Did your last recording go sideways? Are you in desperate need of audio recording tips to record better audio? You can get the best equipment to record your video. You can also use expensive software to create your podcast. However, poor audio can ruin everything. It’s no news that the best videos and podcasts can become unlistenable if the audio isn’t good enough.
Solid audio quality is one of the critical variables that affect any transcriptionist’s output and cost. This means that clean audio gives better quality and accurate transcripts. On the other hand, poor audio quality makes a transcriptionist’s job quite stressful. This will eventually lead to a longer production time and may be higher cost.
Yes! It’s possible to tweak audio files using various software wares and programs. But, the easiest way to deliver good quality sound is to record clear audio. Well, there is good news for you. You can now improve your audio recording with these essential tips. So, let’s quickly dive into these crucial tips to record better audio.
Control the Mic Distance
Controlling your mic distance is one of the top audio recording tips to note. First off, any speech recording comprises a series of louder and quieter parts. Now, you have to ensure that you move further away from the microphone for the loud parts. Then, for the soft part, you have to move closer to the mic while recording. How will this help make you record better video?
Controlling your mic distance while recording will help even out the fluctuations in volume. Now, this will, in turn, reduce the amount of compression that the audio file requires. So, to achieve a better audio recording, you should, by all means, control the mic distance.
Cue Cards
One of the biggest problems that come with recording is making mistakes while recording. Nothing kills a flow of audio like the speaker stumbling over their words. While some people find it easier to speak from memory, others think otherwise. Some people feel speaking from memory sound more natural than relying on a script.
However, you might be open to making mistakes in the middle of recording your speech. And then, you may have to start all over again, making the recording session longer. So, encouraging cue cards is a great way to solve the problem of recording better audio. That way, you will be able to overcome the issue of relying or not relying on a script. With cue cards, you can occasionally glance to refresh your memory. Having essential points on a cue card can help you remember any topic you wish to discuss while recording.
Avoid the Zoom Function
Now, if you are making a video recording alongside audio recording, you should ensure you avoid the zoom function. The zoom function on your camera is essential when bringing objects at different distances for a video. It ensures that these various objects at different distances are brought to a focus. However, there is a catch. The sound that the lens makes while zooming in and out can be heard in the audio.
If you want better audio, one of the essential tips is to avoid the zoom function. If you have to use the zooming function, you should pause for a few moments. Pause for the moment it takes to zoom the lens. Then, you can edit the sound afterward without cutting important clips of the audio.
Avoid Popping and Sibilance
Popping is the extra burst of air that we release from the mouth when pronouncing Ps and Bs. Then, sibilance is the hissing sound our mouth makes when pronouncing Ss and Fs. This is common with a lot of people. Both can pop up clearly in recordings and distract from the audio. So, you must make proper adjustments to your angle and distance while recording. Ensure that there is a distance from the recorder to ensure that both popping and sibilant sounds are least noticeable.
This task is not easy, but you will get better eventually with a bit of trial and error. However, you should ensure you stick to the angle and distance once you get it.
Control Your Breathing
This is another factor that can disrupt your clean recording. You must learn to breathe slowly or take your time breathing while recording. It is one of the top audio recording tips, and it is crucial. Practice your breathing habit. Learn always to turn your head away from the microphone whenever you take a breath. This is to ensure that the recorder does not pick the breathing while recording.
Have a Consistent Routine
Now, this is one of the factors that affect having a clean record. The majority of the videos and podcasts we have today are being recorded outside the studios. A lot of professionals like to record in their homes or around. Well, this is an excellent way to reduce cost, but it can also be a disadvantage. Your home is not a professional space. Hence there are countless minor disturbances. These disturbances can get in the way of achieving quality recording sessions.
Ideally, before recording, you should have a recording studio where you can control all the sound. But the ideal world is not always suitable for everyone. So, this is where you have to be creative when you are recording.
The vital key to record better audio is to develop a consistent routine for recording. The more easily you can control your recording environment, the better result is what you will get. The effective solution to this problem is to develop a consistent recording routine at your choice of venue. Stick to a particular room, have your equipment set up in a specific manner. Also, ensure that your method of recording remains consistent. This way, you won’t have to record a part of the audio multiple times due to mistakes. If you are consistent, your backdrop will also stay consistent, and the audio quality.
