SPM Recording Checklist

checklist.md

Recording checklist

(read through this article for a detailed explanation of the steps)

• 🏠 room
  • minimal ambient noise
  • not standing close to hard surfaces (desks, walls, etc)
  • not standing in the exact center of the room
• 🎙️ microphone
  • if you're using a multi-pattern mic like the Blue Yeti, make sure that it is in cardioid (directional) mode:
  • 📱 (smartphone only) know where the microphone is
  • on a stand or otherwise held in place
  • around chest level, pointed up at your chin at a 45 degree angle
  • 5 inches (about a fist with a thumbs up) away from your mouth
• 🔴 recording
  • software/app recording settings (detailed instructions for iPhone and Android):
    • Format: lossless .wav or .aiff or .flac.

      ⚠️ Double check this setting!

      The following lossy formats will not work, and you will have to re-record: .m4a, .mp3, .aac, etc.

    • Sample Rate: 48000Hz/48KHz (44100Hz/44.1kHz is acceptable, but not preferred)

      🖥️ If you're using Audacity, change the default sample rate under Edit > Preferences > Quality, but also the Project Rate in the bottom left of the window.

    • Bit Depth: 24 bit (16 bit is acceptable, and the only option on Android)
    • 📱 (smartphone only) Microphone selection: rear/camera
    • Turn OFF these settings if present:
      • limiter, compression or automatic gain control
      • echo cancellation or noise suppression
  • hardware recording settings:
    • set input level/microphone gain correctly
      • with level meters: peak at or below -12dB
      • with peak LED: peak adjusted to about 20% below flashing
• 🎧 evaluating
  • sounds good listening back over headphones
• 📫 sending
  • name your files "your name - song title - voice part (S1/A2/etc) - section verse/part number take take number.wav"

Added a lot more notes as issues have cropped up:

• yeti has to be in cardioid mode:
• audacity needs sample rate changed in "Project Rate" in bottom left corner