Creating Studio-Quality Audio on a Budget

Presented by Jeff GraunkeChicago e-Learning and Technology Showcase

August 16, 2011

Introduction What does your audio sound like?

Shortwave radio AM Radio FM radio CD

Recording Process Write Script Select Voice Talent Selecting a Location Record Audio Edit Audio Files

Write the Script Saves Time Script = written road map Read it aloud Make Copies for everyone to follow

along Larger Font Size (14+ pts) Take Notes

Select Voice Talent Outgoing Clear voice Familiar with Material Alternate Male and Female Recruit coworkers

Location, Location, Location Find the quietest room possible Beware of:

AC/Heat vents Outside Traffic Ringing Phones Noisy neighbors Buzzing lights Humming printers

Recording Session Make it fun Later in the morning (voices warm

up) Water for everyone!! Stand Tall Spotter Set up early Save early, Save often!!

Hardware (Studio in a Box - $558)

USB Microphones Samson CU01** Snowball Snowflake

Mic stand Pop Filter Acoustic Panels

Recording Studio in a Box

Recording Studio in a Box Less than $599 Microphone $99 – Samson CU01

Condenser USB mic. Mic Stand $25 - The floor stand

allows great flexibility. The narrator can sit or stand.

Pop filter $35 - You need this to eliminate the popping of the "P" sounds.

Acoustic Panels $399 - Reduce/eliminate the echoes and absorb stray sounds.

Software - Audacity It’s Free Multi-track digital recording and

editing tool www.audacity.soundforge.com

Wiki, Forum, other Resources VST Enabler – allows use of plug-

ins. LAME MP3 Encoder –create MP3s

On Air Any volunteers?

Tips & Tricks I Get a good microphone Changing Mic volume:

Volume Options Properties In Mixer Device field, select Microphone &

click OK Volume popup displays

Record a sample and Listen to it Stay away from outside rooms

near high traffic roads

Tips & Tricks II Vary voices. Use male and female

voices for better voice texture. Save early, Save often (It’s

Chicago) Backup files Make a copy of original file for

editing Record first, edit second

Summary Invest in good audio hardware Find a quite place Write a script Pick your talent Use Audacity

Questions Do you have any questions?

Graunke Consulting, Inc is a Chicago-area based consulting firm specializing in eLearning development.

Visit us at: www.graunkeconsulting.com

Company founder Jeff Graunke is an executive, trainer, instructional designer, project manager and writer with more than 20 years experience in the areas of writing, training and computer systems.

Contact Jeff at: jeff@graunkeconsulting.com