How to Prevent Wind Noise on GoPro Footage

Have you ever wondered why your GoPro footage doesn't sound as good as it looks? Wind noise is often the culprit, turning those epic action shots into a garbled mess. We've been there and mastered the art of taming this unruly beast.

What causes wind noise on GoPro footage?

Wind is the movement of air in a particular direction. As wind moves past the GoPro's built-in microphones, it creates a sound similar to a gust of wind or a rumble, significantly the faster you travel. 

GoPro cameras have small, exposed microphones that are vulnerable to wind, making them susceptible to unwanted noise. When the camera moves quickly through the air, it creates turbulence around the microphone, further exacerbating the issue. Unlike larger cameras, GoPros often lack built-in windscreens, leaving the microphones unprotected. Additionally, certain mounting positions can increase wind exposure, contributing to GoPro footage's overall wind noise problem.

Wind speed, direction, and turbulence are key factors contributing to wind noise. It's important to note that various GoPro models sport different microphone settings, which can limit the level of wind noise captured. 

The negative impact of wind noise on video quality

Wind noise significantly reduces video quality. A sustained gust can override the audio or sound of interest, making it impossible for viewers to hear anything but the wind in the video. The loud, inconsistent noise inhibits the clear reception of other essential audio elements in the footage, potentially distracting the viewer from the main action. 

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent noise in GoPro footage with audio tips and accessories, which we'll discuss now. 

How to prevent wind noise on GoPro

Use a windscreen or foam cover.

Windscreens and foam covers are a barrier between the wind and the camera's microphones, significantly diminishing unwanted noise. For optimal results, choose a windscreen specifically designed for your GoPro model. These typically come in two varieties: stick-on foam covers and furry windscreens (often called "dead cats").

Foam covers are thin, adhesive-backed pieces of foam that stick directly onto your GoPro's body, covering the microphone holes. They're lightweight, low-profile, and offer decent wind protection for light to moderate wind conditions. To install, carefully clean the area around your GoPro's microphones, peel off the adhesive backing, and apply the foam cover, ensuring it's aligned correctly with the microphone holes.

On the other hand, furry windscreens offer superior wind noise reduction, especially in high-wind situations. These slip over your GoPro like a sleeve and are secured with a drawstring or elastic band. The long, soft fibers disrupt airflow before it reaches the microphones, effectively reducing wind noise. When using a furry windscreen, ensure it's snug but not so tight that it silences the audio. Remove the windscreen when using your GoPro underwater, as it can affect water resistance and audio quality in submerged conditions.

Apply wind reduction settings.

GoPro's built-in Wind Reduction setting is a valuable feature that reduces and prevents wind noise in your recordings. It adjusts the camera's audio processing to minimize wind interference when activated. To use it:

1. Navigate to your GoPro's audio settings and toggle the Wind Reduction option. While this feature can significantly reduce wind noise, it decreases sensitivity to specific frequencies, so any other audio in the footage won't be as clear.
2. Consider your shooting environment and content type when deciding whether to use it.
3. Experiment with the setting in different conditions to understand its impact on your audio.
4. Combine this feature with other wind noise reduction techniques like windscreens or strategic mounting for best results.

Mount the camera in a more sheltered position.

The mounting position of your GoPro can significantly impact wind noise levels. By strategically placing your camera in a more sheltered position, you can naturally reduce wind interference without additional accessories. 

For helmet-mounted shots, consider positioning the camera on the chin bar of the helmet rather than on top with a GoPro chin mount. This placement uses your head as a natural wind barrier. If mounting on a vehicle, look for spots shielded from direct wind, such as behind a windscreen or fairing. For bike-mounted shots, try mounting the camera under the handlebars or on the frame near the seat post, where it's less exposed to direct wind.

When shooting in windy conditions, use your surroundings to your advantage. If you're filming landscapes, position yourself near natural windbreaks like large rocks, trees, or buildings. These can significantly reduce wind exposure without compromising your shot composition. For water sports, mounting the camera closer to the water surface can reduce wind noise compared to higher positions.

