Recording Audio On A Digital Camera Using SEM-02 Microphone

When we take video for movies, recording audio using an external audio recorder is necessary if we want the best audio quality. However, what if it’s only for vlogging needs or for feed material on social media? Can recording audio on a live camera get good results?

Before answering this question, we need to know that today’s digital cameras have a mic preamp and a DSP that is quite reliable (low noise, wide freq. response, HDR, etc.). This means that recording audio directly to the camera can still produce good audio quality, and the good news is that you don’t need to sync audio-video in post-production. Real time saver!

“But remember never to use the camera’s built-in microphone, because the results are terrible!”

Digital cameras are more focused on producing good pictures / videos, not focusing on audio matters. So the first thing to do is to use an external microphone. The external microphone’s specifications, applications, and audio results are much better than the internal microphone. An external microphone for the camera can be a shotgun mic or a lavalier mic.

We often get ask about recording audio directly to the camera using the SEM-02, is it possible?

Of course, I can! The SEM-02 microphone has the advantage of its microdot system. By simply adding the ACS26-M adapter, you can record audio on the camera with good audio quality.

ACS26-M Microdot Adapter

Then how is the setup?

There are two setups that we recommend, namely wired (directly plugged into the camera) and wireless (using RODE wireless Go or else)

1.Wired

This setup is very easy:

Install SEM-02 and ACS26-M adapter

Make sure the connector is properly attached

Adjust the microphone gain on the camera so that there is no peak/ clipping when recording audio

2.Wireless

Wireless setup can use RODE Wireless Go, either the old version or the latest, RODE Wireless Go II. here’s the routing:

• RODE Wireless GO II with split input, can be 2 separate channels (left)

• RODE Wireless GO I with 1 joint stereo/mono input (right)

The audio in the video below was recorded directly to a Canon EOS M-6 camera wirelessly using the SEM-02 & RODE Wireless Go.

The audio level on the camera and on RODE Wireless Go is set to a minimum so that the signal entering the camera does not peak/clip.

So, it turns out that you can get good audio results even though recording audio directly to the camera.

*Want to ask about this topic? Please send an email to support@seruniaudio.com