This document provides tips for using mobile devices to record audio. It recommends using the phone's camera and microphone for audio recording since they are always accessible. It advises minimizing noise during recordings by monitoring sound levels, choosing quiet locations, and using an external microphone if needed. The document also recommends using audio recording apps like Voice Record Pro and Field Recorder and putting the phone in airplane mode to avoid interruptions. Most importantly, it stresses the importance of practice to improve mobile audio recording skills.
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11. 1.5 Use an external mic.
Standard TRS mic with TRRS adapter cable
Adapters: Rode SC3 ($15), Startech ($6)
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Sennheiser ClipMic and MKE 2 Digital
(coming soon iOS only)
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12. 2. Use the right app(s).
iOS
Voice Record Pro
Android
Field Recorder
Android
Smart Voice Recorder
13. 3. Turn on airplane mode.
(disable notifications)
#6: Noise is any sound that exists in your recording environment that you dont want included in your recording. This can include traffic, appliances, fans, passers-by, echoes from the flloors & walls, wind and other weather, etc. It is difficult to eliminate noise, but you can do a variety of things to minimize it.
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/intermundia/8189606663/
#7: Our brains do a pretty good job filtering out background noise so that we can focus on what we want to hear. For this reason, is not always easy for us to pick up on the noise around us. The best way to tune into any noise around us, and determine what is getting picked up by our recording, is by using a pair of headphones to monitor the sound. There are two ways to do this. The first is simply to make a brief recording, then listen to the results. The second way is to use a special adapter that allows you plug in both a microphone and a pair of headphones.
#8: One of the key mantras in marketing is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Well, it holds true for audio recording as well. If possible, find a place that is as free as possible from distracting noise. This includes the kinds of echoes & reverberations that you might experience in some rooms, especially those with hard floors or little furniture. A clothes closet can work well, especially if carpeted, because the clothes will help prevent echoes. Cars can also be an option since the cabins are designed to minimize noise.
Image source: http://wackymania.com/image/2011/1/wrong-place-in-wrong-time/wrong-place-in-wrong-time-10.jpg
#9: On most mobile devices, the mic is at the bottom of your phone. Hold your phone like you would a microphone, bottom up.
#10: A wind screen can be very helpful in dampening noise, especially that from wind. It can dramatically improve the quality of your recording if there is a whipping wind, even if it is just light.
#11: External mics can be used very effectively to capture good audio. It is possible with certain Android devices to use a USB mic. That is a bit more complicated than it is worth for most peoples needs, however. Another option is to use a special mic designed to work with mobile devices. Mobiles use a
#12: External mics can be used very effectively to capture good audio. It is possible with certain Android devices to even use a USB mic. That is a bit more complicated than it is worth for most peoples needs, however. Another option is to use a special mic designed to work with mobile devices. Mobiles use a
#13: All apps are not created equal. Ideally you want an app that will allow you to control some basic audio settings. This can make the difference between absolutely crummy audio and nice, clean audio that people will enjoy listening to. Always record with the highest possible settings if you have the space to do so: WAV instead of MP3 (compressed), 44.1 kHz, etc.
Android: Smart Voice Recorder, Easy Voice Recorder, Field Recorder, Rec Forge
#15: This may seem a bit silly, but blankets make fantastic ad hoc sound studios. Grab a light (so you can see your text), climb under the covers, and hit record! Note that this is only for voice-overs and similar audio where you want more of a clear, studio sound (for lots of recording situations, you may want some ambient noise to get picked up by the recording as it helps give your sound texture and context).
#17: A wind screen can be very helpful in dampening noise, especially that from wind. It can dramatically improve the quality of your recording if there is a whipping wind, even if it is just light.