Recording Tips

1. Find a good quality microphone!

A good quality microphone is key to achieving a proper recording. This needn’t be an expensive one. Many low-priced microphones give equally good quality results when used properly.

Use a unidirectional microphone whenever there’s just one narrator. It records sound from one direction (i.e. the narrator’s) and helps reduce ambient noise. Some microphones such as the Samson Go Mic come with an inbuilt option to switch between unidirectional and omnidirectional capture. An omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all directions, which while increasing background noise capture, can also be necessary for certain group discussion setups.

A digital voice recorder will help you capture superior recordings. It has a larger memory capacity, different quality settings for your recordings and is able to support a variety of file-formats and a fast file transfer system.


2. Use a limiter

It’s a good option to get a recorder equipped with a limiter. A limiter prevents distortion by limiting the levels at which the sound is being recorded. This ensures that any sudden outburst of sound like laughter is not recorded.


3. Place the microphone correctly

The placement of microphone is often critical for a successful recording.

  • Keep the mic close to the source: For an interview, this would mean holding the microphone a few inches beneath the mouth of the speaker (moving back and forth between the interviewer and interviewee).
  • DO NOT keep the mic too close to the source: If the microphone is within touching distance of someone’s mouth, their breath will result in unpleasant thuds, distorting the recording and possibly making it incomprehensible.

4. Maintain a consistent recording environment

High quality audio can be recorded only in a controlled recording environment. A recording studio is ideal, but if you don’t have access to one, here is what you can do to achieve optimum audio quality:

  • Avoid ambient noise: Try and filter out as much of the background noise as possible. Place your microphone at a sufficient distance from computers, air conditioners, ticking clocks, creaking furniture, electrical appliances, or any other object that’s likely to make a sound.
  • Adjust the settings of the microphone or recorder to compensate for the recording environment.
  • Use a microphone screen to prevent the plosive sounds of "p" or "t" or "d" ruining your recordings.
  • Measure the recording distance that gives you clear audio with your current microphone and settings, so that the same distance can be maintained for future recordings.

5. Talk to Your Participants in Advance

Request theparticipants to speak one at a time, in a clear voice, and at a slow rate of speech. Remind them that actions like shuffling papers or sneezing/coughing can mask the voice of the speaker. It’s also a good idea to avoid general chitchat during the recording.


6. Trim Down the Sound

In a recording studio, walls are designed to absorb sound waves. But how to cut the extra sound when you can’t use a studio?

  • Your cubicle setup can be designed to absorb sound.
  • Porta-Booth can be used.
  • Portable studio can be built using PVC pipe frame and curtains.

7. Conduct a Trial Run Before Actual Recording

Test your recording device, sound levels, and the position of microphone. Record a few sentences to assess overall audio and speech quality.