Best way to record audio with GoPro 1.

[RoadToNowhere]

So I am just now getting into motovlogging. I have a first generation GoPro that I got used. That version did not have an aux jack for a mic. When I was googling looking for a mic converter all I could find was accessories for the goPro 2 and 3, but nothing for the 1. Will a mic adapter for a 2 work for my version 1? Also is this the best way you all would recommend recording my voice, or is there a better way? Thanks for the tips guys.

 

[Shirou]

The HD Hero doesn't have a mic input. You can modify the camera if you're cool working with electronics and "hack" a mic input on one of the already present ports, like the component video out.
Or, you can record your audio on another device like your cellphone or using a portable sound recorder like a Zoom, Tascam, Olympus, Sony, etc. and an external microphone.
If you have a Sony/SonyEricsson phone, there is a recorder app on the play store, by sony ericsson, that works pretty well. Otherwise you can use miidio recorder. The external mic in such case will be the one on your cabled headset.
If you're not using the ear part of the headset you can cut them away and keep only the mic.
Remember to clap to get a sync cue on the audio, this is important when you need to sync it to your video track.

 

[RoadToNowhere]

Awesome, thanks Shirou. I actually just watched a video where another motovlogger modded the camera, and while I do feel comfortable enought with electronics to solder a new mic jack on it, I don't want to run the risk of damaging the waterproof housing, just in case I want to use the camera under water in the future. I will probably go the rout of recoding audio on another device until I can come up with the cash to upgrade the camera. Thanks again for the response and the advice.

 

[Shirou]

Having separate audio is going to need a few extra steps on post but that's the only drawback. Most of the time you can get even better audio quality than using audio from the camera.

Now, may I suggest you come to this part of the forum and introduce yourself?
If you don't know how to, take a look at this thread and maybe add yourself to the map we have. This is a worldwide community and we'd like to know where you come from.
Of course, this is not mandatory, completely up to you, if you don't feel like it, it's cool.

 

[RoadToNowhere]

I will do that. Yeah I have done some audio/video editing in the past so I am pretty familliar with syncing, and you are right, usually you can get better audio quality if you use a dedicated audio source. I will add myself soon, I am still finalizing everything and probably won't actually start vlogging for a few months, once I get closer I will do all my introduction stuff and add myself to the map. Thanks again ma.

 

[Marbro_za]

i just extended the mic out on mine
But now i have a long dangly cord on my gopro.

I never used it for anything else though. So its not that bad.

 

[Termi]

I have a hero 1 and I use my phone,a then dub the audio over the video and virtually mute the video sound.
Hoping to get the hero 4 when it comes out.
I will still use my current cam but for action shots as it is a fantastic quality cam so simple but effective.

 

[Marbro_za]

Dont you find it difficult synching the two?

 

[Arctic Pride]

arguably AB has some of if not the best audio setup, its mildly complicated but sure seems to be worth it. If i were riding/vlogging every day I'd likely go this way as well

 

[Termi]

Dont you find it difficult synching the two?

Not at all, I enjoy doing it. All I do is make a loud noise like a cough or say a loud word off Vlog and use that to sync from the video file.
I use WLM to do the syncing and Lightworks to finish my editing. Obviously Cineform for the GoPro file 1st.