Sound Advice: Kissing Tape Goodbye

Does anyone really record analog audio on tape these days? Sure the pros are using DAT, but you might be surprised to find out how many different ways videographers gather audio for their productions. MiniDisc, camcorders, flash memory and even cassette tape are all real-world methods of collecting the audio bits needed for a video. Unfortunately, in addition to the original recording, each of these methods also require the additional step of capturing the audio into a computer for editing and placement in a video production.

What if you could eliminate this extra step and record the audio directly into the computer, saving time and maximizing quality? Well, you can and it's not as hard as it might seem. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of recording audio directly to your computer.

Listen To The Pros

Before we get into the hardware and software necessary for audio recording, let's take a minute to consider what you'll be recording and how it will be used in the finished video. One of the most common applications for audio recording is narration. Used in everything from travel videos to commercials, the voiceover is a staple of video productions and has its own set of rules. Listen closely to national advertising, how-to videos or documentaries. The narrator's voice is usually very forward and intimate, with very little or no additional effects such as reverb or delay. While you don't likely have a million-dollar studio to record your narration, you can use some of their techniques. By choosing a high-quality microphone and recording in the quietest, least reverberant room you can find, your recordings will sound much like their expensive counterparts. Walk-in closets, lined with sound-absorbent clothing, are perfect for recording voiceovers.