It's easy to lose viewers when they struggle to hear what you're saying. To make sure that doesn't happen, we've put together 8 comprehensive tips for you.
So, get ready to discover the best way to record audio for YouTube and learn how to enhance voice in video.
How to get good audio for YouTube videos
YouTube algorithms prioritize high-quality content, and sound is one of the main criteria. It's crucial to get the audio just right. This means selecting the perfect microphone, refining your voice, mastering certain vocal techniques, and many more. With so much to learn, we'll guide you through it step by step.
Invest in a Quality Microphone
The choice of microphones can be overwhelming, but there are two main characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing your mic: the type of power supply and the direction of the recorded sound.
When it comes to power supply, microphones fall into two categories:
- Condenser mics need phantom power and are highly sensitive to vibration, providing a truly beautiful sound that some people find relaxing and even stress-reducing.
- Dynamic mics do not need additional electricity to work.
Talking about the direction of recorded sound, three types of mics come into play:
- Directional mics that are more sensitive to sound coming from one side.
- Bidirectional mics have the same sensitivity to sounds from the front and back.
- Omnidirectional mics are sensitive to sounds all around.
An easier and cheaper option is to use a lavalier microphone. You can spend as little as $10 and still receive a better sound than with the built-in microphone in your camera.
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Minimize Tap Sounds while Speaking
Always remember to watch out for tongue clicks and background noises during voice recording. These sounds can easily disrupt the crisp audio you're aiming for. Also, refrain from touching the recording device, especially if you're using a condenser mic. Doing so might not only compromise the sound quality but also harm your ears. Condenser mics are highly sensitive to vibrations, which is why they typically come with a shock mount. This mount, often referred to as a ‘spider mount’, suspends the microphone in a manner similar to a spider hanging from its web.
Enunciate Clearly and Speak at a Steady Pace
Whether you're using unidirectional, bidirectional, or omnidirectional microphones, speak clearly and at a steady pace to ensure your audio is as high-quality as possible. Speaking too fast can muddle your words, while speaking too slowly can bore your listeners. Find a steady pace that allows your audience to absorb what you're saying while keeping them engaged.
Optimize Microphone Placement for Better Audio Capture
When setting up your mic, aim to have it about a hand's length away from your mouth for the clearest sound. Just make sure you don't place microphones directly on tabletops, especially without any cushioning. If you have an echoey room, consider dampening the sound using soft furnishings like carpets, curtains, or even specialized foam panels.
Master the Art of Vocal Projection
Using a microphone effectively is about both positioning and voice projection. Even with a topic you're passionate about, speak into the mic without shouting. There are also several tricks to master vocal projection:
- Breathing Techniques: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing allows for a steadier and more powerful voice.
- Posture Matters: Stand or sit up straight when recording. Good posture opens up your diaphragm, allowing for clearer voice.
- Vocal Warm-Ups: Much like athletes prep before a game, your vocal cords need a quick warm-up. Humming, lip trills, or scales can do the trick.
Silence Your Computer for Clean Recording
When capturing audio, think about a quiet and cozy space. Turn off gadgets and mute those computer alerts – you don’t want a random beep in your audio. Recording early in the morning or late evening might be better. And how about closing the door or window? A simple trick but makes a big difference. Just remember, the quieter your space, the better your recording will be.
Eliminate Background Noise during Post-Production
Even if we're diligent in avoiding noise while recording, it's always wise to consider post-production noise reduction. Before diving into further enhancements, remember to use noise reduction tools. They help weed out everything from slight whispers to more pronounced background disruptions.
Fine-tune Your Voice through Editing
After the background noise is gone, there's still room for improvement through final edits. Let's explore some steps to enhance your sound:
- Use a compressor to edit your recorded sound, making your videos more appealing to your audience.
- Boost the high-mid frequencies with equalization to make the voice clearer.
- De-Esse that 'ts' sounds in voice recordings to ensure they aren’t overpowering in the final mix.
Always listen to your edited audio on different devices – headphones, speakers, and even your phone. This will give you an idea of how your audience might hear it, ensuring consistency across devices.
Improving Sound Quality on Video: It's Important
One final tip for today: once a video is up and it has a poor sound quality, trying to enhance it rarely works out. If the recorded sound doesn’t turn out well, the best option is to record the video all over again.
Using these tips can really boost the audio quality of your YouTube videos. Think of it this way: your voice is your direct line to your viewers. Crisp sound isn’t just about algorithms; it's about creating a clear dialogue with your audience.
