soundFAQ-06

I am recording, but sounds are too loud /soft or distorted

Re-record, but with your mouth slightly further away, or closer to, the microphone.
If you need to breathe mid-recording, turn your head away from the microphone to avoid the noise of the breath intake
Adjust the gain control of the microphone using the adjustment bar in Wordshark:

Adjust the gain control of the microphone using the adjustment slider in Control Panel / Sound / Recording (choose the microphone you are using, if there is a choice) / Properties:
Under “Levels” adjust the slider to 100. You may need to adjust the “Microphone Boost” also, but this is usually clearest when set to 0.0dB.
Under “Enhancements” it is worth ticking “Noise Suppression” if you are hearing static “hiss” in the background, or “Echo Cancellation” if you have an echo from the speakers whilst recording.
Under “Advanced” select the highest quality (more bits, higher Hz)
SEE ALSO the hints for avoiding unwanted special effects on playback

I need some hints for making the clearest possible recordings

Internal, built-in, microphones will rarely produce as good a quality of recording as an external microphone, and will often pick up internal noise from the computer itself. If at all possible use an external microphone. Generally, quality improves with cost. However, do look for a microphone that is flagged as “Suitable for voice recognition”, unless you wish to sing your word - recordings Karaoke - style.
Depending on your soundcard, a USB microphone or a Jackplug microphone may produce better recordings. If possible, try both.
Ensure you are in a quiet and echo-free room, with a minimum of electrical interference
Speak slowly and clearly.
Check the wave form to ensure that your recordings are not under, or over, recorded:

Under- recorded: About right: Over- recorded:

Sound FAQ 06:

I am recording, but sounds are too loud / soft or distorted

I need some hints for making the clearest possible recordings