Do you make videos? You MUST read this!

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Sound is king!

We all watch a lot of tutorial videos, don't we?

I've just clicked on a WA link to a video tutorial and cancelled it after 10 seconds.

Why?

The SOUND was absolutely terrible! It was like listening to someone gargling underwater!

Guys - if you're going to make a video you MUST have GOOD sound. Your laptop's built in Mic is almost certainly not up to the job. It may be fine for skype but it just doesn't cut it for video!

Research has shown that the most important part of a video/movie is the sound. We can put up with poor video quality as long as we can hear what's going on but it doesn't work the other way around! HD video and poor sound = dire video!

So this is just a heads-up if you produce or are thinking of producing a video whether it's a tutorial, a series, a review - yes. particularly a review!, a YT vid or whatever. No matter how high a quality the video is, if the sound is poor, people WILL switch off. I did!

I'm not gonna get into Mics here but you can get a good quality Mic for way less than $100. Apart from pleasing your viewers you'll also retain them! :-) And that's what you're after.

Ian

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Recent Comments

22

Thanks for sharing, Ian. I haven’t quite got around to making any videos this time around but I was shooting some under another scheme a couple of years ago.
You’re right about the sound quality. I bought a RODE professional quality clip on mic, similar to those you seen worn for TV interviews. Does the job quite well and, as you say, under $100. I paid £67 which, at a guess, is around $80.
Steve.

Thanks, Steve.

Good tip. Rodes are good.

Quality doesn't need to cost, but poor quality sound WILL cost - in lost visitors.

Hey, I just made that up! Can you tell? :-)

Ian

You are right!
Good quality material for video makes
us more credible.

Nice weekend!
Ingrid

Thanks, Ingrid.

It means people will watch - and listen! - to it and not click away.

Ian

Great advice Ian. Nobody is going to listen to a video that sounds terrible. I would instantly look for another video to watch. There goes your customer.

Exactly, Mick. It doesn't matter how good the content may be if no one hangs around to watch it.

Ian

I agree you may find a mike for less than $100 but according to my son who is in tech, and toured, stage shows etc, a small lapel is fine. Those large ones and good set up can cost $100's, and honestly everyone does not have that kind of seed money. I have done it with my iMac and it works very well.
Being a speaker myself, it takes a lot of courage for people to get on to make a video or to talk in a group.

Just like our first posts they were not perfect either. I give everyone kudos for the attempt, and unless I am doing it, I will not throw arrows.
The attempt shows to those they refer and others that anyone can succeed without being perfect. Can you imagine how many we would refer if our sites were polished perfectly in the beginning? It would scare prospects away.
Just my thoughts on positivity.
Take care,

I agree! Kudos for trying anything.

But you wouldn't try to cut a piece of wood with a carving knife. I'm not advocating perfection. just suggesting folks use suitable tools for the job, especially if they want visitors to hang around and view the end result. I'm not going to go on a site, watch a video with poor sounds and think 'good effort'!

Within the WA community here, it's slightl differrent but posts here can also be viewed by the outside world.

Yes,just about any Mic will be better than the one in your laptop.

Ian

Depending on your video content using your smartphone is good as the microphone is really good. Probably not the best for the types of video most of will want to do. If you are demonstrating a product this would be a good option.

Just a thought

Barry

Hey Barry - never thought of that! :-)

The thing is to try it and see. Some laptop Mics might be ok (although I doubt it).

You can tell if the sound quality is good simply by NOT noticing it!

Some member's videos have great sound - you don't notice it. But others sounf like they're gargling goldfish!

Ian

Keep it real

Brilliant that you have said it. I have mentioned it to some in the past.

Bad sound is one good way to give a reason to click off.

Thank you for sharing

Jennifer

Thanks, Jennifer.

Bad sound is as real as it gets! :-)

Even videos by some top-earners have absolutely terrible sound. They must be losing $Ks.

Ian

You are most welcome and thank you

I am looking into getting a good mic now. lol

before I start my videos

All the best in making it happen

Jennifer

Thanks, Ian, great advice that we can all relate to.

I haven't made any videos yet. It's a mental roadblock I have to get past.

Would you recommend a lapel mike, a boom mike or what?

I have a pair of headphones with a built in mike that works fine for Skype but as you say that's not necessarily significant.

Hi Phil - yes, the sound is so important and often overlooked.

It's easy to check the sound quality - make a recording and play it back :-) so check your existing Mic and see what you think. It needs to be clear, definitely without distortion and hopefully free of pops and clicks.

Most half-decent Mic should do the job. The ones built into laptops are not usually good quality. Someone asked a Q about Mics a few months ago and got a range of replies.

Ian

Good point! I have not really gotten into video but I know that is necessary to have a mic.

Hi Jessica - I'm probably not going to be making any videos (for personal reasons) but I do watch a lot and poor sound drives me batty! :-)

ian

Absolutely agree with all your points - sound quality in video is extremely important!

Thanks a lot for sharing!

Wish you great success!

Bon

Thanks, Bob. Just trying to help everyone :-)

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