Are you ready to upgrade your microphone but aren’t sure where to start in the complex world of audio equipment and microphones?

You’re in luck. This episode of The Visual Lounge is all about audio – how to pick the best equipment, how to use it correctly, mistakes to watch out for, and much more.

Host Matt Pierce has some helpful need-to-know tips and even tests some of the most popular microphones on the market.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 1:28 – 2:38 How much should you spend on a microphone?
• 2:38 – 5:54 USB vs. XLR microphones
• 5:55 – 7:08 Can you use headsets for recording?
• 7:08 – 13:07 Why you need to think about your environment and pickup patterns
• 13:08 – 18:06 How to adjust your gain and other settings
• 18:06 – 21:08 How far away you should be from your mic
• 21:09 – 27:25 The benefits of using lapel mics
• 27:26 – 28:09 Using Snagit or Camtasia to level up your audio
• 28:09 – 29:34 Why audio is so important for videos
• 29:35 – 36:00 Why the sE2200 is one of our favorite microphones (but not a great fit for everyone)
• 36:00 – 39:48 The benefits of a shotgun mic vs. other mics
• 39:48 – 41:24 Why you should pick a mic that’s right for you
• 41:25 – 43:53 The difference between dynamic and condenser microphones
• 43:53 – 44:28 Why you should be mindful of microphone placement
• 44:28 – 47:17 The simple secret to avoiding an audio disaster
• 47:17 – 48:09 Recommended microphones
• 48:10 – 49:41 Why you should prioritize audio equipment over video
• 49:41 – 50:48 When to use noise reduction
• 50:49 – 52:52 Matt’s favorite podcast to listen to
• 52:52 – 55:21 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• YouTube Subscribe Link: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe
• Gear List: https://bit.ly/36jPjVm 

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.

To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/upgrade-your-microphone