You might be considering purchasing a GoPro and wondering, “does GoPro record sound?”

The quick answer is yes! GoPro comes with a built-in mic.

Is it a good quality mic? Well, not so much.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about GoPro sound and how to improve it.

 

GoPro Sound


GoPro cameras come with built-in microphones.

While GoPros do a decent job at recording sound, you might find the audio isn’t quite up to professional standards, especially in noisy or windy spots.

mic adapter for hero 12

When you’re using your GoPro’s built-in microphones, you might run into a few hiccups here and there. For instance:

  • Sometimes, they might pick up sounds you weren’t aiming for, like the whoosh of the wind, the splash of water, or even the noise from moving the camera around.
  • The way your camera is set up, with features like Protune or if you’re using a Media Mod, can also affect how your built-in mics work.
  • If you’re trying to capture sound in a loud place or from far away, you might notice the mics don’t catch everything as loudly or clearly as you’d hoped.
  • And, in some cases, the overall sound quality and clarity might not be quite as sharp, especially if you’re indoors or in a dimly lit area.

Don’t worry, though! You can boost your audio game by hooking up an external mic, slapping on a windshield, or tweaking the sound during your video editing process. In the next section, you’ll find all the possible ways to improve your audio quality.

 

How To Improve GoPro Sound


Here are some practical tips to enhance the audio quality of your GoPro recordings:

Opt for an External Microphone

To significantly improve your audio capture, consider using a high-quality external microphone, which can greatly reduce unwanted ambient noise, such as wind.

External mics tend to capture sound more effectively.

gopro hero 12 mic adapter

Here are some of the best GoPro compatible external mics:

Rode Wireless GO II 

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For enthusiasts seeking top-notch wireless audio for their GoPro, the Rode Wireless GO Compact Wireless Microphone offers a flexible and mobile option. Featuring a robust 200-meter range, this system includes both a transmitter and receiver that pair through 2.4GHz digital transmission.

Equipped with an integrated omnidirectional microphone, the transmitter can also accommodate an external lavalier mic. The receiver boasts a convenient clip, allowing for straightforward attachment to either your camera or apparel.

Rode VideoMicro

Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount, Auxiliary, Black
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Introducing a Compact and Lightweight Shotgun Microphone: Crisp, Directional Sound Without the Hassle. This shotgun microphone is a portable audio solution that packs a punch. Designed for exceptional directional sound quality, it ensures your recordings are crystal clear, making it the ideal choice for content creators, vloggers, and filmmakers on the go.

Complete with a shock mount for stable recording, a furry windshield to minimize wind noise in outdoor settings, and a coiled cable for flexibility, this microphone provides versatility in a compact package. What’s more, it’s hassle-free – no need for batteries! Simply plug and play, ensuring uninterrupted recording sessions. 

However, it’s important to remember that most GoPro cameras, especially newer models, lack a direct audio input. You’ll need an audio adapter  or a Media Mod to connect a microphone to your GoPro.

Media Mod itself has a built-in microphone, so it will improve your audio quality. Either you can use it as an adaptor for another external mic.

Media Mod for Hero 13,12,11,10,9

GoPro Media Mod (HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
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GoPro Media Mod (HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
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  • 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens

GoPro Media Mod for Hero 8

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  • 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
  • 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio

Here’s the GoPro Official Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (Compatible with GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 ,8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13 Black)

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  • USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
  • Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics

Record in Quiet Surroundings

Aim to record in environments with minimal background noise. Shut off any unnecessary sound sources to ensure your primary audio is captured clearly. This approach helps avoid audio clipping and distortion during playback and reduces the intrusion of ambient noise.

Use a Windscreen or Dead Cat

 gopro windscreen

For recordings in windy conditions, using a GoPro Audio Windscreen or a dead cat for your microphone can make a world of difference.

These accessories are designed to minimize wind noise and filter out background disturbances, ensuring your audio is crisp and clear. Windscreens are affordable and easy to attach or detach.

Taisioner Windslayer Cover (for GoPro Hero 13,12,11,10,9)

Taisioner Windslayer Cover Wind Muff for GoPro Hero 9 Hero 10 Hero 11 Hero 12 Black Housing Frame Case Video Noise Reduction Accessories
  • Special design compatible with GoPro Hero 11 Hero 10 Hero 9 Black action camera. ( It...
  • It could reduce the noise effective when you recording the video.
  • Made of special sponge material, which is very soft, lightness, portable & flexible.

Position Yourself Close to the Sound Source

To achieve the best audio quality, try to stay as close to the sound source as possible. Using mounts or tripods can help maintain an optimal distance. Ensure that there are no other competing noise sources near your recording area.

gopro hero 5 mic

Dual-Audio Setup

Another approach you could explore is setting up a dual-audio system. This means you’d capture your video with your GoPro while simultaneously recording audio with a different device, like a condenser mic or another camera you trust for its sound quality.

The tricky part of using a dual-audio system often comes down to syncing. Sometimes, the audio might lag or lead a bit, making it a challenge to align it perfectly with your video.

However, there’s a workaround for this. When editing, you can use the audio track recorded by your GoPro as a reference. Align its waveform with that of your external audio recording to sync them up. Alternatively, a visual cue like a clapboard snap or a simple hand clap at the beginning of your recording can serve as a clear sync point!

Adjust Your GoPro’s Audio Settings

Fine-tuning your GoPro’s audio settings can lead to superior sound quality.

gopro hero protune

Here are some settings to consider:

Manual Audio Control

By default, this feature is off, allowing the camera to auto-select between stereo recording and wind noise reduction. Activating Manual Audio Control gives you more flexibility to choose the appropriate setting based on your environment.

RAW Audio

This Protune feature generates a separate .wav file alongside your video, which is ideal for post-production editing. You can choose the level of audio processing from Off, Low, Medium, and High, depending on your editing needs.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this post answered your question “does GoPro record sound” 🙂

 

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