Audio Recording Essentials: From Lapel Mics to Boom Mics

Whether you’re filming a high-end commercial, recording a podcast, or shooting a YouTube video, audio quality can make or break your production. We’ve all seen beautifully shot footage ruined by crackly, muffled, or echo-filled sound. The truth is, poor audio is far harder to “fix in post” than shaky footage. That’s why getting it right from the start is critical. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the audio recording essentials.

From lapel mics to boom mics — and help you choose the right tools and techniques for your next project. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned creative, or part of a marketing team producing content in a professional space like TSS Studios, you’ll find plenty of tips to keep your sound crisp and clear.

Why Audio Matters More Than You Think

You might assume your audience will forgive the odd sound glitch if the visuals are great. They won’t. Sound plays a huge role in how your content is perceived — it conveys professionalism, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Poor sound can distract, frustrate, and even drive viewers away.

Great audio doesn’t just happen — it’s the result of the right equipment, proper placement, and a controlled recording environment. At TSS Studios, our sound-treated studio room and acoustic motorised blackout curtains help creatives capture crystal-clear sound from the start.

The Core Audio Recording Essentials

1. Lapel (Lavalier) Microphones

• Best for: Interviews, talking head videos, presentations

• Pros: Small, discreet, close to the speaker’s mouth, consistent volume

• Cons: Can pick up clothing rustle, battery-powered options need monitoring

Lapel mics are a staple in video production. Clipped to a shirt or jacket, they give you direct, consistent sound — especially handy when your subject moves around. For the cleanest results, run the cable under clothing to reduce noise from movement.

2. Boom Microphones

• Best for: Narrative films, commercials, high-end productions

• Pros: Natural sound, keeps mic out of shot, captures rich tone

• Cons: Requires an operator, sensitive to background noise

Boom mics are often mounted on poles and positioned just out of the camera frame. They’re fantastic for capturing a full, natural sound without pinning anything to your subject. At TSS Studios, our sound-treated room ensures minimal echo, making boom mics a great choice.

3. Handheld Microphones

• Best for: Live events, vox pops, stage presentations

• Pros: Durable, easy to pass between speakers, clear and direct

• Cons: Visible on camera, less freedom of movement

These are the go-to for on-the-street interviews or situations where you want control over who’s speaking. Handheld mics are also easy to plug directly into a camera or recorder.

4. Shotgun Microphones

• Best for: Outdoor shoots, focused sound capture

• Pros: Highly directional, cuts out side noise

• Cons: Can sound “thin” if aimed incorrectly

Shotguns are designed to focus on a specific source while rejecting background noise. They’re popular for documentary work and outdoor filming — pair with a windscreen or “dead cat” for windy conditions.

5. Studio Condenser Microphones

• Best for: Voiceovers, podcasts, music

• Pros: Extremely sensitive, wide frequency response

• Cons: Picks up everything, requires a quiet environment

These mics deliver exceptional clarity but demand a controlled space. That’s why many creatives choose to record voiceovers in a dedicated studio like TSS Studios, where background noise is minimal.

Tips for Recording Great Audio Every Time

• Control your environment – Avoid echo-heavy spaces. Our sound-treated studio room is designed to help you get clean recordings.

• Monitor your sound live – Always wear headphones to hear what’s being recorded.

• Mind your mic placement – Too far away? Your sound will be thin and echoey. Too close? You risk distortion.

• Use pop filters or windscreens – Protect your audio from plosives (“p” and “b” sounds) and wind noise.

• Record a backup – If possible, record with two mics or on two separate channels.

Choosing the Right Mic for Your Project

When deciding between lapel mics, boom mics, or others, ask yourself:

• Is the subject moving around? Go lapel.

• Do you want the mic out of shot? Choose boom or shotgun.

• Is it a controlled studio shoot? Condenser mics work beautifully.

• Are you filming outdoors? Shotgun with wind protection is essential.

Remember — there’s no one-size-fits-all. Many productions use a combination of mics to cover all angles.

Why Studio Choice Matters

Even the best microphone can’t compensate for a poor recording environment. That’s why your location matters just as much as your gear. Shooting in a busy café, for example, means dealing with background chatter and clinking cups — distractions you can’t easily remove in post.

At TSS Studios, we offer:

• A sound-treated studio room for pristine audio

• Acoustic blackout curtains to control reflections

• Onsite concierge support to help with setup

• Flexible dry hire so you can bring your own gear or use ours

This level of control lets you focus purely on the creative, knowing your sound will match the quality of your visuals.

Final Word on Audio Recording Essentials

Audio is the unsung hero of great content. Viewers might not notice when it’s perfect — but they’ll definitely notice when it’s bad. By understanding the differences between lapel mics, boom mics, and other audio tools, and by working in a professional, sound-treated space, you give your production the best chance of success.

Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or a beginner experimenting with your first video, mastering these audio recording essentials will elevate your content. And if you’re ready to take your next project to the next level, book a free tour of TSS Studios and see how our facilities can make your audio — and visuals — shine.