Category: Audio
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Mind Readings: Turning a Lavalier Mic Into a Handheld Mic
In today’s episode, you’ll see a simple hack to transform a lavalier microphone into a handheld microphone. I’ll walk you through how I used a Rode Wireless Go transmitter, a power bank, and a USB-C connector to create a more ergonomic and acoustically sound setup. You’ll learn why this method, while not ideal for a…
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Mind Readings: Adobe Podcast Mic Test
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of podcasting and experimenting with Adobe podcast. We’re testing a variety of different microphones in moderate background noise to see which one produces the best sound. From Bose QC AirPods to Apple AirPods, and even a David Clark helicopter headset, we’re putting it all to the test.…
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You Ask, I Answer: Audio Quality Hardware vs Software?
Todd asks, “When it comes to audio quality, what’s more important, software or hardware?” There is no cut and dried answer to the question of whether software or hardware is more important for audio quality. It depends on the relative quality of the stuff you’ve already got, and what you’re using it for. If you…
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Bakeoff: Apple AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs Gen 2 vs Leaf Blower
In this episode, I test out the new Apple AirPods Pro Generation 2 versus the previous generation and the Bose QC Earbuds Generation 1 for noise cancellation and microphone quality in the most absurd conditions: with a leaf blower. The new Apple AirPods Pro are pretty impressive. The noise cancellation is good, the microphone is…
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You Ask, I Answer: Best Audio Leveling Solution for Podcasting?
Mitch asks, “With the return of the Levelator, what’s the best audio leveling solution for podcasting?” For those unfamiliar, the Levelator is a piece of software that promises one-click cleanup of audio to ready it for podcasting. Other solutions, such as Auphonic, do similar tasks – but the Levelator is free. And for those who…
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You Ask, I Answer: Recommended Camera and Audio Setup for Webinars?
Paul asks, “What’s your recommended audio, video, and lighting setup for webinars and events?” Great question. As David Tames once taught, great video begins with great audio. Get the mic near your mouth! Lighting will do more to improve video quality than almost any camera, as long as the camera isn’t absolute junk. Go for…
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You Ask, I Answer: Leveling Software for Podcasting?
Mitch asks, “What’s the best leveling software for podcasting? What are the recommended techniques and settings?” Way back in the day, everyone and their cousin used something called the Levelator. That has since been discontinued; in its place, I use the desktop edition of Auphonic, the multitrack edition. Watch the video for details and a…
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The Great Mic Bakeoff: Microphones for Smartphone Video Creators
As mentioned in this week’s newsletter, testing your gear to understand what’s good and what’s not in specific use cases is essential. In the Great Mic Bakeoff, we look at 8 different types of microphones for use in shooting video on your smartphone. Which microphone works best for overall audio quality? Which is the most…
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You Ask, I Answer: Conference Gear for Audio and Video
Amy asks, “I saw this cool setup you were using at the marketing profs conference – would you mind sharing what hardware/software you used? I am in the events space and trying to do more independent recordings like this. Thanks!” Hardware Kimafun wireless microphone Square Jellyfish smartphone tripod mount Ultrapod II portable tabletop tripod TASCAM…
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Testing Microphones for the iPhone X
I’ve been working with much more video lately and had a question I needed an answer to – what microphones generate the best quality audio when I’m filming on my iPhone X? I had these microphones available to test: Wired headphones that come with the phone, the Earpods (Wired) David Clark HBT-30 headset (Bluetooth) Bose…
