Suggestions for how to record good voice audio

[simon43]

Mods, please move this post if you think it's in the wrong sub-forum!

 

Yonks ago, one of the first qualifications that I obtained was a certificate in 'Sound Studio Recording Techniques' from North London Polytechnic.  Well, although I'm a scientist and often teach about sound energy etc, I'd like some advice as to how I can obtain good voice audio that I will use for my little educational charity work in Myanmar, which provides video and audio content to local school-teachers and their students, so that they are better-equipped when they teach/learn English.

 

I use Filmora for editing my content files, and the video part is not as important as the audio part.  The audio content consists of myself reading various English words and sentences that match with the video.  So it's very important that my pronunciation is clear (no Scouse accents please!), and also that the actual audio recording is clear.

 

Previously, I simply used to record the voice files using my mobile phone, then import the file into Filmora and then edit/trim it etc.

 

In a few weeks, I will move into a small condo at Jomtien Beach, which I propose to use as my 'base' between my regular trips into Myanmar - I visit various orphanages/schools etc and assist local teachers to access my free content. I regulary record new files that are then uploaded to my webserver and can then be downloaded either directly from the 'web', or (more user-friendly), using my free android App

 

So I thought it a good idea to create a small audio recording 'corner' in my condo which will provide a good environment for decent audio voice recording.

 

I'd very much appreciate your advice about what I would need to do to create this space.  I'm thinking about:

- Build a little 'box' with sound-absorbing tiles to minimise echo.  Good idea or not?

- Use the correct microphone for the purpose. What kind of microphone etc? (Bear in mind that my work is totally non-profit and self-financed, so no $1,000 microphones!)

- Microphone shields etc??

- Recording hardware/software.  Should I just connect my microphone to Windows Voice Recorder or Zoom record function? Or perhaps use a simple audio mixer to adjust the input levels, equaliser etc

 

The aim is to create a voice file that is as clear as possible, so that the local Burmese teachers and their students can clearly hear the word/phrase being pronounced.

 

Thanks for advice 🙂