Solo Operator Audio: What Are the Biggest Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them?

Hey everyone,

I'm a Casting Associate, and lately, I've been doing a lot more self-taped auditions and pre-screen interviews, often as a solo operator. I've even shot some quick behind-the-scenes content on an ALEXA Mini with a small light like the amaran 150c. I've heard it said that 'bad sound ruins a good image faster than bad image ruins good sound,' and it's really stuck with me.

I try to be mindful, I'll monitor with headphones, try to find quiet spaces, and use a decent lav like a Sennheiser EW 112 P G4 when I can. But honestly, I feel like I'm just scratching the surface.

For those of you with more experience, especially working solo or in very small teams, what are the most common audio pitfalls beginners fall into? And more importantly, what are your practical tips for avoiding them without needing a dedicated sound person or a massive audio kit?