The Unsung Hero of Video Production

When people think of video production, the first things that often come to mind are camera work, lighting, and editing. But there’s one element that is just as important, if not more: audio. In fact, even the most beautifully shot video can be completely undermined by poor sound quality. We understand that, which is why we put a big focus on capturing the best possible audio for every project we work on.

While we’re video professionals and not audio specialists, we know enough to prioritise four key types of audio for our productions: in-camera audio, externally recorded audio, sound design, and backing tracks. These are the areas we focus on to ensure that our projects not only look great but sound great too.

Types of Audio We Work With

In-Camera Audio: Convenience, But Limited

In-camera audio is recorded directly through the camera's built-in microphone. This is usually the simplest form of audio capture and can work well for general ambience or as a backup. However, it’s not always the best option for high-quality sound, as it tends to pick up a lot of environmental noise that may not be relevant to the subject.

For this reason, we typically rely on in-camera audio only in certain situations, maybe for capturing background noise during a live event or as a failsafe during shoots.

Externally Recorded Audio: Getting the Perfect Sound

When we need precise, clear audio, we turn to externally recorded sound. This gives us more control over what is captured, and this is where choosing the right microphone becomes essential.

Here’s where things get a bit technical, but important. Depending on the shoot, we ask ourselves: Do we need a pod mic for studio-like clarity? A shotgun mic for directional audio? Or a lavalier (lapel) mic for a discrete interview setup?

Why We Recommend Rode Mics

One brand we’ve come to rely on for these setups is Rode. They offer an excellent range of microphones for different purposes, and their versatility is hard to beat. Whether we need an on-camera shotgun mic for a documentary-style shoot, or a discreet lav mic for interviews, Rode mics consistently deliver high-quality audio. They’re easy to use, durable, and great for capturing clear sound without picking up unnecessary noise. This makes them our go-to choice for most of our projects, no matter the location or setting.

Mic used for lyrics for music production — *Studio Mic in Production Studio*

Deliverability: Placing the Mic Perfectly

Choosing the right microphone is just half the battle, the next step is figuring out how to position it in a way that captures the best sound without distracting from the visuals. This is where deliverability comes into play.

For example, if we’re shooting an interview, we might use a lavalier mic to keep the setup low-profile and unobtrusive. But if we’re filming in a busy street or event, we wouldn’t use a pod mic, it’s not designed for that kind of environment, and it would distract from the main subject. Each situation calls for a different mic, and it's all about blending the audio capture with the visual elements seamlessly.

Sound Design: Creating an Immersive Experience

Once the filming is done, the next step is sound design. This is where we add extra elements, like sound effects or ambient noise, to create a richer, more immersive video. Even subtle touches like the sound of footsteps or wind rustling through trees can make a video feel more alive and engaging.

While we aren’t sound design experts, we know enough to ensure that the right sound effects or background audio enhance the final product without overwhelming the main content. The platform we rely on for this kind of sound in Epidemic Sound, their enormous library of songs and sound effects is perfect for us.

Backing Tracks: Setting the Tone

Finally, there’s the all-important backing track. Music can set the tone for your entire video. Whether it’s an upbeat track for an exciting product launch or a softer, more emotive score for a testimonial, music helps guide how the audience feels about what they’re seeing.

We carefully select backing tracks that fit the mood and elevate the content. It’s about finding that balance where the music supports the visuals rather than distracting from them.

Our Philosophy: Quality, Simplicity, and Focus

Our approach to audio is all about quality without unnecessary complexity. By focusing on the right types of audio, using trusted equipment like Rode, carefully considering the setting, and making sure the sound enhances the visuals, we create videos that are as engaging to listen to as they are to watch.

The Importance of Audio