appreciate it.

[@rossleeson8626]

Buying that kit expensive for a one off ring a rental company and ask them what they recommend just remember the golden rule he states. You can never bring audio down.

[@harrypetropoulos9748]

great video. This the second one of your series I've watched. Could you please explain how you can wire up the audio for 2 people in an interview situation using this unit. in your correction video (lithium batteries) you mentioned you were using the Zoom unit with a lavelier mic remotely. How do you do that?

[@yolotoden]

Fantastic tutorial. Thanks, man. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of your stuff.

[@tracktourmusiclibrary]

Thanks for the tips, there are small USB mixer with phantom power also

[@channo786]

Thanks for this tutorial Steve! I picked up some tips from your video. The out if frame mic placement great advise. Could you do a video showing Multi mic recording using the Zoom h4n? Thanks.

[@2liter8]

Good info. I'm doing a VO and have a slight background noise to get rid of. But I want it perfect. There is no room noise you can hear. I was using Audacity with a Behringer XM 8500 mic. I have the zoom h4n so I'll try that. If you have suggestions please..

[@Vokalplus]

Hey thanks a lot. I still don't know why you should have the colored tape on the edge of the mic though, did I miss anything?

[@danggood]

@vokalplus it's so you can easily see if your mic is dipping into the frame. having bright tape will allow you so see either the bright color or the black no matter what the background is. he explains it at 21:05 ish. sorry I'm 7 years late.

[@Vokalplus]

@@danggood i forgot writing this question lol but yes thank you for the reply, now my life is complete :)

[@manuud311]

so what is the difference between recording audio with a shot gun mic into a recorder vs directly into your camera????? tysm video was a lot of help.

[@1mtstewart]

great video! I am interested in the two camera set up. merging the two to produce the video. I am guessing that the audio is produced in your device reviewed? so there are three sources/ one finished product, correct? how can an entry level DIY guy get the two camera effect, while recording video/audio on one of the cameras? I was intending to use a PC to edit and finish the video. Thanks for your efforts.

[@Hable]

1mtstewart Use a video editing program and place both camera tracks on top of each other, synced up so they are at the same point. Then just split and cut pieces of each track at a time, and the one you didn't cut will be in its place. This will leave video flowing continuously from the 2 cameras and you will have angle changes within the video. Just record the audio anywhere, and place that on the audio track. :)

[@LIFEwithISAAC]

I've seen quite a few tutorials, and none of those were as helpful, or detailed as yours. So, thank you! :)

[@aldrianalfonso5638]

really useful and great tutorial thank you very much. i was wanting a suggestion from you. i want a mic to hold and interview people at conventions and such. i can use a voice recorder and just layer that audio and sync it with the video or... maybe you can suggest a similar equipment for me to use. just to hold and ask questions like an interviewer at shows. then i'll layer the video over it. what is a good quality one? i have a cheap sony one

[@DiCasaFilm]

The Sennheisser MD46 is a good one.