The GoPro is designed to take video in extreme conditions. A surfer created it, and it can capture HD footage in a rugged and durable casing. It is compact and light, and it is easy to use. It also allows you to shoot in different picture modes, capturing all kinds of photos and videos that would never be possible with a traditional camera.
The GoPro records sound with a built-in mono microphone, and the protective case reduces the wind noise. However, there is some distortion, and you may want to improve the audio quality in your GoPro.
What Is Wrong with GoPro Audio?
Most viewers will tolerate less-than-perfect video but aren’t interested in a video with too much interference or distortion. The audio is inside of the waterproof case, and it picks up some sound. It will catch water sounds, some splashing, and some voices, but not the way a standard camera will.
It doesn’t do a great job of voices speaking in normal tones, and if you need to keep the GoPro in the airtight case, it just can’t pick it up.
1. Use a Mic Adapter and External Mic
The best way to fix your GoPro audio is to get a high-quality GoPro mic adapter and an external mic. The mic adapter is a USB-C that connects to a 3.5mm connector and works well. This is an essential accessory if you want to improve muffled audio. You need the adapter because the newer models don’t have an audio input port.
One type of directional GoPro mic is a right-angle mini mic. It plugs into your GoPro at a right angle and is made to pick up sounds from one direction. At the same time, it will reduce any sounds coming from other directions. These mics are great for recording voices in front of the camera.
Another type of mic is the Lavalier microphone. You can clip it onto whoever is speaking. They also come wireless so that you can move around while you film.
2. Use a Windscreen to Eliminate Background Noise
Another tool that helps improve the quality of your GoPro audio is the windscreen. This is especially important when using an external microphone because it will help eliminate any background noise. Unfortunately, the wind is often picked up on a GoPro, so this accessory will help fix your audio so that it sounds great.
3. Get a Great Audio Editing Program
If you use excellent audio editing software, you can further improve the quality of your GoPro audio. You can reduce background noise even more with editing programs, and you can find free audio software online. This will help to ensure that your videos have much better-quality sound.
4. Adjust Your GoPro Settings
You have digital settings in your GoPro. You can change them to reduce wind noise and improve your audio quality. Although setting your camera to minimize wind noise won’t solve the problem, you can use the wind noise suppression feature to enhance the audio. It works best with a windscreen, and you may want to edit the audio.
5. Be Thoughtful About When You Film
If wind noise is your biggest problem, you can choose a time to video when there is less wind. For instance, if you are creating a promotional video, a tutorial, or a sales video, you might want to choose a time when you have the least amount of wind interference. If you are out on a hike or engaging in another activity, your viewers will probably expect wind noise. Just make sure that you reduce it with your windscreen.
6. Make Sure That Your Camera Is Stable
If you can stabilize your camera, you will have less interference from the wind. There are a lot of different mounts that you can choose from, and this stability will help to improve the quality of your audio.
7. Find a Sheltered Location for Your Camera
Another trick you can use is to place your camera in a more sheltered location. This will reduce the wind interference when you are recording. This can help you improve the video.
8. Be Cautious When You Use Voice Control
When you use voice control, the wind can interfere as well. It is essential to consider how you will reduce the interference from the wind if you want to use any of the voice control features. Make sure you think about sheltering the camera and use a windscreen to be more effective.
9. Open the Waterproof Housing on Dry Land
If your GoPro isn’t in danger of getting wet, you can try opening the waterproof housing. This will increase your engine or exhaust noise but mask the wind noise. You should only do this if there is no chance of water or debris damaging your camera. If you are traveling, you must go under 100 miles per hour.
10. Consider Adding a Music Track or Doing Voice Over
When you replay your video, you might notice that the wind interference is more significant than anticipated. You can preserve your video by adding a music track. The music will cover up the noise in the film. If you are talking, you can do a voice-over. It is essential because viewers quickly stop watching a video with bad sound.
Final Words
You may notice that the quality of your sound isn’t excellent with the GoPro, but you can try any of these tips to improve it.
