Mastering the Art of Wireless Microphones: Elevate Your Video Content Creation
Jamie Perez • August 7, 2019
In the world of video content creation, audio plays a huge role in engaging and captivating your audience. Some would argue that audio is more important than the visuals. A key tool in achieving top-notch audio is the wireless microphone. Whether you're a vlogger, filmmaker, marketing specialist, videography, digital content manager or content creator, understanding how to properly use wireless microphones can make your video go from good to great. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of using wireless microphones and highlight the numerous benefits they bring to your video content.
The Basics of Wireless Microphone Usage:
- Choose the Right Microphone: Make sure your microphone suits your specific needs. Lavalier (lapel) microphones are perfect for interviews and on-the-go situations, while shotgun microphones are good at capturing audio from a distance. Research different models and read reviews to ensure you find the perfect fit for your content style. These are my go-to lav mics.
- Frequency Selection: Interference can be a significant issue with wireless microphones. Selecting an appropriate frequency band that's less congested will minimize the chances of interference and dropout. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended frequency settings in your area.
- Pairing and Syncing: Most wireless microphone systems require pairing and syncing between the transmitter and receiver. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to establish a reliable connection. Make sure both devices are on the same frequency and use fresh batteries to prevent unexpected disruptions.
- Placement and Positioning: Proper microphone placement is crucial for capturing clear and natural audio. Position lavalier microphones near the speaker's mouth but hidden from view, while shotgun microphones should be pointed towards the sound source for optimal audio pickup. If you’re using a lav mic, have your interviewee thread the cord under their shirt and attach the microphone part at the top of their shirt. Make sure the microphone is sitting on the outside of their shirt. I’ve seen too many people just clip the mic to the person’s shirt without hiding the cord and it looks sloppy and distracting. (See images below)
Benefits of Using Wireless Microphones for Video Content Creation:
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Wireless microphones offer superior audio quality compared to built-in camera microphones. They capture crisp and clear sound directly from the source, minimizing ambient noise and ensuring your message comes across loud and clear.
- Freedom of Movement: Wireless microphones free you from the constraints of wired setups, allowing you to move around freely while recording. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for dynamic shots, interviews, and outdoor shoots.
- Professionalism: High-quality audio is a hallmark of professional video content. By using wireless microphones, you convey a sense of professionalism and dedication to your audience, making your videos more engaging and enjoyable.
- Reduced Post-Production Work: Capturing clean audio during the recording phase reduces the need for extensive post-production audio editing. This saves you time and effort, enabling you to focus on other creative aspects of your content.
- Versatility: Wireless microphones can adapt to various shooting scenarios, making them versatile tools for content creators. Whether you're shooting indoors, outdoors, in noisy environments, or with multiple speakers, wireless microphones can handle it all.
Audio quality is a critical component that can make or break your videos. Wireless microphones offer an array of benefits, from improved audio quality to enhanced flexibility, professionalism, and reduced post-production workload. By mastering the art of wireless microphone usage, you can elevate your content and captivate your audience with engaging, crystal-clear audio. So, invest in a reliable wireless microphone system, learn the proper techniques, and take your video content creation to new heights. Your viewers' ears will thank you!
Check out this video on YouTube to see a demonstration of how to properly place a microphone, an explanation of how the mics work and a more in-depth explanation of the mics themselves!
Most of the time when nonprofit organizations are sharing stories, we are hearing from staff members, the founder and clients. All of these are perfectly fine stories to tell... but what about sharing the donor stories? When a nonprofit has regular donors, there's probably a story behind WHY they believe in your cause so much. There's a heartfelt element to why out of all the nonprofits they could donate to -- why do they choose YOURS to give to time and time again? They most likely relate to your mission. They believe what you believe about a problem that needs to be addressed and they wanted to be part of the solution. Maybe they went through a traumatic situation that your organization is helping people solve. Get to know your donors. Be curious. They're just as much a part of your organization as your staff and clientele. By sharing their stories, they not only feel more involved in an organization they already care so deeply about, but it also could be a great way to attract MORE donors who can relate to their story. Donors give because of stories -- their gifts don't come from coercion; they come from emotion, a desire to connect. It opens up a relationship and this is how wallets open and lives are transformed. People want to know they belong to something and that they're making a difference. It feels good for anyone to know they're needed, wanted and appreciated. Show them the impact of their gift through storytelling. Don't just focus on them when you need something from them. Engage them. Make them part of the organization's journey. To help get you started, here are a couple questions that could ignite some great soundbites when interviewing your donors: What happened in your life that makes you so compelled to support our cause? Why is this need so important to address? With these questions, you're not only asking them to address the need that your organization is addressing, but you're still focusing on THEIR story. By bringing them along this journey and asking these questions, it helps remind them why they give monetary gifts to you. And their story and their reasons could encourage others to do the same. BE CURIOUS. THESE ARE THE TYPES OF STORIES THAT ARE NEVER TOLD BECAUSE WE NEVER ASK . By being curious, sharing THEIR story, you're showing them you not only care about them helping your cause, but you care about them as people. And who doesn't like to share their story with someone who is truly interested?
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting
We see this time and time again... organizations wanting to tell an emotive story through video and then being disappointed that the final product wasn't as heart-tugging as they'd hoped. This mainly happens for three reasons: 1. Controlling the narrative. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Organizations want to include everyone in the conversation and then there's too many opinions on what should be included in the video, who should be included, what should be shown, etc. This convolutes the message and becomes a jamboree of information and takes away from the natural flow of what the true story should be. 2. Trying to fit everything into one video. Organizations often don't think about what it truly means to tell a story. It's not talking about all the facts and features of the organizations, the different types of programs, showing the building, etc. We don't need to know everything about you. We KNOW you're doing incredible work, but we can read the facts and figures through the caption or text on your website. What we want to see and feel is the stories and emotions that accompany what you do. Which brings us to the next point... 3. Focusing on the features rather than the people. While it's great to inform people of the logistics of your organization -- those things are often not unique and they don't really retain people's attention. What does accomplish these two things, however, is gripping people by the heartstrings by focusing on one or two people's stories to show the audience the impact you make. It's not about telling me all the generalities of your organization. We really need to hyperfocus on ONE story that embodies the difference you make in people's lives. Remember what a story truly is. It has characters, it follows a journey, it presents a problem, a solution, has layers, and evokes emotion. If your videos are mostly just a summary of what you do as an organization, then you haven't really told a story. You've told me WHAT your organization does. The true heartfelt stories are always found in the WHY.
