Instructions

Apply what you’ve learned by taking this skills test! This list of tasks will help you remember what was covered and make sure you’re recording the best sound possible.

Tasks

Mic distance

Take test recordings with the mic at different distances and angles from your mouth until you find the position that sounds nicest.

Audio levels

If your recording device lets you, set your audio levels to average between -12 and -6. You can also test using auto levels if you have them.

Location

Move around your location until you find the spot with the least echo — or bring thick, soft surfaces (like rugs or moving blankets) into a space you need to make work.

Background noise

Take recordings before and after you silence background noises like A/C, open windows, ice makers, etc.

Lav attachment

If you're using a lav mic, be sure it records clean sound (and stays in place) after you attach it.

Wind protection

If you're recording outdoors, test your mic before and after you put a wind screen on it (i.e., a foam or fuzzy cover). Also notice the trade-off between wind protection and unmuffled sound.

Review

Listen back to your test recordings with headphones and identify any problems you need to resolve like loud clothing or jewelry, tapping feet or fingers, hums and buzzes in the room, pronunciation pops, or mic disturbances.