A host downloads a recording and finds that a participant’s audio sounds too loud or distant. This article explains what causes this, how to reduce its impact on your existing files, and how to avoid it in future recordings.
In this article:
What This Issue Looks Like
After recording, a participant’s audio files (MP3 or WAV) sound very quiet, even when played at normal volume. The voice may be difficult to hear compared to other participants or may sound distant. This usually becomes apparent when listening to the downloaded files, not necessarily during the live recording session.
Who This Affects
This issue can affect either a host or a guest. The host notices it after recording when listening to the downloaded recording files.
What Causes This Issue
The audio being too quiet or distant is usually tied to how the participant’s microphone was configured and positioned during recording. If the signal being captured by the mic is too weak, the result is audio that lacks volume or clarity.
This most frequently happens when:
Microphone input volume or gain set too low
Input volume sets how much of your mic’s signal the computer uses. Gain controls how much the mic amplifies your voice before it reaches your computer. If either is set too low, the audio may be recorded too quietly.
Microphone positioned too close to the speaker’s mouth
When a microphone is placed far from the mouth, especially if it’s far off to the side, the voice isn’t recorded at a high enough level.
Who Should Take Action
The person whose track was recorded too quietly (host or guest) should follow the preventive recommendations below before their next recording. If the issue is already present in the recorded files, the host should take the steps outlined to address it during editing.
What To Do If The Issue Already Happened
If a participant’s audio was recorded too quietly, the next step is to edit the file. While editing can help raise the overall volume, there are limits. Amplifying also raises background noise. Also, if the original signal is too weak, some detail may still be lost.
You have two editing options:
Edit with Zencastr
You can run the recording through Zencastr Editing. The built-in audio enhancements apply loudness normalization and leveling and raise low-volume sections to a more consistent level. If you plan to do further editing elsewhere, you’ll have the option to download either a single combined file or separate enhanced tracks. Results will vary depending on how quiet the original recording was and how much background noise was present.Use External Editing Software
Alternatively, you can download the original or enhanced tracks and use an external audio editor to apply filters like EQ and compression to improve the sound. However, raising the volume may also raise background noise, and extremely quiet sections may not sound natural even after editing.
How To Prevent This Issue Next Time
To avoid overly quiet or hard-to-hear audio in future recordings, each participant should follow these best practices:
1. Recommendation One: (Host or Guest) Position the Microphone Properly
Placing your mic correctly helps ensure your voice is captured clearly and strongly.
Keep the microphone 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) from your mouth.
Angle the mic slightly off to the side instead of directly in front.
2. Recommendation Two: (Host or Guest) Adjust Microphone’s Input Volume or Gain
Input volume and mic gain affect how loudly your voice is recorded.
To change the input volume on your computer:
Click the Apple menu on your computer.
Select System Settings.
On the left sidebar, click Sound.
Under ‘Output and Input’, click Input.
Select the microphone from the list of inputs.
Adjust the input volume slider.
Speak into the properly placed microphone and check the input levels.
Aim for a range between halfway and two-thirds of the meter.*
Click the Start menu on your computer.
Click Settings.
Click System.
Click Sound.
Under ‘Input’, select the microphone.
Under ‘Input Settings’, adjust the input volume slider to a range between 50 and 70.*
*These ranges are general guidelines. Since ideal levels can vary by mic, the best way to confirm is by doing a short test recording.
Additionally, if your microphone has a physical gain knob, adjust it until your voice sounds full but not distorted.
3. Recommendation Three: (Host) Invest in A Mic Stand or Boom Arm
If you regularly record, consider investing in a mic stand or boom arm. It helps keep your mic at the correct distance consistently, even if you move around while speaking.