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Studio Setup

To record voices with minimal background noise, we must set up set up our mobile recording studio correctly. Here are the steps you need to know to make your voice recording at home.

Video Guide​

Watch Amanda explain the setup in the following video:

Setup Steps​

Here is a description of the exact steps to follow:

1) Make sure you have the following components​

  • FocusRite (red box) – plugs into computer via USB drive
  • Amplifier (black box) - connects to power, to FocusRite, and to microphone via 3 separate cables
  • Microphone – plugs into amplifier
  • Microphone stand – holds microphone with pop filter in front of microphone
  • Foam surround for microphone – goes behind microphone in a semi-circle facing the speaker
  • ABAIR MacbookAir computer

2) Set your room up with the following​

  • As little noise as possible! No open windows, running water, clicking/running radiators, barking dogs, baaing sheep, etc.
  • Close curtains on the windows of the room, set up sound boards to eliminate as many bare, flat walls as possible around the speaker
  • A soft surface on the table (blanket, tablecloth, jacket… something to keep the sound from bouncing off a hard surface)

3) Order of operations for setup​

  • Make sure all is in place to have the room as quiet as possible (see above)
  • Connect amplifier to power via power cord.
  • Connect microphone cable to Amplifier and microphone, set up microphone in the stand.
  • Connect amplifier to FocusRite.
  • Connect FocusRite to computer.
  • Set up microphone in stand with pop filter, approximately 16cm from speaker’s mouth.
  • Ensure there is a light on in the Focusrite box – this will ensure it is picking up information from the computer and is on.
  • Plug headphones into the jack in the bottom right of the Focusrite (if you want them)
  • Open the computer and turn on/log in (Passat4074 is the password).
  • Open the SpeechRecorder app.