Tips for Capturing Great Audio for a Youth Soccer Game

Here are some tips for capturing great audio for a youth soccer game:

Practice:

Nothing can replace practice as the number one way to improve your videos. Use a directional microphone: A directional microphone, such as a shotgun microphone, can help to capture sound from a specific direction, such as the soccer players or the referee, while rejecting noise from other directions.

Consider a small parabolic mic:

If a shotgun mic does not provide enough range, or is capturing too much off-axis (unwanted) sounds, consider a small parabolic microphone like the Sound Shark. It is based on the same technology used on NFL sidelines and can make a significant difference.

Use a preamp:

If using a DSLR camera, using a preamp between the mic and the camera will improve the audio captured. Preamps typically have better audio circuitry and amplifiers than DSLR cameras. Turning the camera’s gain to its minimum value and using the amplifiers in the preamp will often make a noticeable difference. Check your levels: Recording with too much gain (amplification) can easily ruin your recording. Nearly all cameras and recorders have some indication of what the audio levels are, and have a way of adjusting them.

Use headphones:

Using headphones to monitor the sounds being captured will help you make adjustments as needed. They will alert you, while you are still at the field if your sound is too soft, or too loud (being clipped).

Use a digital audio recorder:

Using a digital audio recorder in addition to the camera’s microphone can provide a backup of the audio and can also allow you to record higher-quality audio.

Use a windjammer:

If you are recording outdoors, make sure to use a windjammer (a furry cover for the microphone) to reduce wind noise.

Place the microphone close to the action:

Try to position the microphone as close to the action as possible, without getting in the way of the players or the referee. This will help to capture the best sound quality.

Use multiple microphones:

If possible, consider using multiple microphones to capture sound from different parts of the field. This can help to provide a more immersive audio experience.

Edit and mix the audio:

In post-production, be sure to carefully edit and mix the audio to ensure that it sounds as good as possible. This may include removing background noise, balancing the levels of different microphones, and adding music and other sound effects.

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