External Microphones

Definition

External microphones are devices used to capture audio outside of a camera or recording device's built-in microphone. These microphones enhance sound quality by providing better sensitivity and clarity, making them essential for professional digital video production and editing. They come in various types, such as shotgun, lavalier, and handheld microphones, each serving specific purposes in capturing audio in different environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External microphones generally offer superior audio quality compared to built-in microphones, making them a crucial component for clear sound capture in video projects.
2. Different types of external microphones are suited for various recording situations, like shotgun mics for focused sound in noisy environments or lavalier mics for capturing dialogue during interviews.
3. Using an external microphone can significantly reduce unwanted background noise and improve the overall production value of a video.
4. Most external microphones require additional equipment such as windshields or boom poles to enhance their performance in outdoor or dynamic settings.
5. Audio levels must be monitored closely when using external microphones to avoid distortion or clipping during recording.

Review Questions

• How do external microphones improve the quality of audio captured in digital video production compared to built-in microphones?
  • External microphones improve audio quality by providing greater sensitivity and clarity than built-in microphones. They are designed to focus on specific sound sources while reducing background noise, which is vital for creating high-quality audio in video projects. By using external mics, filmmakers can ensure that dialogue and other important sounds are captured clearly, enhancing the overall production value.
• Discuss the different types of external microphones available and their specific applications in digital video production.
  • There are several types of external microphones available, each with unique applications in digital video production. Shotgun microphones are ideal for capturing focused sound from a distance, making them suitable for outdoor shoots where background noise is prevalent. Lavalier microphones are perfect for interviews, as they can be discreetly clipped onto clothing for hands-free operation. Handheld microphones are often used for on-the-spot interviews or performances. Understanding these types allows filmmakers to choose the right mic for their specific needs.
• Evaluate the impact of using external microphones on the post-production process of digital videos.
  • Using external microphones greatly impacts the post-production process by providing high-quality audio that requires less correction and manipulation. Clean audio tracks captured with external mics reduce the need for extensive editing to remove background noise or enhance clarity. This efficiency allows editors to focus more on the visual aspects of the video, ultimately streamlining the workflow and improving the final product. Furthermore, having clear audio makes syncing sound with visuals easier, leading to a more polished outcome.

Related terms

Shotgun Microphone: A highly directional microphone designed to capture sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise, often used in film and video production.

Lavalier Microphone: A small clip-on microphone that can be attached to a speaker's clothing, providing hands-free operation and discreet audio capture during interviews or presentations.

Audio Interface: A device that connects microphones and other audio equipment to a computer, allowing for high-quality audio recording and playback in digital video production.