1) Sound is measured in decibels (dB) using a VU meter, and sound louder than 0 dB becomes distorted. 2) When recording audio, keep VU levels between -12 and -6 dB to avoid distortion, listen with headphones, and minimize background noise. 3) Lavalier mics are hands-free and used for interviews, news anchors, and difficult scenes, while handheld mics are used for field reporting, interviews, and game shows. Shotguns are used for film shoots and location sound.

1. Audio Recording
Microphones and accessories used in media
production.

2. How is Sound Measured?
Volume of sound is measured in decibels (dB).
A VU (volume units) meter is used to measure the
decibels of a sound.
Sound that is louder than 0dB becomes distorted.
In the communications industry, when a sound is
distorted, or too loud, it is referred to as “hot” or
“overmodulated”.

3. Tips for Recording Good Sound
● When recording audio, try to keep your VU levels between -12 and -6
dB.
● Check your VU levels to make sure the audio you are recording isn’t
too “hot” or overmodulating.
● Use headphones to listen to the audio as you record it.
● Eliminate as much background noise as possible (close windows, shut
doors, turn off lights and/or electrical equipment to reduce excess
noise and/or buzzing.)
● Hold the mic close to your subject, pointed at their mouth.
● Have the person speak clearly and loudly.

4. Lavaliere (Lav) Mic
Hands-free (fastened to clothing with a clip)
Used for:
● Interviews
● News anchors
● In scenes that are hard to place a mic

5. Handheld Mic
Used for:
● Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
● Interviews
● Field Reporting
● Game Show Hosts

6. Holding the Microphone
You need to be careful not to hold mics too close to your mouth. The easiest way to
avoid this is to follow this advice:
1. Make a “hang loose” hand signal
2. Put your thumb on your chin, and then your
pinkie finger on the mic.
3. That’s the approximate distance to hold the
mic from your mouth.

7. Shotgun Mic
Used for:
● Film Shoots
● Location sound (sound not recorded in a
studio setting)
● Recording nature

8. Recording Accessories
Windscreen
Used to eliminate or
reduce wind sound,
and other ambient
sounds, during the
recording process.
Pop Filter
Used to minimize
plosives (pop-sounds
made while talking) in
the studio
environment.
Windscreen
Pop Filter

9. Recording Sound on an iPhone
1. Open the “Voice Memos” app located on the
iPhone
2. Tap the red record button to start recording
the voice or audio, when finished tap again
on the same button to stop recording
3. Click on the default name of the recording to
give it a new name.
4. You can click the three dots below the name
of the recording, and then click share to
email the files to yourself.

10. Recording Sound on an Android
There is no standard voice recorder app for Android. You may have a preinstalled
app ("Recorder," "Voice Recorder," "Memo," "Notes," etc.), or you may have to
download one.
The recording interface will be different for every app, so this is just a general guide:
1. Launch your voice recording app.
2. Tap the Record button to start a new recording.
3. Point the bottom of your Android phone towards the audio source.
4. Tap the Pause button to pause recording, and tap the Stop button to finish
your recording.
5. Tap the Share button to send the recording using one of your messaging
apps.