How to capture great audio with a smartphone or tablet?

In recent years, smartphones have become an increasingly popular tool for recording audio. With the improvement in the quality of microphones and the availability of various audio recording apps, it is now possible to capture high-quality audio using just your smartphone. Whether you are a journalist, podcaster, or filmmaker, having the ability to record clear and crisp audio on the go can be a game-changer. In this blog, we will discuss some tips and tricks for capturing great audio with your smartphone.

1 – Find a quiet space

The first step to capturing great audio is to find a quiet space. Background noise can be very distracting and can ruin an otherwise great recording. Try to find a space that is free from any noise or disturbances, such as a quiet room or a park.  If finding such an environment is not possible, use a very directional microphone.  A microphone with a super-cardioid, or hyper-cardioid pickup pattern will be ideal.  Some, not all microphones advertised as being “shotgun microphones” will have these pickup patterns.

2 – Use an external microphone

While most smartphones come with built-in microphones, they may not always be of the best quality. To capture better audio, you can consider investing in an external microphone that can be connected to your smartphone. There are many types of external microphones available in the market, ranging from clip-on microphones to directional microphones. The type of microphone you choose will depend on the kind of recording you are doing.  This is such an important topic that we created a separate article to discuss “How to use an external microphone with a smartphone“.

3 – Position your microphone correctly

When using an external microphone, it is important to position it correctly. The microphone should be placed as close to the source of the sound as possible. For example, if you are recording an interview, the microphone should be placed close to the person speaking. This will help to eliminate any background noise and capture clear and crisp audio.

4 – Use a windscreen

When recording outdoors, wind can be a major issue when it comes to capturing clear audio. To prevent wind noise from ruining your recording, you can use a windscreen. A windscreen is a foam cover that fits over your microphone and helps to reduce wind noise.

5 – Use a recording app

While the built-in recording app on your smartphone may be adequate for some recordings, there are many third-party recording apps available that offer additional features and controls. Some of these apps allow you to adjust the volume, bitrate, and other settings to optimize your recording. Some popular recording apps include Voice Memos, iRig Recorder 3, GarageBand, and RecForge II.

6 – Monitor your audio levels

It is important to monitor your audio levels while recording to ensure that your audio is not too loud or too soft. Most recording apps have a built-in audio level meter that can help you to monitor your levels. You can adjust the gain on your external microphone to ensure that your levels are optimal.

7 – Edit your recording

Once you have captured your audio, it is important to edit it to remove any unwanted noise or disturbances. There are many editing apps available that allow you to trim your recording, adjust the volume levels, and remove background noise. Some popular editing apps include Audacity, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, capturing great audio with your smartphone is possible with a few simple tips and tricks. By finding a quiet space, using an external microphone, positioning it correctly, using a windscreen, using a recording app, monitoring your audio levels, and editing your recording, you can capture high-quality audio on the go. Whether you are a journalist, podcaster, or filmmaker, having the ability to capture clear and crisp audio can make a significant difference in the quality of your final product.

‍