Want your sales videos to stand out? Start with great audio. Poor sound quality can ruin your message and make you seem unprofessional. Clear audio, on the other hand, builds trust and keeps your audience focused. Here’s what you need to know:
Great audio isn’t optional - it’s essential for delivering a professional and engaging pitch. Let’s dive into the details.
Sales Video Microphone Types Comparison Guide
When it comes to recording sales videos, your microphone is the most crucial piece of audio equipment. While the built-in mic on your laptop might seem convenient, it often picks up distracting background noise, which can hurt the professional quality of your videos. Investing in a dedicated microphone can make a world of difference in how you sound.
The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to achieve clear, crisp audio. USB microphones, starting at around $100, are a great option. They plug directly into your computer and require no complicated setup. For example, the Blue Yeti is a popular choice among sales professionals recording webcam videos and screen shares. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB offers excellent quality at a lower price point.
For on-camera recordings that require mobility - like product demos or presentation-style videos - a lavalier microphone is a smart choice. These clip-on mics attach to your shirt, keeping your hands free while maintaining consistent audio. The Rode SmartLav+ is an affordable option at $79, while the Audio-Technica AT899, priced at $195, offers wired reliability for polished productions. For complete freedom from cables, the Sennheiser Evolution G3 system, priced at $549, is a reliable wireless solution.
If you're working in a fixed studio setup and prefer to keep the microphone out of sight, a shotgun microphone is your best bet. As Wistia explains:
The shotgun microphone is the most directional of microphone options. It has a very narrow pickup pattern, which means it picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from other directions.
For mid-range budgets, the Sennheiser ME-66 K6 at $210 is a solid option, while the Rode NTG-3, priced at $700, caters to high-end productions.
Different sales video formats call for different types of microphones. Understanding which mic suits your needs can help you achieve better results.
Once you understand the different microphone types, consider your budget, portability needs, and ease of use to narrow down your options.
Budget is often the first factor. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune. A $100 USB mic will significantly outperform any built-in laptop microphone. If you’re new to video prospecting, start with a USB mic and upgrade later if you find yourself recording multiple videos daily or needing studio-quality production.
Portability is another key consideration. If you’re a field rep frequently traveling or working from different locations, a lavalier mic is compact and easy to carry. In contrast, a shotgun mic with a boom stand is better suited for stationary setups. Think about your workflow - if you’re recording 10 personalized videos a day from the same desk, portability may not matter. But for those recording in hotel rooms or client offices, it’s a game-changer.
Ease of use can save you time and frustration. USB microphones are simple: just plug them in, select them in your recording software, and hit record. XLR microphones, while offering higher sound quality, require additional equipment like an audio interface or mixer, which adds complexity and cost. For most sales teams, the convenience of USB mics outweighs the slight audio edge of XLR setups.
Compatibility with your recording setup is also crucial. For example, if you're using a webcam for screen shares, a desk-mounted USB mic or shotgun mic works well. If you're relying on your phone for quick video messages, a smartphone-compatible lavalier like the Rode SmartLav+ is a better fit. Choose a microphone that aligns with your actual recording process, not just one with impressive specs.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Microphone Type | Cost Range | Portability | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Condenser | $40 - $150 | Medium | Webcam recordings, screen shares, stationary desk setups |
| Lavalier | $80 - $550 | High | Movement-based shoots, 1-on-1 personalized outreach, noisy rooms |
| Shotgun | $200 - $700+ | Low | Fixed studio setups, hidden mic placements, high-quality voice isolation |
| XLR Dynamic | $200+ (plus interface) | Low | Multi-person recordings, high-end production, noisy environments |
Finally, think about your recording environment. In a quiet, carpeted home office, a condenser mic will sound fantastic. But in a noisy office or a room with hard surfaces, a dynamic mic or directional shotgun mic is better at filtering out unwanted sounds. As Brandon Copple from Descript wisely notes:
The cleaner the sound you capture on the front end, the easier you'll have it in post production.
Creating the right environment is just as important as having good equipment when recording professional sales videos. You don’t need a high-end studio - small adjustments can make almost any space work.
Pick a spot away from noisy areas like air conditioners, generators, or busy office spaces. These constant hums are nearly impossible to edit out later. As Chris Lavigne, Creative Director at Wistia, explains:
It's extremely tough to remove ambient noise from a recording after the fact. Save yourself the aggravation and capture the best possible sounding audio during production.
