In this 3-part video series, I’m excited to bring in Caleb Wojcik from DIYVideoGuy.com to teach us about recording great audio for videos. Each video covers a different aspect of the audio recording process:

  1. Shotgun Microphones – Benefits, Options, How to Use
  2. Lavalier Microphones – Benefits, Options, How to Use
  3. Recording Great Audio – In camera options, external recording device options, how to record

I hope you enjoy these three videos, as much as I had fun shooting them with Caleb. Check out his YouTube channel, to see some After Effects tutorials that I did for him.

Shotgun Microphone Tutorial

In this audio recording tutorial, Caleb shows us how to properly record audio directly into the camera and with an external recording device like a Zoom H4N or Tascam DR-100mkii. Caleb walks us through how to boost levels properly to avoid hiss and distortion. He also gives us general tips for recording better audio indoors and outdoors.

Lavalier Microphone Tutorial

Caleb talks about the pros and cons of using lapel microphones. We talk about the best lapel microphone options, including the Sennheiser G3 wireless kit, Rodelink Wireless Kit, Shure WL185 wired lavalier, and the other equipment you might need. Then we show you how to use a lavalier microphone, including placement and best practices.

How to Record Great Audio and Get Proper Levels

Ever wanted to learn how to record audio with a shotgun microphone? Caleb gives an in depth tutorial on how to record audio with a shotgun microphone. We talk about why you would use a shotgun microphone, what types of shotgun microphones are best (including the Rode NTG3 and Sennheiser MKE 600), and then show how to use a shotgun microphone.

Equipment List (Items Mentioned in These Videos)

Shotgun Microphone Options:

Rode NTG 2 

Rode NTG 3 

Rode NTG 4

Sennheiser MKE 600 

Sennheiser ME66 / K6P 

Shotgun Microphone Accessories:

Shockmount 

Shotgun Blimp 

Boom Pole with internal XLR cable

Boom Stand Kit 

Wireless Lapel Microphones:

Rodelink Wireless Kit 

Sennheiser G3 Wireless Lavalier Kit 

Microphone Accessories:

3.5mm to XLR Adapter 

Rode Invisilav 

Wired Lapel Microphone:

Shure WL185 

Audio Recording Devices:

Zoom H4N 

Tascam DR-100mkII 

DSLR Audio Conversion Tools:

Tascam DR-60DmkII 

Headphones:

Sony MDR7506 

Audio-Technica M30

This video was filmed using: