Remote Recording. Why You Need A Checklist

A remote recording session can quickly become frustrating if you forget to bring something you need. Beyond frustration, however, is the possibility that you’ll have to cancel the session, or delay while you make a trip to retrieve the missing thing or purchase it at a nearby store. And a cancelled or delayed session will likely be irritating to your interviewee(s) or client.

That’s why a checklist is crucial.

A checklist allows you to do a quick pre-departure inventory, and then arrive on location full of confidence, ready for success.

Here’s my list:

• Digital recorder or computer, ideally both.

• Spare digital recorder. A small, single-mic recorder that you can use as a backup if your primary recorder goes wonky.

• Microphones — one for each person you’ll record and a spare.

• Microphone cables — one for each microphone and several spares. Be sure you have a variety of long and short cables so that a short cable doesn’t limit your ideal set-up configuration.

• Mic stands — one for each person you’ll record. It’s best to take both tabletop and floor stands, even if you think you won’t need both. Sometimes the room’s acoustics or outdoor environment isn’t what you anticipated.

• Studio-quality headphones. Never record without a good set of headphones.

• Adaptors for each microphone and recorder outputs. A few examples of adaptors you might need are mini to ¼-inch or ¼-inch to mini, XLR to ¼-inch or ¼-inch to XLR, ¼-inch or XLR to USB.

• Extension cord — 6 to 25 feet in length, depending on location and distance of electrical outlets.

• Power strip with 4 or more outlets.

• Extra Batteries for any device that runs on batteries.

• Power cords for digital recording devices and computer.

• Recording space information — space size, acoustics, furniture, walls, windows, potential noise sources (What time does the train go by?), etc. It’s best to go there ahead of time, if possible.

You might also need:

• Wi-Fi hotspot. If you’re recording with a computer using an online subscription software, or if one or more of your participants is joining the interview on Zoom or another online service, you’ll need to be connected to the Internet. Don’t assume that you’ll have access to fast, secure Wi-Fi. Be sure by asking questions beforehand. Even if you think you know, packing a Wi-Fi hotspot will give you peace of mind and a backup plan.

• Charger cables for your phone and tablet.

Why pack extra recorders, microphones, and cables? Because equipment sometimes fails. You must be ready to replace faulty equipment and cables so you can get the recording done without rescheduling. (By the way, scheduling, rescheduling, and communicating about scheduling will usually eat up more project time than the actual recording session.)

How to carry it?

Its best to keep all your equipment in one container. A large backpack or a small roller bag is ideal for carrying everything except floor microphone stands. You can find sturdy backpacks and roller bags at office supply outlets like Staples and Office Depot. A zip-up pouch for small pieces — adaptors, jump drives, small connector cables, etc. — is also a good idea.

The last item on your check list is this:

• Practice, practice, practice setting up and using any new equipment before you arrive on location. Practice is essential if you want to experience a low-stress, successful remote recording session.

So, practice, check your list, and then sally forth with confidence to capture some fascinating audio.