Train the Trainer Part 3: Recording 101
Computer recording: There are many programs on your computer that can be used to record audio. From QuickTime on Macs and Voice Recorder on PC to downloadable software like OBS and Loom. There are too many options to go over each one, so the best we can recommend is to create a couple of sample recordings and check their quality. The benefit here is that if you’re recording your slides on screen, you can likely capture audio in the same program. We will be covering a couple of the programs we recommend as part of the Screen Capture section. Pictured below is Audacity, another free option for audio-only recording on your computer.
Camera recording: Many cameras have an audio jack that can accept a mic input. This will improve their audio quality over their default, built-in microphone. The benefit here is that your audio and video will all be in one place. This is a very simple method but doesn't always yield the best results. Unless you have a good-quality mic to hook into the camera, this may not be ideal as your sole audio source.
Phone recording: So long as your phone has an audio jack, you can plug in a microphone and begin recording to your phone. This is an easy system as every smartphone has a built-in audio recording app. If recording video on a dedicated camera and audio on your phone, be sure to double-check that both are recording before starting. It makes it very difficult to sync the good audio with the video if the video doesn't have audio.
Dedicated recorder: These can be pricey, but provide the best audio quality and can open you up to higher-quality mics that use XLR cables. They also offer more control of settings and thus can be complicated to use. Aside from these differences, they work in largely the same way as a phone. Plug the mic in, set the device to record, and hit the stop button when you're done. These are more professional, but cost more and have more complicated settings than other options. This is only recommended if you are familiar with such devices or are working with someone who is.
