Home

VIDEO: Using External Microphones for Social Media Videos

Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lapel Mic
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lapel Mic

MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lapel Mic
Pin It
  

It's one of my biggest pet peeves.  I've beaten this dead horse to death on countless occasions, but the one cardinal sin of social media video that sucks me right out from minute one is BAD sound.  If I have to fight to hear you, I'd just as soon tune you out entirely.

That's why the minor $20 investment in an external microphone for your camera is so vitally important to a successful social media video.  I headed out to 1000 Islands Nature Preserve in Kaukauna to prove why it's always better to clip on a mic rather than trust your camera to hear what you're saying.

Mark David Zahn is an advertising copywriter, social media specialist, audio/video producer, content creator and Drupal web developer in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He currently works in the Northeast Wisconsin radio market, and has collected eight Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards for his work since 2005.

Mark also writes regular columns on social media, technology, television and the Web.

Mark is available for freelance jobs and consultation. E-mail Mark at mark[at]markzahn.com or leave a voicemail at (920) 403-0403.


    More Blogs

    Debunking video marketing "gurus" with three chips on their shoulder (4.02.12)
    Face, meet palm. I made a minor resolution for myself for 2012. As I get deeper into the world of content marketing, I promised myself I wouldn't get bent out of shape when I noticed someone giving their clients advice that was inadaquate, ill-conceived or just plain stupid. For the record, I rarely keep my New Years Resolutions.
    Why "bigger" matters when buying a social media camcorder (6.02.11)
    Content is king when it comes to social media marketing. To me, multimedia trumps the written word in social media effectiveness. Your passion and essence can often get lost in a blog, but a great podcast or YouTube video can let it shine through. That said, the tendency is to go out and buy the first and cheapest video camera you can find to get the job done. Take a little time to consider what you're getting before you make the leap. You can do great things on a shoestring if you know what you're looking for.
    Your Social Media Toolbox: TASCAM TM-ST2 Handheld Stereo Microphone (2.02.11)
    For social media videos, sometimes a lapel-style microphone won't do. You need a good all-purpose handheld microphone.

    Our Recent Tweets

    SocialShowTell: It's one thing to insist on shooting video on your iPhone. Shoot holding it vertically and you may as well turn in your video expert badge.
    09.11.12 3:42pm
    SocialShowTell: Still bugs me when high-priced marketing agencies tell clients all they need for video is a Flip cam. Don't cheap out on your customers!
    08.10.12 3:23pm
    SocialShowTell: @InteractMrktng Let me know if you need any help or constructive criticism ;)
    07.31.12 4:41pm
    SocialShowTell: Easy, cheap and portable podcast recording rig -- a netbook, a Behringer 302USB mixer, a mic and tabletop stand. Works awesome on the go!
    07.31.12 4:40pm