Virtual Participation
We are fortunate to be able to continue to share our gifts through the use of recording media.
How to record audio
Whether you are recording yourself speaking (scriptures, prayers, etc.) or a musical track for inclusion in a song, the principles of good recording are the same.
What you will need:
A Recording Device:
Fortunately, you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to make a good quality recording. Most smart phones and tablets have microphones capable of making perfectly adequate recordings. The following is a list of the most common devices and some of the best application choices for recording:
Fortunately, you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to make a good quality recording. Most smart phones and tablets have microphones capable of making perfectly adequate recordings. The following is a list of the most common devices and some of the best application choices for recording:
Type of Device |
Built-in app |
Preferred apps |
iOS (iPhone/iPad) |
Voice Memos |
Voice Record Pro (free app from App Store) [note: not the same as Voice Recorder Pro] |
Android (phones/tablets) |
Voice Recorder |
RecForge II - Audio Recorder (free app from Google Play) |
A Playback Device:
If you are recording a track to be included in a music recording, you will also most likely need a separate device to playback the reference recording. This can be any kind of device as long as it has headphones or earbuds. It is important that the reference recording NOT be heard in the track you are submitting.
If you are recording a track to be included in a music recording, you will also most likely need a separate device to playback the reference recording. This can be any kind of device as long as it has headphones or earbuds. It is important that the reference recording NOT be heard in the track you are submitting.
How to record a music track
What you will need
Important Tips:
- Practice with the reference recording several times before recording. It may take some time before you are ready to record.
- Sing / Play one time through and then review the recording to determine what changes you need to make.
- Are you too loud (distorting) or not loud enough (can't hear clearly)?
- Is there much reverb (echo) in the room? Try a room with more carpeting, rather than many hard surfaces.
- Listen to your surroundings. Are you hearing a fan, an air conditioner, or anything else? We only want YOU in the recording!
- Singing and Playing with headphones is a very different experience. You may need to spend some time singing/playing while wearing them to get used to it. You can try having them fairly loose, or one in/one out to see if that helps.
How to record a video
A Recording Device:
As with recording audio, you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to make a good quality recording. Not only do most smart phones and tablets have microphones capable of making perfectly adequate recordings, most computer mics are also suitable for recording spoken text. The following is a list of the most common devices and some of the best application choices for recording:
As with recording audio, you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to make a good quality recording. Not only do most smart phones and tablets have microphones capable of making perfectly adequate recordings, most computer mics are also suitable for recording spoken text. The following is a list of the most common devices and some of the best application choices for recording:
Type of Device |
Built-in App |
|
Mac |
Value |
|
PC |
Camera (Win 10) |
|
iOS (iPhone/iPad) |
Camera |
|
Android (phones/tablets) |
A camera support (for tablets/phones):
No matter how steady one's hands are, one runs the risk of making viewers seasick by holding the phone while recording video. A tripod is best; however, a book, a pillow, etc. will work in a pinch. Just be certain that whatever you are leaning the phone/tablet against is not obscuring the camera or the microphone.
No matter how steady one's hands are, one runs the risk of making viewers seasick by holding the phone while recording video. A tripod is best; however, a book, a pillow, etc. will work in a pinch. Just be certain that whatever you are leaning the phone/tablet against is not obscuring the camera or the microphone.
Recording Format
.MP4 is the preferred video format for our presentations. However, if you are not comfortable changing the settings in your app or .mp4 is not an option on your device, please feel free to send whatever type of file you can record.
.MP4 is the preferred video format for our presentations. However, if you are not comfortable changing the settings in your app or .mp4 is not an option on your device, please feel free to send whatever type of file you can record.
Best practices:
- Record in "landscape" (long edge on top and bottom) rather than "portrait" (long edge on sides). Remember, this will need to to fit on a television screen.
- Once you have started the recording, allow yourself two seconds or so to settle in before you start speaking. This will allow the video editor to be able to trim off the video of you reaching forward to turn the camera on, etc. Likewise, wait a couple of seconds after you finish speaking to reach forward to shut off the camera.
- If you have access to a "ring" light, using it in a slightly dimmed room can greatly enhance the video quality of your recording.
- If you are using a tripod or are otherwise able, positioning the camera at nose height to a few inches higher provide the most flattering results.
