Improving Sound Quality on a Windy Set

October 08 2025, 5 min reading time

Achieving high-quality audio on a film set is essential for delivering professional results. Poor sound can detract from even the most visually stunning footage, so it’s vital to take steps to improve sound quality and minimise distractions like wind noise. Here’s a guide to using effective sound reduction techniques containing tools for capturing the cleanest possible audio on set and recommended products to ensure you record the highest quality audio.

Find the Right Microphone

The type of microphone you choose has a significant impact on audio quality:

Shotgun Microphones: Ideal for directional audio recording, shotgun mics focus on the subject while reducing ambient noise.
Lavalier Microphones: These are great for close-mic recording, such as dialogue, as they capture less background noise.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics: Condenser microphones are more sensitive, ideal for controlled environments, while dynamic mics work better in noisy locations.

Choosing the right mic is the best way to improve sound quality before addressing specific noise issues.

Shield Your Microphone

Wind noise is one of the most common challenges when recording audio outdoors. Here’s how to minimise it:

Foam Windscreens: Lightweight and simple, foam windscreens help reduce light wind noise.
Deadcats (Windshields): For outdoor use, furry windshields—commonly referred to as “deadcats”—are highly effective at reducing strong wind noise.
Blimps and Zeppelins: These enclosures provide maximum wind protection for shotgun microphones, making them ideal for high-wind environments.

Investing in these accessories is the best way to reduce wind noise and keep your audio clean, even in challenging conditions.

Positioning is Key

Proper microphone placement is one of the most overlooked ways to enhance sound quality.

Get Close to the Source: The closer the mic is to the subject, the better the signal-to-noise ratio, reducing background noise naturally.
Monitor for Wind Direction: Position your microphone with wind patterns in mind. Using natural barriers like trees, walls, or vehicles can also help block wind.
Boom Operator Technique: A skilled boom operator can adjust mic angles in real time to optimise audio capture.

Use Noise Reduction Tools

While capturing clean audio is the priority, post-production tools can help refine sound quality further.

Audio Software: Programs like Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Audacity offer noise reduction filters to minimise background hum, wind noise, and other distractions.
Noise Gates: These filters reduce low-level background sounds, improving clarity during quiet moments.

However, relying too heavily on post-production can degrade sound quality. Always aim to capture the cleanest possible audio on set.

Reduce Environmental Noise

Controlling your filming environment is another way to achieve high-quality audio:

Soundproofing: When filming indoors, use sound blankets, foam panels, or furniture to absorb echoes and prevent unwanted reflections.
Time of Day: Choose quieter times to film, such as early morning or late evening, to minimise ambient noise like traffic or construction.
Lock Down the Set: Limit movement and noise from crew members during recording to prevent interruptions.

Monitor Audio Continuously

Real-time monitoring is essential for maintaining high-quality audio on set. Equip your sound team with:

Headphones: Use closed-back headphones to detect subtle audio issues during recording.
Audio Mixers: Adjust levels on the fly to balance voices, reduce peaks, and maintain clarity.

Proactive monitoring is the best way to improve sound quality without requiring heavy post-production edits.

Professional Gear for Windy Shoots

For extreme environments, specialised equipment is essential.

Boom Poles with Suspension Systems: These reduce handling noise when using shotgun microphones.
Directional Microphones: Supercardioid and hypercardioid mics focus more precisely on the subject, cutting out surrounding noise.

Practical Examples of Sound Enhancement Techniques

Outdoor Dialogue Scene: Use a shotgun mic with a deadcat and position the mic slightly above the speaker, angled downward.
Indoor Interview: Mount a lavalier mic close to the speaker’s chest and soundproof the room using blankets to reduce echo.
Windy Outdoor Shoot: Pair a shotgun mic inside a blimp with a deadcat and set up wind barriers like sandbags or movable screens.

Key Takeaways for High-Quality Audio

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Invest in tools like windscreens and boom poles to tackle noise at the source.
Minimise Wind Noise: Deadcats and blimps are the best ways to reduce wind noise effectively.
Capture Clean Audio: Proper positioning and real-time monitoring ensure optimal results.
Post-Production Support: Use noise reduction tools sparingly to polish your recordings without sacrificing quality.

By combining these strategies, you’ll achieve great quality audio in your productions, leaving your audience focused on the story—not the distractions.

Recommended Equipment: Bubblebee Industries Mic Wind Protection

Bubblebee Industries specialises in premium microphone wind protection that works seamlessly with a variety of mic types. Here’s how their products can elevate your audio quality on set:

Bubblebee Windbubbles: These miniature windshields are perfect for lavalier microphones, engineered to preserve microphone sensitivity while drastically reducing wind noise.. Offering effective protection against wind noise while preserving sound clarity, they are deal for outdoor interviews or scenes where a discreet audio setup is required.
Bubblebee Spacer Bubble: This modular wind protection system is designed for shotgun microphones, offering versatility with different levels of wind protection. The Spacer Bubble includes a base layer for minimal wind, while the addition of a fur cover protects against extreme conditions.
Invisible Lav Covers: Bubblebee’s adhesive lav covers not only reduce rustling noise from clothing but also provide a secure and discreet mounting solution for microphones during indoor or outdoor shoots.

Pictured: Bubblebee Industries Windbubble (left) and Spacer Bubble (right)

Bubblebee products are designed for a wide range of professional microphones, making them a reliable addition to any audio kit. From lav covers to blimps, Bubblebee gear is user-friendly, enabling sound operators to quickly adapt to on-set challenges.