{"id":361844,"date":"2022-04-21T07:48:52","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T06:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/?post_type=learning-centre&p=361844"},"modified":"2024-04-15T17:50:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T16:50:05","slug":"using-an-external-microphone","status":"publish","type":"learning-centre","link":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-gb\/learning-centre\/using-an-external-microphone\/","title":{"rendered":"Using an External Microphone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Good-quality audio can make or break a video \u2013\u00a0it adds instant impact and clarity and is one of the most important factors in giving your footage a professional look and feel. The built-in microphone in your X Series camera is fine for short casual clips of your vacation or the kids playing in the garden, but it can only take you so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Built-in microphones are omnidirectional, meaning they pick up sounds through a complete 360\u00b0. That\u2019s fine if it\u2019s what you need, and many external mics, like lavalier or lapel mics which are used on people, are also omnidirectional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omnidirectional recording might be okay for recording a concert or the sounds of a street scene, but problems in recording can occur if the built-in mic is too far away from speaking voices or other important sound sources. An unrestricted pick up of sound means that you may record lots of things you don\u2019t want, and get a less clear recording of the sounds you do want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, you may record your own breathing, the noise of the wind \u2013 and particularly any sound made when you tap the camera\u2019s screen or use the controls because the mic is fitted within the camera and can pick up vibrations. All of this can come at the expense of the dialogue or subject sounds you may be trying to catch from further away. Don\u2019t worry, however, because most of these problems can be tackled by using an external microphone instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Advantages of Going External<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By using a directional microphone, you can record sounds from in front of the camera much more clearly than sounds that are happening behind you. Commonly known as \u201cshotgun\u201d microphones, they are very popular with enthusiast filmmakers looking for an all-in-one solution for their cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By providing a slip-on cover to an add-on microphone, it can become much more resistant to interference from the wind, and some come supplied with furry \u2018wind sock\u2019 protectors. Some microphones also feature built-in amplifiers that boost the audio signal, making it much clearer in the end result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"FUJIFILM<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of microphone \u2013\u00a0some of which are meant for very specialist applications \u2013\u00a0but enthusiast filmmakers are usually interested in one of two types: an on-camera hot shoe mic or a lavalier\/lapel microphone, which is used to record to dialogue and is attached to the person speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FUJIFILM MIC-ST1 is a good option for X Series cameras, although you can use microphones from other brands, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"FUJIFILM<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hot Shoe Microphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These highly versatile microphones are popular with videographers for good reason: they deliver a dramatic step-up in terms of sound quality and \u2013\u00a0with some creative thinking \u2013\u00a0can be applied in a number of different ways. As the name implies, this type of microphone is placed in your X Series camera\u2019s hot shoe and is plugged in via a 2.5 or 3.5mm connector. Don\u2019t worry if your camera has the wrong type of mic socket; you can get an adapter to switch between these two standard sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The directional nature of some hot shoe mics means they pick up more sound from in front of the camera than from behind it, although there are limits. They\u2019re best used no more than 3m from your subject, though performance varies between models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"FUJIFILM<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even though they are designed to fit on top of a camera, some hot shoe mics often have a small screw-threaded socket on the bottom which means they can also be positioned elsewhere, either on a small tabletop tripod, a camera cage (as shown above) or on the end of a boom arm, held by a friend. If you\u2019re trying this approach, position the mic near to your subject, but out of the frame so you can\u2019t see it. You\u2019ll also need an extension lead to connect it to your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lapel or Lavalier Mics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Called lavalier (\u2018lav\u2019), lapel or sometimes tie mics, these small microphones are meant to be clipped directly to your subject\u2019s clothing so their voices can be recorded more clearly. They are very effective and are used in TV, at conferences, and even onstage at live music gigs. It\u2019s quite common to use very small lavalier mics that are hidden under clothing or hair in professional filmmaking.<\/p>\n\n\n

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