What do I need?

[John2243]

I'm a writer and know nothing about recording, but would like to make an audio book. Since the recording will consist of several short stories, I would like each story to have its own track and be easy to access. What do I need to accomplish this?

 

[javierf55]

Hi,

You can do it in two ways but that depends on the quality of the end result.

1. You can buy a portable digital recorder like a Tascam DR-07MKII or a ZOOM H2n (just released) or any other simmilar recorder.

2. Buy an audio interface and a microphone like m-audio M-AUDIO - Fast Track - Record Guitar and Vocals on Your Computer and a shure sm57 or sm58 microphone.

IF your needs are just for vocals, then this is a good alternative for you. M-AUDIO - Avid® Vocal Studio - Easily Record Vocals Like a Pro

Hope this helps.

 

[thisispaulbrown]

Hi John,
It's a very simple task. If you're recording a voice solely, you could use the Samson C01u Condensor Microphone. This is ideal for you because it does not require an audio interface. It's a usb microphone, and comes with the usb cable to connect directly to your laptop / desktop. They retail new for around £70 on amazon.

In terms of software to use, i'd recommend Adobe Audition 3.0. However, if you don't want to shell out for a program like this, (which is very worthwhile) you can find plenty of alternative freewares on google for the task you're doing.

Good luck & Regards.

 

[musicmachine]

Go with the Avid vocal studio like suggested or another option is to buy an under $100 USB mic & get either Mixcraft 5 (windows only) or Reaper for software.

 

[roundhill]

Maybe do it at a local studio? You would get a better product.

 

[Armistice]

If you do it yourself, don't forget you'll need a mic stand and pop filter - you won't be wanting to use a hand-help microphone to do serious voice work....

Depending upon how much money you want to throw at it, I'd also avoid USB microphones... useful for podcasting perhaps, but I've heard some pretty rough podcasts... and you want this to be a proper book then you probably don't want people distracted by flaws in the audio when you're reading your stories...