TOP 5 CHURCH AUDIO TIPS – #1
Originally posted for @UA Media Church Tools – UA Media Church Tools is a mission initiative of Urban Arcade Media & Design – inspired by the sudden shift from in-person church services to primary online content delivery. Providing expert advice, consultation and content.
Here are some simple tips to improve the audio quality of your live stream or pre-recorded videos.
- Purchase an external microphone for your smartphone or DSLR. This will dramatically improve the sound of your videos. RØDE Microphones are great affordable, “plug-and-play” options here.
- Place the microphone as close as you possibly can to the subject without it being in frame, pointing it towards their mouth. (In front, above and angling down 45 degrees is a good starting point). This will go a long way to reducing that “distant” sound heard on many home videos.
- If filming outside, avoid windy days or make sure you are in a location where you (or at least the microphone) are protected from the wind. If you have access to a “deadcat” windshield, use it! There is nothing worse than hearing the whoosh of wind in the audio recording!
- If using a computer, you could use an audio interface or USB microphone to multi-track record worship, the sermon, interview or voice-over and mix it down in your video software or DAW.
- Film your videos in a small room with soft-furnishings and avoid too many bear walls (couch, curtains, pillows, doona covers, etc). This will reduce reverb and increase clarity and definition – a must when recording a sermon.
- Use metering tools (plus your ears) to match the volume levels of all the different media items in your presentation, so one video does not sound heaps louder than another (often manifests with worship too loud and the sermon or spoken word too soft). It will also ensure you avoid distorting the audio by having too much signal (known as “clipping”).
- Use EQ, compression and effects (sparingly!!) to shape the aural landscape of the stream and to control tonal and dynamic balance.
