Guide
Recording live music in stereo: why I use a field recorder
by David Lee
Recording with an internal microphone without wind noise - is that possible?
9.6.2020
Translation: machine translated
The internal mics of a smartphone would be great if it weren't for that annoying wind noise. I have tried out the easiest way to avoid this. The best method also works with cameras.
The vlogging camera Sony ZV-1 comes with a windscreen. I find this very, very useful, because almost every time I record something outside, the wind ruins the sound. Regardless of whether I'm using a smartphone or a camera.
I therefore asked myself whether I could do something about the wind noise with very simple means.
A rubber band at the very least
As soon as I realise that the recording is exposed to the wind, I form a protective arc around the two microphones with my fingers. However, the wind is rarely kind enough to come from the same direction at regular intervals. That's why the method works more poorly than well - but it's better than nothing.
Homemade wind protection: better or just more complicated?
A layer of fabric or foam should keep the wind noise out. But how do I attach it to the smartphone? I try using the smallest clothes peg possible. But I also cover the camera. On my mobile, both the front camera and the main camera on the back are only a centimetre away from the microphone.
I cut the fabric to the right length and try a piece of foam as an alternative. Now you can see something in the picture again. The wind noise decreases, but does not disappear. In contrast to the simple method of holding my finger on it, I don't have less wind noise, but the sound is less distorted. Even two layers of fabric don't eliminate the wind noise.
The camera works without a cover
My compact camera (Sony RX100 III) has no mic input and no accessory shoe - I have to use the internal microphone. I can't attach anything to the camera with a clothes peg. That leaves the test with my fingers on the two mics. That doesn't work too badly, although there's no rubber cover around it. From this I conclude: every device is different again.
Conclusion
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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