1. Creating Studio-Quality Audio on a Budget Presented by Jeff Graunke Chicago e-Learning and Technology Showcase August 16, 2011

2. Introduction What does your audio sound like? Shortwave radio AM Radio FM radio CD

3. Recording Process Write Script Select Voice Talent Selecting a Location Record Audio Edit Audio Files

4. Write the Script Saves Time Script = written road map Read it aloud Make Copies for everyone to follow along Larger Font Size (14+ pts) Take Notes

5. Select Voice Talent Outgoing Clear voice Familiar with Material Alternate Male and Female Recruit coworkers

6. Location, Location, Location Find the quietest room possible Beware of: AC/Heat vents Outside Traffic Ringing Phones Noisy neighbors Buzzing lights Humming printers

7. Recording Session Make it fun Later in the morning (voices warm up) Water for everyone!! Stand Tall Spotter Set up early Save early, Save often!!

8. Hardware (Studio in a Box - $558) USB Microphones Samson CU01** Snowball Snowflake Mic stand Pop Filter Acoustic Panels

9. Recording Studio in a Box

10. Recording Studio in a Box Less than $599 Microphone$99 – Samson CU01 Condenser USB mic. Mic Stand $25 - The floor stand allows great flexibility. The narrator can sit or stand. Pop filter$35 - You need this to eliminate the popping of the "P" sounds. Acoustic Panels $399 - Reduce/eliminate the echoes and absorb stray sounds.

11. Software - Audacity It’s Free Multi-track digital recording and editing tool www.audacity.soundforge.com Wiki, Forum, other Resources VST Enabler – allows use of plug-ins. LAME MP3 Encoder –create MP3s

12. On Air Any volunteers?

13. Tips & Tricks I Get a good microphone Changing Mic volume: Volume  Options  Properties In Mixer Device field, select Microphone & click OK Volume popup displays Record a sample and Listen to it Stay away from outside rooms near high traffic roads

14. Tips & Tricks II Vary voices. Use male and female voices for better voice texture. Save early, Save often (It’s Chicago) Backup files Make a copy of original file for editing Record first, edit second

15. Summary Invest in good audio hardware Find a quite place Write a script Pick your talent Use Audacity

16. Questions Do you have any questions?

17. Graunke Consulting, Inc is a Chicago-area based consulting firm specializing in eLearning development. Visit us at: www.graunkeconsulting.com Company founder Jeff Graunke is an executive, trainer, instructional designer, project manager and writer with more than 20 years experience in the areas of writing, training and computer systems. Contact Jeff at: jeff@graunkeconsulting.com