How To Record Better Audio Using Your Phone

May 27, 2021
Audio w/ Phone 2

You don't need access to an expensive microphone to record quality audio. All you need is your phone. We often forget all of the things phones are capable of doing such as recording audio. Here are simple tips to get fantastic results with these hand-held marvels.

  • Turn off your alert features - before you press record, turn off all things that could interrupt the recording. This includes calls, calendar alerts, text messaging, and reminder alarms.
  • Make sure you have a full battery - you do not want to risk running out of battery while recording audio content. Charge your phone battery before you record. Plus, if you're capturing audio in the field, bring a portable charger with you. This is a simple thing to do but something many take for granted.
Audio w/ Phone 4

 

  • Place the device close to the sound source - when recording audio with your phone, place the device as close as possible to the source of the sound. Also, don't forget to face the phone's microphone in the direction of the sound.
  • Consider downloading a recording app - not all phones are created equal. In some instances, you might want to download an app like Hokusai Audio Editor, which records uncompressed or compressed audio and has a multi-track editor.
  • Incorporate an external microphone - an external microphone gives you more flexibility about where you can place your phone. Plus, the external microphone does not have to be a lavalier or boom mic. You can simply use wired headphones with a built-in microphone. Just remember to place the microphone closest to the source of the sound to ensure high-quality sound. 

For more information about recording audio with your phone join us on June 11th for iPhone Podcasting. Plus, visit mnn.org/learn to check our our upcoming summer courses.