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 🙂

[recom273]

Just to let you know my budget teaching setup .. FYI, I just wanted a mic that I could use with a mixer, so wanted an XLR rather than a USB mic and I ended up with a Maono PD100 Podcasting mic, I think it's more than OK. They have other mics that may suit, but the PD100 suited my budget. 

 

I use a fifine low profile mic stand, this isnt too important to you - and I bought a fifine ampligame, this is probably the weakest link, probably generates a bit of hiss but I needed something to manage the headphone volume manually when moving between different students and times of the day.

 

Thai apartments are pretty bad for sound recording, I have foam panels in my room which I made, and a woolen rug - but quality isnt so important to me - I have heard of people who do voiceovers using duvets or up ending mattresses - or both and making a little makeshift recording booth,

 

Software - always audacity https://www.audacityteam.org I think they had a recent big update - you can mix down your vocals there, by tweaking the levels and adding compression. 

 

Really i'm happy with the mic and would recommend it for a little over 1000B. Comes with a desk stand too.

 

[recom273]

Fifine, also make some mics that may suit. I spent a few days watching YouTube videos and deciding upon mine based upon budget, but you may find that a fifine mic in your price range may be a better bet. You might even be better with a USB mic, straight into your laptop, and using a software mixer - then polishing the recording with audacity