Introduction

It is important when setting up to record to consider your speaker, your environment, and your equipment. Each of these factors will influence one another in determining how you ultimately set up your room. Click here for more information about working with language speakers.

Setting up your recording space

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Blankets and towels can be tacked on windows to dull outside noise

• If you are able to choose your recording environment, choose a quiet and comfortable well-lit room where you are unlikely to be interrupted 

• Close all windows and doors to prevent background noise. Gaps in windows and doors can be covered with pillows or blankets to dull noise

• Unplug any loud or humming electronics or appliances such as fridges, clocks, or fluorescent overhead lighting

Setting up audio equipment

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Recording yourself? Consider your own comfort (including hydration!) to ensure minimal disruption

• Click here for more information about recommended audio equipment

• In setting up your microphone, be sure to accommodate your speaker’s comfort as much as possible. For instance, when making sure that the microphone is close enough to the speaker to adequately capture their voice, prioritize moving the microphone toward the speaker rather than having the speaker move towards the mic

• Set up the remainder of your equipment (midi interface, laptop) at an appropriate distance from your speaker so that you are able to communicate comfortably, but so as not to overwhelm your speaker

• When recording, always be sure to monitor the sound quality through headphones and by watching the levels on your recorder or laptop screen and make adjustments to equipment set up as necessary

• Adjust the volume of the microphone to avoid clipping (also known as peaking, indicated by red or thick black bars on your laptop or recorder screen)

• Ideally, the microphone should be 3 fingers’ distance from your speakers’ mouth