Home : Video course : Module 2: Video Housings : Underwater Audio

Underwater microphones are inherently prone to failure (due to their nature and the environment they are used in) and should be avoided. Most housings will pick up bubbles quite clearly without a microphone. Alternatively, you can always dub on the BBC bubbles soundtrack in post-production (which is advisable because most divers get excited and unconsciously increase breathing rate erratically when under pressure - and that does not help the mood of most soundtracks!).

Occasionally, you may want to supply an audio and digital video feed direct from your camcorder to a recorder or monitor on the surface. This is usually only done with professional productions. The director doesn't want to get wet! This is done via an umbilical cord.

If you don't have digital video then having a surface feed means that you can put your signal direct to ½" tape rather than the (usual) 8mm built in tape, thus increasing picture quality. However, it does restrict movement to the length of the cord!