Rooms with hard surfaces - like wood floors, bare walls, or large windows - can make your voice echo. Instead, choose spaces with carpets, curtains, or upholstered furniture, which absorb sound and reduce reverberation. If you’re stuck in a room with hard surfaces, try hanging blankets or even recording in a closet to cut down on echo.
Turn off anything that might create background noise, like fans, heaters, or buzzing lightbulbs. Use headphones during your setup to catch subtle sounds you might not notice otherwise. If you're in a shared office, let others know to keep things quiet while you’re recording.
If noise persists, software can step in. Tools like Krisp use AI to cancel out background sounds during or after recording. While capturing clean audio upfront is ideal, these tools can be a lifesaver in less-than-perfect conditions.
Once you’ve minimized noise, it’s time to set up your space and gear for the best results. Keep your microphone 4-6 inches from your mouth for clear audio while reducing room noise. If you’re using a lavalier mic, clip it about six inches below your chin for optimal sound capture.
Good lighting is essential. Face a window or use soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows and keep your camera from overcompensating with gain. Position your camera at eye level to appear confident and professional.
Your background matters too. Choose a setting that’s neat but not overly plain - a bookshelf or an organized office setup can add a touch of personality without being distracting. Avoid blank white walls since they can feel cold and uninviting. Use a tripod, laptop stand, or even a stack of books to keep your camera steady and at the right height.
Before you start recording, do a quick test. Record a short clip and listen to it with headphones. Check for clarity, unwanted noise, or any surprises.
| Factor | Recommendation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustics | Use blankets or acoustic panels | Reduces echo and improves sound quality |
| Lighting | Face a window (natural light) | Creates a soft, professional appearance |
| Background | Tidy office or bookshelf setup | Adds interest without distracting viewers |
| Software | Noise-canceling tools like Krisp | Helps eliminate persistent background hums |
With these adjustments, your audio and video will sound and look polished, helping you deliver a professional and engaging sales pitch.
Once you've set up your equipment, applying the right recording techniques can make a noticeable difference in your audio quality. These methods ensure your sound is crisp and professional.
To get the best sound, position your mouth 4 to 6 inches away from your microphone. This distance captures your voice clearly while minimizing room noise. If you're using a lavalier mic, clip it about 6 inches below your chin, ensuring there's an unobstructed path to your mouth. For shotgun microphones, aim them directly at your mouth and keep them just out of the camera's frame.
How you speak matters too. Clear and steady speech enhances the listening experience. Avoid filler words like "um", "like", or "you know", which can make your delivery less polished and slow down the flow of your content. That said, don't stress over minor imperfections - they can make your speech feel more genuine.
Consistency in recording volume is another key factor. Before starting, test your microphone gain by speaking at your loudest level. Adjust the settings so your levels stay below the red zone to prevent distortion while keeping your voice crisp and strong.
Adding a few simple accessories can further elevate your audio setup.
Affordable tools can significantly improve your recording quality. One must-have is a pop filter. These screens block plosives - those sharp bursts of air caused by consonants like "p", "t", and "k" - that can distort your audio. As Brandon Copple, Head of Content at Descript, explains:
A pop filter is a screen that goes in front of your microphone and protects it from air expelled by spoken plosives - aka consonants like 'p,' 't,' and 'k' that cause a burst of air to release from your mouth when you pronounce them.
You can find quality pop filters starting at just $10, making them an affordable yet impactful upgrade.
A microphone stand is another smart addition. It eliminates handling noise, ensuring the mic stays steady. For even better isolation, use a shockmount, which prevents vibrations from affecting your recording. Lastly, always wear headphones while recording. They help you catch subtle background noises - like a buzzing light or refrigerator hum - that might go unnoticed otherwise.
These small, budget-friendly investments can help you produce audio that matches the professional quality of your visuals.
Post-production editing is what takes a decent recording and turns it into polished, professional-quality audio.
Start with AI-powered noise reduction tools to remove unwanted background sounds like hums, echoes, or buzzing. Normalize the volume to keep it consistent throughout, and when publishing online, aim for a bitrate of 96kbit/s or higher to maintain high audio quality.
Trim filler words to keep the delivery sharp and focused. If you're working with lavalier mic recordings, applying EQ can enhance vocal clarity. As Brandon Copple, Head of Content at Descript, puts it:
The cleaner the sound you capture on the front end, the easier you'll have it in post production.
For fixing mistakes or adding words without re-recording, AI voice cloning can be a game-changer. This tool creates a text-to-speech version of your voice that sounds natural, making edits seamless.
