3 Ways To Record Your Story Or Interview
Let’s say you want to record yourself, or someone else, reading a script or telling a story.
Maybe you’re creating a video slide show from photos you took during your trip to Timbuktu, and it needs a narrator — you. Or maybe you want to give your blog subscribers the choice to listen to your posts while they drive, instead of finding more time to read on a screen. Or maybe Aunt Millie lived in a Bolivian commune before she gave birth to your nine cousins, and now you all want to hear those stories.
Whatever has compelled you to consider making audio recordings, the big question that follows that decision is: How will you do it?
It’s a great question because there are numerous pathways from here to success. Free recording apps are available on your phone and laptop. Online recording options range from way-too-many to utterly overwhelming. Or you could pay for time in a professional recording studio.
I don’t recommend any of the above. Here’s why:
The free option will leave you with inferior sound quality, although in the case of Aunt Millie that will definitely be better than nothing. An online option — if your enthusiasm for the project survives the process of selecting one — will require you to pay subscription fees and then learn how to navigate an array of proprietary functions and tools. With both options, a software upgrade or company merger could affect your future self, financially or functionally, including the loss of your files. And time in a recording studio is expensive and intimidating. Let’s avoid all that, shall we?
Here are three simple ways to make your recordings, keep your sanity (mostly) intact, and maintain as much control as possible over the quality and destination of your audio files.
1. Plug a USB microphone into your laptop. You can buy a decent USB microphone online or in your local electronics store for between $50 and $120. The price generally includes a USB cable, and sometimes a tabletop stand. Be sure to think about where you’re likely to record. If you need a floor mic stand, you’ll also need an appropriate mic clip. Online information and in-store salespeople can help. If you need help deciding what type of microphone to buy, read How To Choose A Microphone.
Once you have a microphone, USB cable, and stand, you’ll need recording software on your computer. Although recording software was probably included with your computer’s operating system, you should consider downloading Audacity. It’s free, easy to use, and offers multi-tracking capability. And there’s plenty of online help available to support you as you learn.
2. Use an inexpensive digital recorder. Recorders in this category range in price from $50 to $125. Brand names such as Sony, Tascam, and Olympus are available online and in local electronics and office supply stores. But you want a recorder that gives you a .wav file option (see below), and comes with at least one microphone input, so you’ll be able to put the mic on a stand. Once you have your recording, you’ll be able to transfer it to your computer, via a USB cable or memory card. Each recorder offers different options and inputs, so be sure to read the details carefully before buying one.
3. Use an expensive digital recorder. This is the option you’ll want if you intend to record more than one person at a time. If you want to record yourself having a conversation with Aunt Millie or make a recording of her talking with two of her children, you’ll need a multi-track recorder with several microphone inputs. These cost anywhere between $200 and $700, or more. Make sure the recorder offers a .wav file recording option. And you’ll need stands and cables for each microphone. Again, be sure to read the specs carefully so the recorder you purchase fits your project requirements.
With any of these three options, you’ll need a good pair of headphones. Of course, you can record without headphones, but you won’t be able to hear P-pops, unwanted room noises, or other sounds that are difficult, or impossible, to edit out. Your goal with any of these options is to get the best possible sound, and so you’ll want to record a .wav file, not an .mp3. If your original file is an .mp3, which is already compressed, it will get compressed again each time you save and then upload it. The result of all that compression is an audio file that sounds tinny and bright. Not a pleasant listening experience.
Room sound is important in all recording projects. Next week: tips and tricks for setting up your environment and equipment in ways that will give you the best possible sound.
