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Top Notch Audio for Wedding Video

The one thing that truly separates your wedding video from your photos is audio. Collecting great audio is the key to making a really great video. In fact, most people can forgive a bad shot or two, but having poor audio quality at key times can really ruin an otherwise memorable video moment.

Good equipment is the first step to great audio. The number one most valuable tool in the wedding videographer’s arsenal is a reliable wireless lavaliere microphone. The key word here is reliable. A microphone that works well ‘most of the time’ just won’t cut it. A UHF system is a minimum requirement, and a diversity system is recommended. Less expensive, non-diversity, units are prone to audio dropouts, which can leave the bride wondering why she couldn’t hear her vows. Be sure to note that UHF wireless mics operate on some of the same frequencies as Digital Television Stations. I simply downloaded a list of DTV frequencies in the Orlando area and enclosed it in my audio kit to make sure I don’t tune my mics to any of those frequencies.

Now that you have the equipment needed to give you a fighting chance to get great audio for your wedding videos, you have to know how to use it. Proper placement is important. The best position you’re a lav is on the groom’s lapel. The groom will be close enough to the officiant to pick up their audio (they usually speak loudly anyhow), and when the groom and bride face each other for the vows, the mic will be perfectly placed to pickup both the groom’s and bride’s audio. A wireless handheld microphone is ideal for guest testimonials at the reception. A wired mic will suffice, but at a crowded reception, a six foot cable can be a liability. Remember to, if possible, always record natural sound on the camera mic. Natural sound can be very useful music, guest speakers, or anything else coming through the venue’s PA system. Several wedding videos that I have shot have benefitted from me placing a second microphone near the church PA speaker so that I could clearly hear parts of the ceremony that occurred away from the main wireless mic on the groom.

With the right equipment and a little practice using it, you should never have to worry about getting great audio on your wedding video shoots.

About the Author

Walter Lowe is a television and video producer and director. For professional and elegant wedding videos visit A Moment to Remember - Orlando Wedding Video

How do I choose the right electric-acoustic guitar?

I'm going to buy an electric-acoustic guitar in the coming weeks, but I really don't know how to judge them. I feel I've made good choices with my other guitars (acoustic and electric), but I haven't had much experience with the hybrid. Do I hold them to the same standards of feel and sound as an acoustic? Should an electric-acoustic sound just as good unplugged as an acoustic does? Should I go for a straight pickup system, or a mic-and-pickup?

Any answers at all would be very appreciated.

It depends - are you going to use it mainly plugged in or acoustic? If you already have a good acoustic then it's plugged in sound is the most important, right? Takamine makes some laminate top guitars with their premium pick-up system (Nt4, I think) - they sound weak acoustically but sound perfect plugged in. If you want the best of both worlds, try the Alvarez Artist Series - you get a choice of body styles and woods and a great pick-up system (Sys 600). You can plug a mic into the system. Going up the $$$ scale, Taylor's expression system sounds great, as does the Fishman Aura system that Martin uses on some guitars. I would avoid the standard systems on Epiphones and Ibanez etc - they sound too electric. Make sure you try them out with the type of amplifier or PA you are going to use - it makes a big difference, some pick-up systems have an "exciter" to make guitar amps sound more acoustic.
In a band situation, mic systems always seem to feed back - I would use one only if you play solo - or maybe a duo with low volume monitors. Good Luck

Nautilus Custom Cajon with Contact Mic Pickup Demo by Andy Skellenger

Fowler Inside Mic 2inch -12inch - FOW72-243-212-1 $137.49 MPN #FOW72-243-212-1. Fowler Inside Mic 2"-12". Most Measuring Tools products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Fowler Disc Brake Range Mic - FOW72-234-422 $72.99 MPN #FOW72-234-422. Fowler Disc Brake Range Mic. Most Shop Equipment products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Fowler Vernier Ex Range Mic - FOW72-234-402 $59.39 MPN #FOW72-234-402. Fowler Vernier Ex Range Mic. Most Measuring Tools products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

