Photo by: ValleFrias via Canva
Alright, let’s set the stage (or, in this case, studio!). For those who read part one of this blog, you should have everything ready to start off your recording space. You’ve got your microphone and pop filter, and you’ve found a good spot to record away from any hustle and bustle. What’s next?
Get in position! You’ll want to stay as close to your microphone as possible without getting any pops. Your filter will help with that! Record a few takes in different positions to find where you are most comfortable and get the best sound. Make sure it’s a position you can stay in for a length of time—try as we might, we tend to move around when we’re not comfortable!
Take your time testing out different positions and adjusting your space. If you’ve gathered some soft items like blankets, cardboard, or foam to dampen your sound, continue to adjust until the recording sounds just right. When in doubt, have a friend listen to your tests and get their feedback.
Next step: hydration! You will find your mouth and throat drying out as you record, so make sure to have plenty of water close by. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend anything carbonated or with a straw, as both can produce excess gas that you may not enjoy editing later. Make sure to turn away from the mic when sipping and try not to reach for water until the take is finished.
Now, onto one of the most important elements for your editing process: room tone. Did you know that all rooms sound a little bit different depending on the layout and who’s in them? Try as you might, you may not be able to replicate the exact conditions of your recording space if you need to record more later. Additionally, you may need to fill gaps or create spaces in the recording. This is where room tone will save you! Simply record 30-60 seconds of quiet in your space. Trust me, you’ll need it!
Finally, make sure to listen to your recording as you go. This can be a challenge for many, as it’s natural to dislike the sound of your own voice. The only way through it, unfortunately, is through it. Listen to your recordings to get a sense of any small adjustments that need to be made. You may find you’re not pausing long enough at the beginning of a sentence, or maybe you tend to take a deep breath before launching into a longer chunk of text that might be hard to edit. Although it may be a bit painful at first, I can tell you that it’s much better to find these things out when you’re still able to record, rather than in the editing room.
By using these tips, you’ll be an expert at recording high quality audio for your e-learning course. Happy recording!
If you’re designing an e-learning course, you’ll also need to know how to select presentation and application methods, along with suitable media, that will engage your learners and increase retention. Check out the Instructional Design for e-Learning workshop to find out more.
