Looking to buy a camcorder? Here are a few things you should know about camcorder audio, as well as some tips on what to look for to ensure a quality audio experience.
Audio Recording Level – What Beginners NEED to Know!
Camcorders collect their audio through a built-in microphone, but not all microphones are created equal. There are three basic types: mono, stereo, and multi-channel or "surround sound."
The most basic microphone, a mono microphone, is usually found on low-end camcorders and especially pocket camcorders. They only collect one channel of sound and while they are acceptable, some people complain that the sound on these types of microphones is flat.
A stereo microphone records two channels of sound, not one. Anyone who has ever worn an earbud is familiar with the “stereo effect,” where sound bounces between your ears or plays in both ears. Stereo microphones are the most common type of microphone used in high-definition camcorders (they are also available on pocket models, but are less common) and play sound well on a TV or computer.
