There are numerous guides to recording all over the internet. Tips on how to record an electric guitar. The many different ways to record a drumset. Methods for recording the wind and the rain, dishes and customers who complain.
However, when recording audio stories, here are a few tips for recording peoples voices. Recording interviews, recording voice overs, and ideas to help equip everyone in the art of audio recording.
RECORDING A VOICE OVER
When setting up a microphone to record one person speaking, position the microphone 6-8 inches away from their mouth. Next, tilt the microphone so the person speaking just past the microphone. This will limit the amount of air blown in. Set the audio levels between -12 and -6 and watch for recording. Both Condenser and Dynamic microphones are effective for this.
Recommended microphones: MXL 990, Shure SM58, and the Electrovoice RE11. A dynamic cardioid, hypercardioid, or condenser microphone.
Recording Multiple People
Dynamic microphones are good for recording multiple people. Position each microphone 6 to 8 inches from each person and so they aren’t facing each other. Each recording space may require a different placement. Dynamic Microphones, like the RE20, SM58, or the Rode Podcaster have Null Zones, Test the audio levels for each person, and then record.
Street Intreviews
Sometimes street interviews can be an interesting way to add variety to a radio piece. Street interviews can provide authenticity and honesty to a piece. Try using a portable recording device such as a phone or a Zoom H4n, Smartphone, or other portable audio recording device to record these. Make sure to position the microphone to best capture the people speaking and use headphones to monitor the sound.
This is a project by Kulshan Community Media and the Whatcom Community Foundation.