Getting started

Before reading this page, please review the following pages:

• Learn about audio recording equipment

• Set up a recording space and audio equipment

• Work and record with language speakers

Instructional Video

How to record with Zoom H4N

1. Set up your equipment: Connect your microphone(s), headphones, and connect your recorder to power (battery or wall plug). Make sure your SD card is in your recorder.

2. Turn your recorder on by sliding the power button on the left hand side.

3. Turn your mic line on by pressing the round button on the left side of the control panel that corresponds with the mic line you wish to use. If you are using the built-in mic, the ‘MIC’ button should be pressed and will light up. If you are using a mic plugged in to lines 1 or 2, press the ‘1' button, or the '2’ button.

4. Press record twice to begin recording. Wear your headphones at all times while recording.

5. Test your levels: Make test noises or ask your speaker to say a few words while you listen with your headphones. Watch the bar at the bottom of the LCD screen. This is the monitor bar. Your loudest noises should reach -12db. If your loudest noises are higher than -12db, turn the mic volume down. If your loudest noises are much softer than -12db, turn the mic volume up. Adjust the mic volume using the volume buttons on the right hand side.

6. When you have finished recording, press stop.

7. Transfer your files to your computer:

   1. Option A: Connect your recorder to your computer using the accompanying USB cable from your accessory pack (safer).

   2. Option B: Remove the SD card from your recorder and insert it into your laptop’s SD card reader (less safe).
      
      

How to record with Zoom H6

1. Set up your equipment: Connect your microphone(s), headphones, and connect your recorder to power (battery or wall plug). Make sure your SD card is in your recorder.

2. Turn your recorder on by sliding the power button on the left hand side.

3. Turn your mic line on by pressing the the numbered button below the screen that corresponds with the mic line you wish to use. If you are using the built-in mic, the ‘MIC’ button should be pressed and will light up. If you are using a mic plugged in to lines 1 through 4, press the ‘1' button, the '2’ button, etc.

4. Press record once to begin recording. Wear your headphones at all times while recording.

5. Test your levels: Make test noises or ask your speaker to say a few words while you listen with your headphones. Watch the bar on the LCD screen that corresponds with the mic line you are using. This is the monitor bar. Your loudest noises should reach -12db and be green in colour. If your loudest noises are higher than -12db (orange or red in colour), turn the mic volume down. If your loudest noises are much softer than -12db, turn the mic volume up. Adjust the mic volume using the volume knob that corresponds to the mic line you are using, or directly on the built in mic.

6. When you have finished recording, press stop.

7. Transfer your files to your computer:

   1. Option A: Connect your recorder to your computer using the accompanying USB cable from your accessory pack (safer).

   2. Option B: Remove the SD card from your recorder and insert it into your laptop’s SD card reader (less safe).

How to record directly into Audacity 

1. Set up your equipment: Connect your microphone(s) and headphones to your computer. If you have an audio interface through which to connect your microphones, set that up as well.

2. Open Audacity.

3. Select your external microphone using the drop-down menu.
   
   

4. Press record once to begin recording. Wear your headphones at all times while recording.

5. Test your levels: Make test noises or ask your speaker to say a few words while you listen with your headphones. Watch the bar at the top of the window, next to the microphone icon. This is the monitor bar. Your loudest noises should reach -12db and be green in colour. If your loudest noises are higher than -12db (orange or red in colour), turn the mic volume down. If your loudest noises are much softer than -12db, turn the mic volume up. Adjust the mic volume using the volume control under the monitor bar, or directly on the built in mic.
   

6. When you have finished recording, press stop.

7. Export your recording as a .wav file. This will save a copy of your master file. Save this file using your file naming convention and your file management system.