Recording Cinematic Audio on a Budget

Getting clean cinematic audio in your film doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's my best tips and tricks for recording great audio as a low budget filmmaker.

One thing I forgot to mention - get some decent over the ear headphones (not earbuds) to monitor your sound on set. This topic was too big for one video!

Disclaimer: 7RYMS sent me their mics for free, but had no say over my review or how I featured them. The noise floor was higher than the DJI Mics, but they were reliable and I think they're a good value.

Sound gear mentioned:

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About me:
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as a video editor, cutting ads for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.

DISCLAIMER: Links in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

[NewfangledMPC]

Another quick tip I learned the hard way: triple-check that your lavs, boom, etc are all recording on their own track. We had one wrong option checked deep in the menu on our audio recorder and it mixed all the sources into one audio file. Reintroduced a lot of audio cleanup work in post that the lavs were supposed to remedy.

[Oblium]

7RYMS is sounding way better than DJI! Much more clear sound, the DJI sounds very muffled :)

[madnessbydesignVria]

As an Audio Guy, I loved this. All good advice. Especially how good audio gear holds its value better than cameras do. Good sound today will be good sound tomorrow!

One thing I learned about shotgun mic placement, is that you don't have to shoot down from above. I got some great audio, stayed out of the shot, and saved my shoulders (holding the boom) by going low, and angling up at the actors. Obviously, if there's something noisy above them, or if the shot won't allow it, then don't. But, don't be afraid to be creative. Sometimes the best place to be is outside the box... :)

[JackSather]

Dude, i can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos! So clear and concise with dry humor that doesn’t muddy up the information, LOVE IT! And these videos inspire the hell outta me!

[kingdruid]

1:05 Keep a eye on lighting and shadows here especially outside any major changes and you will need a new plate recording

[alexanderdunton]

Clear and Cinematic. Laid back, Grounded, and Professional. Your a good teacher and I like your style Kent. Thanks for your time and effort with sharing. All the Best from South Australia!

[risingsunadventuretravels]

Sound is more important than the cinematography. I haven't heard that in a long time.
But you are exactly right. If people can't hear it they aren't going to watch it, at least not for very long.

[nikolajbakforslund]

no no no, don't point the mic at the mouth. It will catch all the unnecessary mouth sound that will destroy the quality. A better way to do it, is pointing the mic at the tip of the nose up to the point where the eyebrows would meet on unibrows

[nahomwoldesenbet]

Bruh your videos are always so helpful, this info doesn’t feel like it should be free🤞🏾🙌🏾. Looking forward to your movie 🍿 too. Your videos and movies really are a blessing my guy.

[JamesMackayColorado]

I truly like a concise, insightful, on-topic instructional video - with good and bad examples & bonus humor!

[reallyfurious]

If the acoustics are terrible on location you could try recording ADR in the car after the shoot simply using a mic and the playback function on the camera, Some clever editing can resolve your audio woes as a vehicle makes a great portable makeshift recording studio for run n' gun filmmakers and you don't have to worry about getting your actors together again later. Don't forget to record some clean ambient noise for the audio mix.

[HarmonyLeighThomas]

GREAT VIDEO. I literally have always assumed that I have to suffer through information videos such as these... but you somehow found a way to make it really entertaining :)

[MaximusPrimeProductions]

Usually these videos are really boring but you made it so much fun. Thanks! You rock!

[sultanrshah]

He just scooped yogurt with his hand. Why are we ignoring this?

[rafaelolivencia]

I've had and used my takstar mic for over 5 years now and it's been a life saver for a bunch of interviews and on the moment b-roll and more, best budget mic i've had!

[JohnOrimba]

This is definitely what I was looking for, I watched many tutorials before I found this. This is quite helpful to me, appreciate you mahn❤

[FrictionMakesFire]

Those wireless mic kits look like a great find. I'll be sure to check them out for my next film. Love the videos man! Excited to see your new film on Thursday

[ericlombart]

Good stuff, man. I’m a cinematographer and always stress how important sound is in making the images look better. Solid tips and comedy bits? That’s my kind of content!

[dangerdoesfilm]

thanks for this, as a new filmmaker these videos, with actually useful, to the point information, are crucial. Also, someone having a good sense of humour makes it so much easier.

[abdullahsabawi]

This video saved my day. So therapeutic and sincere. Onwards to more positive horizons…