Audio recording

Audio Recording
Thoughts before you start
1. What devices can I use to record audio?
  • Smartphone/tablet and external microphone
  • Laptop/PC and external microphone/headset
  • Dictaphone / mobile recorder
2. What do I have to consider when recording audio?
The goal is to produce a high quality recording that is characterized by high speech intelligibility, dry sound (no reverb) and the absence of noise, hiss or clipping.
The following points must be observed:
  • Choose the right recording room (strongly furnished rooms with low ceilings, curtains and carpets are suitable)
  • Select the correct recording level (avoid overmodulation)
  • In general, ensure a quiet environment (close windows, switch off humming or annoying electrical appliances, select a room without working colleagues, mute the telephone...)


Performing recording with my device
Regardless of which device you use to make your recording, please note the following:
  • Select the correct recording level. The level must not exceed the 0 dB limit, even in loud places, or enter the red area if color-coded. Recordings that are too quiet lead to "noise" when the volume is adjusted. Find an appropriate average level here.
  • When speaking, do not keep too much distance from the microphone
  • Speak into the front of the microphone (depending on the directional characteristic!)



First select your recording device:
To guarantee sufficient recording quality, the use of an external microphone is necessary. In our equipment list you will find a recommendation for a lavalier microphone and the required adapters depending on the input of your smartphone/tablet.
Mount the lavalier microphone at upper chest height. It is recommended that you wear clothing with a button facing like a shirt or blouse. Make sure that jewelry or hair does not touch the microphone. On the iPhone/iPad, you can use the "Voice Memos" app installed by default for recording (https://support.apple.com/de-de/guide/iphone/iph4d2a39a3b/ios). Smartphones and tablets with Android operating system have e.g. "Dikitergerät" apps (in the Google Play Store you can find several apps under the keyword "Dikitergerät").
Now adjust the recording volume of your microphone and check that it is used by your device and is not accidentally recorded with the built-in microphone. Then make a test recording and listen to it with headphones. If the test recording sounds clean, you can start with the correct recording.
Shorten the recording at the beginning and end so that it starts and ends cleanly. Then save your recording.
To guarantee sufficient recording quality, the use of an external microphone is necessary. In our equipment list you will find a recommendation for a lavalier microphone. You can also use a headset or condenser microphone with USB interface.
As recording software you can use the "online-voice-recorder", which does not require any installation, but can be called up via the browser. The free Audacity offers extended functions.
Check in the settings whether the connected microphone is used and adjust the recording volume of your microphone. Now make a test recording and listen to it with headphones. If the connected microphone is used in the test recording and sounds clean, you can start with the correct recording.
Shorten the recording at the beginning and end so that it starts and ends cleanly. Then save your recording.
When using mobile devices, first check the recommended recording direction. Usually, the front of the device is also the recording side. Make sure that you always speak into the front at the same angle, as many dictation machines/mobile recorders record in stereo. Use the MP3 format for your recording to keep the file size small and do not use the automatic level function, often called "Automatic Gain Control".
Adjust the recording volume, make a test recording and listen to it with headphones. If the test recording sounds clean, you can start with the correct recording. Then transfer your recording to your laptop/PC. If necessary, you can edit it, for example, with the free Audacity.
Suitability and intended use of audio in teaching
Audio in teaching is particularly well suited for...
  • a low-threshold simple format: e.g. direct approach
  • high flexibility: mobile use
  • a lower production effort compared to video productions
  • an increased acceptance with interviews/conversational partners
  • Live recordings of events as learning material (attention: data protection issues, noise, attention span)
Suitable applications of audio in teaching are...
  • the reconstruction of real situations through high authenticity and realism
  • the transport of emotions: evoking moods, conveying a real atmosphere and affective elements, e.g. passionate discussion or personal descriptions
  • for immediate, direct contact
  • for mobile use: flexible use (pay attention)
  • for repetition: Speak up the learning material yourself
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