External Microphones

Definition

External microphones are specialized audio recording devices that connect to cameras, smartphones, or audio recorders to capture sound with higher quality than built-in microphones. These microphones enhance the overall audio experience by providing clearer sound, better directionality, and reduced background noise, making them essential tools in mobile reporting for interviews, ambient sound capture, and storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External microphones typically offer superior sound quality compared to built-in mics, which is crucial for professional reporting.
2. They can come in various forms, including handheld, lavalier, shotgun, and condenser mics, each suited for different recording environments.
3. Using external microphones helps minimize wind noise and other unwanted sounds during outdoor recording sessions.
4. Many external microphones are designed with specific connectors, such as XLR or TRS jacks, which can require adapters depending on the recording device.
5. Investing in a good external microphone can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of audio in video projects.

Review Questions

• How do external microphones improve the audio quality of mobile reporting compared to built-in microphones?
  • External microphones enhance audio quality by capturing sound more clearly and with greater fidelity than built-in microphones. They are designed to reduce background noise and focus on the desired audio source, which is particularly important in noisy environments. This improvement is essential for mobile reporters who need their interviews and soundbites to be clear and professional, ensuring that the message is conveyed effectively.
• Discuss the different types of external microphones available for mobile reporting and their ideal use cases.
  • There are various types of external microphones suited for different scenarios in mobile reporting. Lavalier microphones are perfect for interviews as they clip onto clothing and provide hands-free operation. Shotgun microphones are excellent for capturing sound from a specific source while minimizing ambient noise, making them great for outdoor shoots. Additionally, handheld microphones are often used in dynamic reporting situations where the reporter interacts directly with subjects. Understanding these options allows reporters to choose the right mic for their specific needs.
• Evaluate the importance of using high-quality external microphones in the context of storytelling and audience engagement in mobile reporting.
  • Using high-quality external microphones is crucial in mobile reporting as it directly impacts storytelling and audience engagement. Clear and professional audio helps convey emotions and context effectively, allowing audiences to connect with the story on a deeper level. Poor audio quality can distract viewers or lead to misunderstandings about the content being presented. By investing in good external microphones, reporters can ensure their stories resonate well with their audience, enhancing both credibility and impact.

Related terms

Lavalier Microphone:

A small clip-on microphone that can be attached to a person's clothing for hands-free operation, often used in interviews and presentations.

Shotgun Microphone: A highly directional microphone designed to capture sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise, ideal for field recordings and video shoots.

Audio Interface:

A device that connects microphones to computers or recording equipment, providing higher quality audio input and additional features like gain control and monitoring.