How to get Great Audio with a Half Helmet for Moto Vlogging! Tests+Results!

When Life Hands you Lemons … add vodka and make it a drink, right?

I’ve made posts in the past about getting good and bad audio, and even mentioned it in one (probably many) of my YouTube videos.  I was pretty happy with my motovlog audio setup.  At least until recently.

The bad audio bug bit again!  With temps dropping, I broke out my winter riding jacket.  It’s mesh like my summer jacket, but has a liner in it.  Immediately, my voice got muffled and nasally in my vlog footage.  Obviously, that’s no good – I’m used to a certain quality (or lack thereof) in my videos, and this ain’t cuttin’ it.

For a little background on my gear, I’m using a GoPro Hero 8, with the Media Mod on it, and a Purple Panda lapel mic (Amazon Affiliate Links).

A problem that needs solving, and low fuel in my Street Glide gave me an excuse to do some quick testing.  30mph for a short distance (ie, to a gas station nearby) would let me know if I was on the right track.

When I got back and reviewed the footage, it was better – but still not good enough!  I did some more research and devised some more tests…

The results were AMAZING!

OK, not all of them.  Also, reading about it won’t do it justice, so have a listen/watch:

 

Perseverance pays off, folks!  What do you think of the new mic setup?

-John