How to Record Cinematic Audio | Audio Basics for Filmmakers

Learn how to record cinematic audio for your indie film or YouTube project. Even if you're shooting solo on a tight budget. This complete guide covers the audio fundamentals that separate amateur sound from festival-ready dialogue, including shotgun mic techniques, lavalier placement, field recorder workflows, and pro-level hacks that cost nothing.

What you'll learn:

Why your camera's internal mic ruins dialogues (and how external audio saves your film)
Shotgun vs lavalier mic: when to use each for clean, natural sound
How to position mics close to talent without ruining the frame
Field recorder mastery: multitrack recording, preamps, and reference mixes
Boom + lav combo workflow for maximum control in post-production
Critical audio mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Sync strategies: timecode, clappers, and preventing multi-device audio drift
Budget hacks: using your phone as a recorder, gaff tape mic concealers, and more

Perfect for: Indie filmmakers, solo operators, beginner cinematographers, and YouTube creators who want professional sound without a Hollywood crew.

Timestamps:
0:00 Why audio makes or breaks your film
01:28 Camera mic limitations
02:33 Using an Audio input
05:01 Audio Recorders
06:23 Field recorders stereo bonus
06:46 Boom + lav strategy example
07:56 Critical audio mistakes (headphones, sync, drift)
10:37 Budget hacks for broke cinematographers
11:35 Takeaway: knowledge over gear

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