PSA: why you need an external microphone for autocross and track videos

[Chad-1stGen]

This is my public service announcement on action cameras and external microphones.

I still see so many autocross and track videos relying on the GoPro or other action camera's built in microphone. Occasionally these come out okay but so often they sound terrible. So here is my parts list and guide to adding a fantastic sounding external microphone to your camera. I've been using this setup for over a year and find it far superior to the lapel mic setups so often recommended online.


autocross or track day GoPro external microphone (https://www.autoxandtrack.com/autocross-track-videos-sound-amazing-external-mic/)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/GoProHeroOlympusME51Sexeternalmicrophone-1.jpg

And for those wondering if its worth it, here is the 30 second video in the post that is a far better argument for an external microphone than I could ever write!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9n_8QJsrUs

If you guys have any questions let me know.

[Later-A-body]

What is the cost of the external microphone?

[TheJDMan]

Thanks for the info and links. Sound quality was one reason I quit using my GoPro. Do you have any recommendations on a quality harness or roll bar camera mounts? If you don't mind me asking, what resolution setting on the camera do you use?

[Project92rs]

I just started turning the sound off when editing for the net. Between wind noise and passengers screaming, the audio wasn't worth posting most of the time. No sound at all became an even easier decision after YouTube and Facebook started blocking videos that had music overlaid on the audio.

[Chad-1stGen]

Sorry guys. I never saw any replies.


What is the cost of the external microphone?

I have links with prices at the bottom of the blog post. The mic itself varies in price from $30-$40 on Amazon. Depends on if Amazon has them in stock or you are buying from another seller.


Thanks for the info and links. Sound quality was one reason I quit using my GoPro. Do you have any recommendations on a quality harness or roll bar camera mounts? If you don't mind me asking, what resolution setting on the camera do you use?

I usually use 1080p for video. That looks the best while not being too bad to edit in terms of file size. I haven't used any roll bar mounts yet myself. Sorry.

[SSLance]

I love my external mic mod. Thanks Chad. I grew tired of hearing other cars around me on track instead of my own car...so I followed Chads links and this was the result.

https://youtu.be/kAx2J5qU6ck

I use a RAM 1 3/4" roll bar clamp to hold my GoPro on my roll bar and it works great also.

[Samckitt]

How do you integrate the track layout, track position, & G forces with the GoPro camera?