Tips And Tricks - How To Record Audio On Your Go Pro Camera While In Flight

Having problems creating audio in your flight videos, but confused what to do about audio?
I explain a simple, cheap and reliable way to record inflight cockpit audio from ATC and passengers. No special cables needed. (You do need a GoPro!!) Tips for recording Gopro Audio.
Things I mention
GoPro Media Mod
gopro.com/en/gb/shop/mounts-a...
1/4" Headphone Splitter
(6.35mm Stereo Splitter)
www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Sp...
1/4" to 1/8" stereo cable
(6.35mm to 3.5mm)
www.amazon.co.uk/TISINO-Stere...
Please note these are not affiliate links, I make nothing from them, and you are responsible for ensuring they are fit for your application and aircraft. If in doubt consult a qualified engineer (A&P). All my videos are created for entertainment purposes and should not be used for flight instruction.
#whiskeyalphapilot #learningtofly #gopro
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[@hollisjames]

Just got my media mod for go pro delivered today, will be recording my sons first flight soon!!

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Good luck with it. And first flight for your son? It will be magical!!!

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

There is always the balance I have ATC audio, but loose the video to match. I normally get 45 mins out of a GP and use a battery pack for longer and have only had one camera fail for overhearing when I left it in the sun. :-)

[@MinimalistMigrations]

Appreciate the clear and simple description, thank you!

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

You are welcome.. I’m working on the next version

[@1dullgeek]

I use an external audio recorder that I picked up from Amazon for about $40. And yes it does have a disadvantage of needing to sync up the audio. That's pretty easily done by clapping so that both the camera and the recorder can hear it. Then in the video editing software, there are spikes in the camera and the audio recorder that are pretty easy to line up. But there is a big advantage of using external audio: I never worry about losing ATC audio because a camera died. Gopros are notorious for easily overheating and their battery life is usually shorter than the length of the flight. The little sony audio recorder I have uses AAA batteries and they last for about 30 or so hours of flight. I tend to change them when they get close to the end. The result is I have never lost cockpit audio. That works better for me, but either way I'm glad people capture cockpit audio. I find aviation videos without that to be difficult to watch.

[@user-tf9yd8xu8f]

Great info Wayne thanks.

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Glad to help - I'm working on another video as I have now changed my setup

[@miroslavberanic7756]

Thank you!

[@billymos]

Nice video and very simple to set up, but my gopro12 doesn't seem to have a port for the socket you describe, just a usb-c .

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

You need to purchase the media mod - it will have the correct sockets

[@kencatt1652]

Hi. Just upgrading from my Gopro hero 4 black, to Hero 10 black.. On the the 4, I just used a usb to 3.5 adaptor, it recorded the audio fine. Will this still work on the 10 or have gopro altered the firmware? I fly from Headcorn, do you ever drop in? Cheers Ken

[@RRacer000]

Nice video! I've tried this setup, but although it recorded my voice and radio comms, I lost audio from my passenger. I've seen some mention that you might need series resistors in there, but not what values and in what positions. Is this something that you've encountered?

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Only if you have a unit that has issues with line level and is expecting a mic level - then I used a 40dB reducted which is basically a couple of resistors.

[@lewistube]

How do you stop them overheating? Not managed to get a full lesson in yet!

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Drop frame rates and resolution to what you actually need. Use external battery. Don’t mount in the sun

[@tkfounder]

Do you hear engine 'hum' or 'wining' - - or noise when you are silent?

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

It depends on where you set the squelch on your radios. I use multiple cameras so can add in aircraft noise when I want.

[@karenkay2526]

Hi! How about for airbus that has 5 pins xlr?

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

That I think you will find is a lemo connector. And since I don’t fly an Airbus, I haven’t a clue

[@Flyy_with_ry]

Any cords for the GoPro Max 360? Or will this work?

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Honest answer is I’m not sure, the issue with 360s is generally you will see the cable - have you considered using a second recorder just for audio?

[@Robinbamv]

Interesting ! now I know how to share my four and a half hour flight to Barcelona with KZbin…………… on the other hand perhaps not.

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

You could always edit it down to cut out the boring bits. And if it’s a GA flight then many people will be interested and if you are flying commercial then my advice won’t work.

[@Robinbamv]

@@WhiskeyAlphaPilot it’s just private SEP bit the comment was a hint to those who post unedited uneventful flights that perhaps a bit of editing might make things more interesting. You won’t find me posting any videos as I can’t abide carry on PED’s and all the electric spaghetti that goes with them. My only PED is an iPad to squirt the flight plan into the panel mounted GPS.

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

I know the feeling. I’m still trying to make my edits more interesting, learning as I go. I’d love to squirt a flight plan into my onboard GPS, but I’m still trying to find out how to wind up the clock work!

[@Robinbamv]

@@WhiskeyAlphaPilot if you are interested in doing a video on a glass cockpit retrofit I might be able to help you, it was a long and interesting task.