Tips For Recording - Zoom H4n Instructions Manual

TIPS FOR RECORDING

Before the Recording
• Double check your recorder and the functions you're gonna need
(Do you have everything? Extra batteries? Do you need a tripod?).
• Use wind screen/pop screen for indoor and outdoor mics
• Outdoor interview: avoid busy roads, construction sites, crowds of
people and other unwanted sources of noise/don't record in their
direction.
• Indoor interview: try to find a quiet spot and avoid background noi-
ses like computers, fridges, neon lights, coffee makers etc.
• Try to help your interviewee be less nervous and get over their fear
of microphones in a pre-interview chat.
• Hold the mic the right way, tie a loop into the cable so it doesn't
flap around.
During the Recording
• Be sure to wear headphones for optimal control during recording
(Remember, you are also the director!), this is the only way you'll be
able to identify background noises.
• Double check if the device is actually recording.
• Always keep an eye on equipment, sound quality and volume!
Too loud: clipping causes heavy distortions, making the audio useless.
Too quiet: when you enhance the volume during the editing process,
you'll get noise.
• Adapt the use of the mic to the situation and never hand it over to
someone else.
• Maintain eye contact and nod etc, don't react with sounds or com-
ments ("mmmmh", "yes of course", "really?").
• Each place has its own ambience! It can often be useful for the edi-
ting process to record 30 seconds of room sound before starting the
interview.
Digital Recorders / Seite 10