Videographer tips - building a basic sound kit
When I first started out as a videographer in London, I thought image was everything. I invested in cameras, lenses, gimbals – the whole lot. But it didn’t take long for me to realise that bad sound can ruin even the most cinematic visuals. Crisp, clear audio makes a film feel professional, and as a videographer in a city as busy (and noisy) as London, having the right sound kit is essential.
Here’s how I’d recommend building a basic but reliable sound kit if you’re starting out.
1. A Good Shotgun Microphone
Your camera’s built-in mic won’t cut it. For most shoots, a shotgun mic is the foundation of your audio setup. It captures focused sound from in front of the lens while reducing background noise – handy when you’re filming in bustling places like Shoreditch, Covent Garden or anywhere in central London for that matter.
Budget option: Rode VideoMic Pro+
Mid-range option: Sennheiser MKE 600
Pro option: Sennheiser MKH 416 (used on countless film sets)
Mount it on your camera for run-and-gun work, or pair it with a boom pole and stand for interviews and narrative projects.
2. A Lav Mic (Lapel Microphone)
When you need dialogue that’s clean and consistent, especially for interviews or corporate shoots, a lav mic is a lifesaver. Clip it onto a shirt or jacket, and you’ll get direct audio even in noisy environments – which is crucial if you’re filming near Oxford Street traffic or the London Underground.
Wired option: Rode Lavalier GO (great with the Wireless GO system)
Wireless option: DJI Mic or Rode Wireless GO II (compact and reliable for city shoots)
3. A Portable Audio Recorder
Sometimes you don’t want to record straight into your camera especially if you’re using smaller mirrorless cameras. A portable recorder gives you more control, better preamps, and backup audio. Plus, it means you can hide a recorder on a subject if wireless isn’t reliable – which happens in London’s signal-heavy hotspots.
Entry-level: Zoom H1n (pocket-sized)
Versatile choice: Zoom H5 or Tascam DR-40X
Pro-level: Sound Devices MixPre series
4. Headphones You Can Trust
Monitoring sound on set is non-negotiable. Good headphones let you hear whether the mic is picking up background noise (sirens, buses, the odd street performer in Camden Market).
Popular choice: Sony MDR-7506 (industry standard)
Alternative: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
5. Essential Accessories
Don’t overlook the small things – they often save the day.
Deadcats & windshields – Wind in London can be brutal, especially along the Thames.
Cables & adapters – Always keep spares in your bag.
Boom pole – Handy for interviews or short films.
Clips, tape, and velcro – Because lav mics never stay put on their own.
Final Thoughts
As a videographer in London, building your first sound kit doesn’t have to drain your budget. Start with a shotgun mic and a lav mic, then add a recorder when you can. The most important thing is to practice using your gear so you can troubleshoot quickly on set.
In London, where every corner brings a new challenge – traffic, crowds, weather – solid audio gear is the difference between a passable video and one that feels polished that has ben made by a professional videographer.
If you’re just starting out as a videographer, keep it simple, invest in quality, and remember: people will forgive shaky visuals before they forgive bad sound.