Get an External Microphone
One of the essential audio recording tips is to get an external microphone for your record. Do you need an external microphone? Well, yes! Our cameras and smartphones come with a microphone already as they are made. Can you use these built-in microphones for recording? Well, they are not good enough to record for a much bigger audience. However, these built-in microphones are good enough for video chats with a single person at most.
So, if you want to achieve a professional sound quality, then investing in external microphones is best for you. It is one of the leading audio recording tips for artists. There are so many choices of good microphones in the market available for you. These different microphones are for different kinds of recording sessions. Now, you should do research and go for the one that works best for you.
Take your time to carefully do proper research and find out which mic suits your recording needs. Also, you have to always keep in mind the term you need to know when buying any microphone.
Remove any Ambient Noise
While recording, background noise remains a constant source of distraction in an audio file. It is, however, essential to record in a completely soundproof environment. That’s one of the top audio recording tips you should note. But wait! What if it is somewhat impossible to find an utterly soundproof place? What is the next thing to do? Now, you should do as much as possible to reduce ambient noise. There is rarely any time whatsoever where there is complete silence.
You will find it disturbing when you listen to your recording and start picking up the background noise. Some organizations will pipe in “white noise” to make it easier to concentrate. The white noise makes it easier for the audio file to be less distracting by the surrounding noise. Either way, you still want to get rid of the noise that you can control. Here are some ways to do that;
- Switch off fans, washing machines, and just any device that can contribute to background noise.
- Secondly, keep the recorder away from your computer when it’s on and the fan is running.
- Ask the people around to keep their voices down during the recording process.
- Cover the room floor with thick rugs to dampen the sounds from people stepping in.
- Place objects such as drapes, towels, linens, or books on the wall. This is because these objects act as insulators. So, place them against the wall where the sound is coming from.
Use Better Diction
One of the leading audio recording tips you should note is using better diction. This might sound unserious, but it is something to work on if you want to record better audio. Your diction decides how easily your target audience will understand you. Videos and podcasts now cater to a global audience; you should also have a better vocabulary. You have to be sure that a lot of people can understand the message you are passing. Here are some of the tips to remember while recording.
- Ensure that you speak clearly without rushing.
- Pronounce longer words carefully, and be sure to avoid stuttering or slurring
- If any speakers have a non-US accent, the recording should significantly stress clear pronunciation.
- Practice makes perfect. Take out time to work on your diction. Try reading aloud from tricky texts. Be sure to keep a mental note of the problems you encounter with some words or sentences.
- Ensure you develop a habit of practicing tongue twisters or even rap lyrics. This way, your mouth will become more comfortable with complex words.
- Develop breathing and meditation techniques. This will help develop a natural and clear pace in your speech.
- Keep in mind that standing or sitting straight while speaking will give your voice greater strength.
- Finally, ensure you hydrate yourself during recording sessions—sip liquids at intervals.
Go For a Portable Sound Booth
Another top tip amongst audio recording tips is getting a portable sound booth. With the rise of home-recorded videos and podcasts, the need for a sound booth is essential. If you want to record at home always, you need to invest in a portable sound booth. The sound booth is meant for recording on the go and will cut off all background noise. Contrary to many beliefs, the device is cheaper than renting a recording studio. Some of the features include;
- The device is portable, so it is easier to move around to find the perfect recording spot.
- It has a high-density noise-absorbing acoustic foam. This foam surrounds the booth and is responsible for blocking unnecessary sound from reach the mic.
- There is a rare panel zipper that allows you to run cables and achieve a clean installation.
- The booth is spacious enough to house most types of microphones. You will be able to place these microphones without blocking parts of the device.
Run a Trial
Ensure you do a test run where you will be recording your audio. Record a few sentences and then check the recording for quality and sound levels. You should also check microphone positioning and background noise. Finally, you should cultivate the habit of trying out the device with someone before you begin recording.
Conclusion
Achieving quality sound recordings requires series of factors. Yes! You need to invest in decent recording devices and get a good recording location. But, there are still simple things you should do to get that best sound quality. We hope that these few audio recording tips above help you achieve that result.