Remember that changing the mount position may affect your desired shot composition. Experiment with different angles and positions to find the optimal balance between reducing wind noise and capturing the desired action. Always ensure that any new mounting position is secure and doesn't interfere with your activity or compromise safety.

Use an external microphone with better wind protection.

External microphones with superior wind protection can dramatically improve the audio quality of your GoPro footage, especially in windy conditions. They often come with more robust wind protection features and can be positioned more flexibly than the built-in microphones on your GoPro.

You'll need a GoPro model that supports external audio input, such as the Hero5 Black or later models, and the appropriate adapter (like the Pro 3.5mm Mic adapter) to use an external microphone. When selecting an external microphone, consider options specifically designed for outdoor use and action cameras. Lavalier microphones can be excellent for capturing clear voice audio. In contrast, shotgun microphones are great for capturing a mix of ambient sound and nearby audio sources.

Many external microphones come with windscreens or dead cat covers. Due to their larger size and specialized design, these are typically more effective than those designed for GoPro's built-in mics. Some popular options include the Rode VideoMicro, which comes with a furry windshield, or the Sennheiser MKE 200, known for its built-in shock mount and wind protection.

When using an external mic, experiment with different mounting positions to find the best balance between audio quality and wind protection. You might attach it to your clothing for voice recording or mount it on an extension arm for better positioning. Always ensure your microphone setup doesn't interfere with your activity or pose a safety risk. Additionally, adjust your GoPro's audio settings to optimize for external microphone use, typically by turning off any internal audio processing features.

Fix the audio in post-production/editing.

Wind noise may still enter your GoPro footage even with the best preventive measures. Most video editing software packages offer tools to reduce wind noise and enhance overall audio clarity.

Start by isolating the audio track from your video file. Many editors allow you to view the audio waveform, which can help you identify sections with excessive wind noise. Look for consistent, low-frequency rumbles that typically characterize wind interference.

A high-pass filter is one of the most effective tools for reducing wind noise. This filter allows high-frequency sounds to pass through while attenuating lower frequencies where wind noise typically resides. Begin with a cutoff frequency of around 80-100 Hz and adjust as needed. Be careful not to set the cutoff too high, as this may remove desirable low-frequency sounds from your audio.

Noise reduction plugins or built-in noise reduction tools can also be highly effective. These tools analyze a section of pure wind noise in your clip and then apply that profile to reduce similar noise throughout the entire audio track. Popular software like Adobe Audition, DaVinci Resolve, and even free options like Audacity offer this functionality.

You can use a parametric EQ to target specific frequency ranges where wind noise is most prominent for more precise control. This allows you to surgically reduce problematic frequencies without affecting the entire audio spectrum.

Aggressive noise reduction can sometimes introduce artifacts or an unnatural sound quality. Always aim to balance noise reduction and maintaining the original audio's integrity. It's often helpful to apply these adjustments in small increments, frequently comparing the processed audio to the original to ensure you're improving rather than degrading the overall sound quality.

All of these techniques can substantially improve GoPro audio quality, reduce wind interference, and enhance viewer engagement. For maximum audio quality, employ all of them rather than just one or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my GoPro quieter?

Adjusting your GoPro's microphone settings can make it quieter. Locate the beep icon in your settings—usually the second option from the left—and press it to turn the beep off.

Does GoPro have noise cancellation?

GoPro models starting from HERO5 Black offer a Wind Noise Suppression feature. This feature optimizes the microphone to focus on the desired audio and minimize the wind noise. Depending on your recording environment, you can opt for stereo or wind suppression mode.

How do I reduce the noise in a video while shooting?

To reduce noise during video shooting, position the microphone as close to the subject as possible without disrupting the frame. This technique helps capture clear audio from the source and reduces ambient noise. In the absence of noise-reducing equipment, prioritizing this point is critical.

Does noise cancellation stop wind noise?

Noise-canceling headphones usually have an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction feature. When wind crosses a specific air volume, some microphones used for noise cancellation are turned off, weakening the noise-canceling function in a windy environment. Importantly, this is not a malfunction.

Does GoPro make noise when recording?

Yes, GoPro can create noise while recording, especially during fast movement. Every gust of wind is captured and can affect the audio quality of your footage.