LAPEL MIC $14.99 LAPEL MIC

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Sony ECMMSD1 Stereo Micro Mic Jack $79.99 1 x Mini-phone 1.76 oz 2.40" Height x 1.06" Width x 2.87" Depth Directivity Angle: 90°, 120° Mounting Type: Shoe mount Microphone Zoom: Zoom Synchronized with camcorder zoom Color: Black, Silver Battery Technology: Alkaline Destination: Camcorder Offering dedicated audio mode selection featuring wide area pickup for groups or narrow pick up for individuals, the ECM-MSD1 high grade stereo microphone is ideal for use during weddings, reunions and parties. Includes carrying pouch. Black Cable Detachable ECMMSD1 ECMMSD1 Stereo Micro Mic Jack Electret Microphone Plastic Silver Sony Sony Corporation Stereo www.sony.com

Elvis at the Mic $34.99 Elvis at the Mic - Matted Print

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Jabra JABHC510ADPNP35 C510 2.5mm Wired Headset and Mic $24.91 Jabra C510 2.5mm Wired Headset and Mic + 3.5mm Adapter JABBUZWAVT25 for Kyocera cell phone . The Jabra C510 is a stylish lightweight behindtheear headset with builtin miniature microphone boom for optimal voice pickup. Listening quality is optimized by the highsensitivity miniature speaker and Jabra miniGel which channels sound into your ear. Every conversation becomes an enjoyable experience with the contoured earpiece that fits discreetly behind either ear for a comfortable and secure fit. Answering and ending calls is convenient too with the answer/end button located right at your fingertips on the microphone boom (phone dependant). Also includes the handy mute switch on the boom that is great if you re on conference calls. Discreet behindtheear design: provides maximum fit and comfort. Jabra MiniGel ear gels: for the best fit in either ear. Contemporary style complements modern cell phone designs. Dedicated answer/end button: provides ultimate convenience. Wind noise reduction: provides noise cancellation and optimal voice pickup. Compatible with most cell phones PDAs tablets book reader and more using a 2.5 mm audio jack or phones using 3.5 mm with included adapter.

Mini Speaker Mic $33.94 Mini Speaker Mic STANDARD MINI SPEAKER MIC

Grizzly H6066 Artec Preamp Pickup w/ Mic $73.50 ...

Lorex Digital Wireless Outdoor Accessory Camera 46ft IR Night Vision Audio Pick-Up Mic $329.34 Digital Wireless Outdoor Accessory Camera....

Headset with Microphone for Xbox 360 $3.20 This headset will make your gaming experience more engaging by allowing you to strategize with teammates or use the friend chat while playing your favorite XBOX 360 games. The headset provides the capability of adjusting the volume, with a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz and a sensibility of 54 dB. An adjustable microphone boom allows you to reduce noise or increase pickup by being able to place i...

Ear Force PX5 Programmable Wireless 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Headset with Bluetooth $199.99 Voyetra Turtle Beach EarForce PX5 Headset - Stereo TBS-2180 Headsets & Earsets...

TekNmotion Yapster Blaster Amplified Universal Headset for Xbox 360/PC $29.96 Gaming is moving up several levels when you use the TekNmotion Yapster Blaster amplified universal headset! Featuring the latest version of TekNmotion's legendary Yapster universal headset - and powered by award-winning XJacKer amplification technology - the Yapster Blaster delivers full dynamic range and unparalleled performance above and beyond any other headset in its class. Enjoy excellent bas...

VideoSecu High Sensitive Preamp Microphone Kit for Security Audio Sound Voice Monitoring Recording Free 50 Feet Cable and Power Supply WE6 $21.00 Collect audio evidence as important as capturing video evidence, this preamp microphone kit is a perfect addition to any video security camera system. This high gain mini preamp and microphone is the best for CCTV professionals, with Preamplifier IC built on board, it increase a microphone's low output voltage to a stronger, more usable level, it features low noise, high gain and auto level adjust...