Recording Tips and Techniques¶

Problem Statement¶

I have my mobile phone and I'm ready to record, what can I do to make sure the recording comes out good?

Background¶

Although recording audio might seem easy, but there are many ways to ruin the recording so that it is unusable. To ensure this does not happen to you, is it important to go over a few simple steps while you are recording an interview, or your own narration of a story. Following these steps can help prevent an audio problem before it happens. Because once your audio is recorded badly, it is extremely difficult to save it.

Solution¶

Handling Noise and Grip

When preparing to record, choose a grip that is comfortable and natural. Hold the device without applying much pressure, a manner that you can hold for an extended period of time.
If you must hold the recording device up to the person throughout the interview, rest your elbow on a solid surface. It is best to sit down, rest your elbow on the table and extend your arm toward the audio source.
If there is a table between you and the person you are interviewing, you can set the recorder on a table, but be careful that no one touches, taps, or bangs on the table, this may cause audio problems.
There are several types of stands that fit handheld recorders or even smart phones, to hold them in place during the interview. You can also make your own using materials you have around you, anything you can rest the recorder on that keeps it as face level with your audio source will do.

Hums and Background Noise

Detecting air conditioning sounds and other machine sounds that can ruin your audio recording should be done before you press record. When you arrive at the location, take notice of any and all sounds even those that seem harmless. Ask if machines causing noise can be turned off, or suggest a change of location for the sake of the audio quality. Most people will understand and trust your expertise on the subject.

If it is impossible to move, choose the lowest sensitivity level on your recorder. You will have to keep the microphone closer to the speaker to be sure you record him/her, but there’s a better chance of keeping the background noise out of it. Remember to monitor your recording using headphones, they will help you notice any disruptive sounds that you may not have considered before.

Backup and Store Files

Once you have your audio recorded, unless you upload it immediately to the internet, there is always a risk that your audio files will get lost, damaged or deleted. It is therefore very important to offload your recordings as soon as possible to your computer and even better, store a copy on an external hard drive. Professional media makers often have multiple backups of their content just in case their computer or one of their backup drives is damaged.

Remember to also keep your audio files labelled and organized. Some programs allow you to immediately name an audio file, and you should do so. Choose a name that includes the title of the project and some other identifiable label that tells you what part of the project it is.

Things to Remember¶

- Always consider how long you will have to hold your recorder steady before you begin an interview. For longer interviews, find a comfortable way to sit or stand, that also keeps you from having to change your grip.
- Make use of surfaces, especially something that can be used as a stand, to rest the recorder at an acceptable distance from the audio source.
- Look and listen for background sounds that could harm the quality of your recording when you first arrive at an interview or recording location.
- Keep your audio files backed up and correctly labelled.

Multimedia Details¶

Multimedia 1

Type: audio
Location in the text: comfortable and natural
Script (if necessary):
Detailed Description: audio of recorded speech with handling noise.

Multimedia 2

Type: audio
Location in the text: air conditioning sounds
Script (if necessary):
Detailed Description: audio example of a recording with air conditioning sound that ruins the quality.

Multimedia 3

Type: photo
Location in the text: sensitivity level
Script (if necessary):
Detailed Description: photo of a mic sensitivity level selector on an edirol R9.

Multimedia 4

Type: photo
Location in the text: files labelled
Script (if necessary):
Detailed Description: photo of a display on an Zoom H4 recorder showing a list of audio file names.

Test
Concept: Quiz¶

Question 1

Question: What is handling noise?
Answer 1: The music of a famous composer
Answer 2: The interrupting background sound of an air conditioner
Answer 3: Disruptive sounds caused by your own hand changing its grip or moving while holding a recorder

Correct Answer: 3, Disruptive sounds caused by your own hand changing its grip or moving while holding a recorder

Question 2

Question: Which of the following can be used to prevent handling noise and keep your arm or recorder stable during a recording?
Answer 1: Table
Answer 2: Mic Stand
Answer 3: A Wall
Answer 4: All of the Above
Correct Answer: 4, All of the Above

Question 3

Question: When should you address the problem of air conditioning sounds or other machines?
Answer 1: When you arrive at a location, before you start recording.
Answer 2: In the middle of the interview.
Answer 3: During the editing process
Correct Answer: 1, When you arrive at a location, before you start recording.

Question 4

Question: Which is NOT a good strategy for protecting your data after recording?
Answer 1: Keep the file on your smart phone and never copy it anywhere else.
Answer 2: Copy it to your computer and an external hard drive.
Answer 3: Upload it to the internet somewhere where you can access it later.
Correct Answer: 1, Keep the file on your smart phone and never copy it anywhere else.

Number of Questions to pass the Quiz: 3