body cams
Capturing Clear Audio with a Body Camera
How to improve sound isolation and clarity
Here are practical steps to get cleaner, more usable audio from your body-cam setup:
Mic positioning and orientation
- Aim to place the mic so it’s as close as possible to the speaker (you or someone else) without blocking the camera’s view.
- Face the mic toward the voice you prioritise and away (if possible) from dominant noise sources like wind or traffic.
Wind protection and isolation
- If you’re outdoors, try to shield the mic from the wind. Even a small obstruction or positioning the camera behind your body can help.
- Use foam or furry windshields designed for small mics — they won’t eliminate wind completely in high gusts, but they reduce the rumble and distortion.
- Consider mounting upgrades or mic relocation: some body-cams allow external mic connections or mounting off your chest so the mic is tucked under gear.
Minimising mechanical vibration
- Secure the body cam mount so it doesn’t shift or bounce as you move.
- Use shock-absorbing mounts or mic clips designed to reduce transfer of vibrations from gear or clothing.
- Avoid letting cabling or accessories flap in the wind or against hard surfaces.
Choose the right equipment from the start
- When picking a body cam, check the specifications of the built-in mic and any support for external mics.
- Some models offer directional microphones, wind-reduction features, or dual-mic designs for better ambient-noise suppression.
- Accessories like clip-on external mics, lavalier mics, or mounts with built-in wind protection can make a big difference if clear audio is critical.