4 Ways To Avoid Story-Loss

The holiday season provides opportunities for family members and friends to gather. Often our gatherings include story-telling sessions, which can be highly entertaining and informative. Who knew that grandma used to play electric guitar in a rock band and grandpa once planted a thousand trees in Belgium? Stories are how we understand the world. We can learn a lot about ourselves and each other during holiday storytelling sessions.

Once we’ve returned to our everyday routines, however, we often forget the details of those important stories. And if no one records the stories, they may be lost forever. Don’t let story-loss happen to you!

Here are four simple ways to make audio recordings.

1.      Use an app on your phone or tablet. An online search using the phrase “best phone apps for audio recording” will deliver a plethora of helpful information. After you’ve chosen and downloaded an app, you’ll need to decide where to place your phone during the recording session. The best option is to use a tripod with a smartphone or tablet tripod mount. The second-best option is a phone or tablet holder that sits on or attaches to a tabletop. Just be sure not to touch the table because, if you do, that <thud> sound will be on your recording. You can also hold your phone or tablet pointed toward the person you’re recording, using it like a hand-held microphone. Be aware, however, that any time you move your hand, that sound will be on your recording.

2.      Plug a USB microphone into your laptop. You can buy a decent USB microphone online or in your local electronics store for between $25 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.

3.      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.

 4.      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 options, you’ll need a good pair of headphones. Of course, you can record without headphones, but you won’t be able to hear and avoid recording 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. Click here to find out how to set up your room for the best possible sound quality.

Have fun recording stories, and Happy Holidays!