<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener("load", function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <iframe src="http://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID=36514186&amp;blogName=10%2C000+words+%3A%3A+where+journalism+and+...&amp;publishMode=PUBLISH_MODE_FTP&amp;navbarType=SILVER&amp;layoutType=CLASSIC&amp;homepageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10000words.net%2F&amp;searchRoot=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsearch.google.com%2F" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="30px" width="100%" id="navbar-iframe" title="Blogger Navigation and Search"></iframe> <div></div>

How to record audio that doesn't take hours to edit

 Sunday, July 22, 2007

Recording audio with a handheld recorder can be troublesome, especially if you are using the cheap inexpensive kind that are common in most newsrooms. There are ways to improve the quality so that you (or the person who will edit the audio) don't spend hours listening to a hissy, jumbled audio track.

Record in a quiet space
    It is tempting to pull out the recorder and just push the red button, but take a minute to listen to the environment. Are there other people talking around you? Can you hear cars rumbling or the sound of small animals? Find a room that is relatively quiet and record there. If there is no room available (i.e. in an outdoor area) find a wall or barrier that blocks out the noise.

Stop talking
    Most people are compelled to audibly agree with the subject, adding yeahs, rights and mm-hms that can take away from what the subject is saying. Practice non-verbal cues like nodding your head or smiling or frowning (when necessary).

Don't fumble
    Nothing can ruin good audio like fumbling with the recording device, especially with a handheld recorder. This creates an intense crackling sound that makes that portion of the audio unusable. Instead, place the recorder on a table, pointed toward the subject or, if a flat surface is not readily available, use a microphone.

Use a windscreen
    Wind is the biggest enemy of audio recording. To cut down on its effects, use a microphone with a windscreen (the usually black foam thing on top). If you find yourself windscreen-less, turn your body away from the direction of the wind or--if you have one--place a sock or a similar apparatus on top.

Use the program that suits you best
    Everyone has an audio editing program that works best for them. Many use ProTools while others use Audacity. I find ProTools to be too cumbersome for the average user and Audacity, while free, is not very user-friendly. I highly suggest using Adobe Audition which has a simple interface that enables quick splicing and has more advanced features for audio pros (try it free for 30 days here).


What tips do you have for recording good audio?

Labels:


Bookmark and Share



1 Comments:

Good article .. the only thing that I would add is to emphasize that not all audio recorders are suitable for podcast recording. Many of the lower end machines are dictation machines, bought by people who want to do written transcriptions. The sound quality just doesn't cut it. So spend a bit more money and get something like a Zoom H-2 (under $200 with great sound. Built in mike is great, unlike most built-ins)
commented by Anonymous Victoria Fenner, 11:11 AM

 

Add a comment