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Video Experts, Question: How to get crisp and clear audio?

by Karen Keyes
12 replies
Hi,
I've made a few videos in the past and have Camtasia but my question is, what are the best tips to get clear crisp audio? I always struggle with this!

For example, is it my cheapie mic? If so any recommendations on a good mic? If it all (or mostly) has to do with the mic, that's easily solved...

Or - should I be recording w/ Camtasia w/ no sound and using a different software for the audio?

Thanks for any suggestions!
Karen
#audio #clear #crisp #experts #questions #video
  • Profile picture of the author mannoo2005
    If you're using camtasia 5, then you'll have some options for clearing the audio already.
    also, you should record with high quality mic with camtasia to avoid late voice or any timing errors may occur.
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  • Profile picture of the author mmacken
    Ive just purchased the Logitech Clear Chat Premium headset and mic combo and I have to say, the audio quailty is exceptional, it really is. That cost £22, around $50, so not to bad on the pocket either lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author mpeters7
    Try playing with your mic positioning as well. If it's too far from your mouth your signal will be too quiet, too close and you may "pop" your p's. You'll also end up with more low sounds if the mic is below your mouth and more high sounds if it's above.
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  • Profile picture of the author burtie
    This mic Samson Audio - C01U with a spider mount and pop guard works great...
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  • Profile picture of the author kswr123
    hey, if you have a low quality mic, try putting a thin sheet (or any piece of thin material) about 3 inches from your mouth. The material absorbs the big spitting p's and b's!

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    • Profile picture of the author Gail_Curran
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author burtie
        Originally Posted by Gail_Curran View Post

        While we're on the topic, any hints for reducing thosssse hisssssy "S" sssssounds?
        Yes!

        If it is what I think it is then record away from you laptop or PC. The mic that I use (in my post above) comes with an 8 meter lead which means you can record from a different room and edit it all together after.
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  • Profile picture of the author eholmlund
    I had been using a super cheap mic for a long time... it wasn't too bad, but I recently upgraded to the Alesis podcasting kit ($100 for a decent mic, and headphones) and I have noticed an improvement.

    In Camtasia... does your audio sound bad when you're editing it, or only after you export it?

    If it sounds bad when you're editing it, then it may have to do with the mic... or mic positioning, etc.

    But if it only sounds bad after you export it, then you should test some different export settings. I usually export using MP3 audio, 22khz, mono 32 kbps. Thats pretty low quality by today's standards, but sounds fine on my videos.

    I'm sure Josh Anderson has posted some applicable specs and/or tutorials here on the WF somewhere.
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    • Profile picture of the author Karen Keyes
      Thanks for all of the great replies so far. From what I can tell:
      - I should invest in a better mic
      - be aware of mic positioning

      Eric I'm referring to prior to exporting .. it's not terrible (the audio) but it's amateur-ish if you know know what I mean?
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  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    I bought a $5 headset mic from Staples and tried it out. I got crystal clear audio. There's no logo or brand on this thing...that's how cheap it is. I forget what company made it...maybe it was Staples' own brand.

    The only time I get bad audio from this thing is if I push the mic right into my face. Otherwise, the sound is great. I honestly believed, walking into store, that I was going to be paying close to $100 for a good one, but I saw this $5 mic right next to the $100 mic

    In fact, I tried doing some harsh p's, b's, etc and it still didn't have any problems.
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  • Profile picture of the author kswr123
    it IS possible with a cheap-o mike. Just put a thin piece of material in front. Try it!
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