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.
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.
Here are some of the best GoPro compatible external mics:
Rode Wireless GO II
- Ultra-compact and extremely versatile wireless microphone system
- Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission, 128-bit encryption – crystal-clear audio at...
- 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output – universal compatibility...
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
- Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
- Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
GoPro Media Mod for Hero 8
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient...
- 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)
- Enables high-quality audio capture when using a pro-level external mic.Mounting Type:...
- 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
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)
- 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.
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.
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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