The document covers audio production basics, including various recording options and formats, such as direct-to-computer microphones and handheld recorders. It emphasizes the importance of microphone placement and techniques to minimize unwanted sounds, like plosives and ambient noise, including the use of windscreens. General tips are provided for achieving optimal recording conditions and sound quality.

1. Audio Production Basics
Presented by
Brett Atwood

2. Audio Recording Options
• Direct-to-Computer Microphone
• Smartphone Recording Apps
• Handheld Recorder

3. Audio Recording Format
• What file format does your audio format save
in?
• Audacity supports .wav, .aiff and .mp3
– Note: For .mp3 format, Audacity users have to
install the free LAME plugin

4. Popping the “P’s”
• Announcing words that emphasize p, b, or t
sounds naturally produce a sharp puff of air
• This can result in a pop or thumb in your
recording if you speak too close to the
microphone
• A windscreen on the mic can help

5. Windscreens
• Foam ball-shaped
accessory for the
microphone
• Used to reduce
unwanted sounds

6. Microphone Pickup Patterns

7. General Mic Tips
• Get your microphone as close to the source as
possible.
• Even directional microphones pick up a little
sound from most directions, so the closer the
better - as long as you're not getting negative
effects (plosives, mouth noises, etc)

8. General Mic Tips
• Eliminate the Competition: Think about the OTHER
sounds in the room where you are recording. Two main
sources of unwanted sound are:
– noise : this can be the noisy air conditioner, traffic outside,
crowds in the hall.
– ambience : may be the "live nature" of the room you're in,
the unwanted echo.
• Do what you can to eliminate the problem and place
your mic as close to your subject as possible.