Audio recording is an incredibly important skill for anyone in the music industry, whether you’re a voice-over artist, musician, audio engineer, or producer. Knowing how to record great audio is essential for creating high-quality music and sound. Unfortunately, there are many common mistakes that people make when recording audio which can lead to subpar results. To ensure you’re getting the best results possible, here are four things to avoid when recording audio.
1. Not Properly Preparing the Space
Before you even hit record, it’s important to make sure that your recording space is prepared properly. You’ll want to make sure you have the right acoustic treatments for your room and that the space is clean and free of any outside noise. If you’re recording in a particularly reverberant room, you may want to consider using acoustic foam or other sound paneling to help reduce the echo. White noise machines can also be helpful for canceling out the low-frequency rumble of a room.
2. Drinks That Aren’t Water
Water is the only beverage you should be consuming while recording. Drinks with sugar or caffeine can lead to a dry mouth and cause your vocal performance to suffer. Even if you don’t think it affects your performance, these drinks can still leave behind residue on the microphone, which can lead to clogging and poor sound quality. If in case you have to have something other than water, you could have some honey and warm water to keep your vocal cords in good shape.
3. Not Checking Your Levels
It’s essential to make sure that your levels are set properly before you start recording. If the levels are too low, it can lead to a distorted and muddy sound; if the levels are too high, you can end up with clipped audio, which cannot be recovered. Make sure to check your levels and adjust accordingly before you start recording. You should also double-check after each take to make sure that everything is still set correctly. Additionally, with the help of a voice acting coach, you can also gain knowledge on setting the right levels.
4. Recording with Bad Equipment
Having the right equipment is essential for getting good results when recording audio. Investing in higher-quality microphones, preamps, and other gear will help ensure you’re getting the best sound possible. Don’t rely on cheap and outdated gear, as this will often lead to poor sound quality. It is also important to maintain your equipment regularly to make sure everything is in good working order.
To Sum It Up
Recording audio can be a tricky process, but with these tips in mind, you should be able to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Make sure to properly prepare your room, avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, check your levels frequently, and invest in good quality gear. With these steps taken, you’re sure to have great-sounding recordings. Happy recording!