Finally, once your audio is polished, ensure it integrates smoothly with your video content.
For a streamlined approach to combining audio with video, Sendspark offers a powerful solution:
Sendspark allows you to pair high-quality audio with personalized video at scale. Its AI voice cloning feature lets you record a single video, which can then be personalized for thousands of viewers. Your cloned voice can naturally say each recipient's name, eliminating the need for repetitive recordings. This has proven highly effective, helping sales teams increase email response rates by up to 5x and boost conversions by 3x.
Sendspark also simplifies video stitching, enabling you to attach a personalized audio introduction to a pre-recorded demo or pitch. This creates a personalized, one-to-one experience without sacrificing efficiency. The platform also includes features like one-click camera effects to enhance your appearance or blur distracting backgrounds, all without needing complex editing software. Additionally, it automatically generates subtitles, making your videos accessible and engaging even when played without sound. These tools work together to deliver polished, professional results with minimal effort.
Achieving professional audio in sales videos comes down to using the right tools, creating an optimal recording environment, and applying smart editing techniques. Investing in a good USB or XLR microphone - costing around $100 or more - can make a world of difference compared to your laptop's built-in mic. Pair that with a quiet space and sound-dampening surfaces to cut down on echo, and position the microphone about four to six inches from your mouth for clear, professional-quality sound.
As Brandon Copple, Head of Content at Descript, puts it:
The cleaner the sound you capture on the front end, the easier you'll have it in post production.
These basics lay the groundwork for creating a polished and cohesive sales video.
Taking things a step further, incorporating AI into your video strategy can elevate your efforts. For sales teams looking to combine crisp audio with efficient personalization, Sendspark offers a streamlined solution. Instead of recording individual videos for each prospect, you can create one high-quality video and use AI voice cloning to personalize it - naturally including the recipient's name. This "record once, personalize at scale" method has been linked to up to a 5x boost in email response rates and 3x higher conversions. Sendspark also simplifies video production with features like personalized intros stitched to pre-recorded demos and one-click camera effects. Trusted by over 50,000 companies and boasting a 4.8/5 rating on G2, Sendspark helps create professional, personalized sales videos without added hassle.
Clear, high-quality audio doesn’t just enhance professionalism - it plays a key role in boosting engagement and driving conversions.
When it comes to picking the right microphone for your sales video, your choice largely hinges on where you’re recording and the type of video you’re creating. For indoor, stationary setups - like product demonstrations or personalized video pitches - studio microphones are a solid pick. Options like the Blue Yeti or Rode VideoMic Pro deliver crisp, professional-grade audio, especially in quiet, controlled environments with minimal background noise.
If you’re filming outdoors or on the move, lavalier microphones are your best bet. Compact and easy to clip onto clothing, models like the Rode SmartLav+ or wireless versions such as the DJI Mic Mini ensure clear sound, even in busy or dynamic settings. And for situations where isolating your voice is key - like in noisy outdoor locations - shotgun microphones such as the Rode VideoMic Go II are a lifesaver. These mics focus on capturing directional sound while minimizing surrounding noise.
The key is to match your microphone to your environment, mobility needs, and the level of audio quality you’re aiming for. This way, your sales videos will sound polished and leave a lasting impression.
To ensure clear audio in your sales video recordings, begin by selecting a quiet, enclosed area to cut down on ambient noise. Place your microphone close to your mouth - just outside the camera frame - to capture your voice clearly without drawing attention to the equipment.
Opt for a directional microphone, which is designed to prioritize your voice while reducing surrounding noise. Soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, or even cushions can help absorb echoes and improve sound quality. For a final touch, use audio editing software to clean up any lingering background noise during post-production. With the right setup and a little preparation, you can significantly enhance the audio quality of your videos.
Post-production audio editing plays a crucial role in crafting sales videos that sound professional and keep your audience engaged. Start by using noise reduction tools to eliminate any background noise or distracting sounds. Once that's handled, use equalization (EQ) to adjust audio frequencies, making sure voices come through naturally and with clarity. Don’t skip compression - it helps even out the volume, boosting quieter sections and softening louder ones for a more balanced and pleasant listening experience.
To maintain a polished flow, remove filler words like "um" or "you know", either manually or with the help of AI tools. Adding fades to the beginning and end of audio clips ensures smooth transitions, avoiding jarring starts or stops. Combined with quality recording equipment, these editing techniques can dramatically improve the overall impact of your sales videos.