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How to record clear audio and video

How to choose the right device. How to test audio before recording. How to keep notes on speaker name, date, place, and topic. (metadata) How to record in a quiet place.

Trainer goal

Help participants understand how to record clear, honest audio and video with the tools they already have, in ways that respect people’s comfort and safety.

3.1 Prepare people and space (Trainer:Pius Akumbu)

Your consultants (speakers)

  1. Approach your speakers and introduce the recording session in a respectful and inviting manner.
  2. Specify all aspects of the recording process (format) and time required.
  3. Pay attention to whether your consultants are loud or soft speakers. Recording location
  4. Select the best location for optimal sound quality.
  5. Minimize background noise, e.g., low-key hums from household appliances like refrigerators. Avoid being too close to a road, bird nests, children’s playing ground, etc.
  6. Inform people around you, so they don’t interrupt your session when you are recording.
  7. For video make sure to station your camera in a way as to capture the speakers fully, or get the best angle on them. Having a proper view will allow you to capture gestures, which usually contain important cultural information. Recording conditions
  8. Make the speakers feel comfortable (sitting, food, water, childcare, etc)
  9. Inform them that you can pause or stop recording to allow them time for themselves if needed.

3.2 Use phones and other devices well (trainer: Pius Akumbu)

Recording equipment settings

  1. Quality recordings can be made with phones, audio recorders, or video cameras. Make good use of what you have. Usually, your phone settings will be good for audio/video recordings. Check the settings on your audio/video recording devices to ensure you are capturing sound properly and satisfactorily.

  2. If using external microphones (recommended), check that all connections and settings allow for sound to be captured. Stationing recording equipment

  3. Setting up your recording device relative to the speaker(s) is crucial. If using a phone or audio recorder, set it up on a table between you and the speaker(s). If using an external microphone with recording device, make sure you have both the recording device and microphone in good locations or range to pick up the speaker’s voice. If you have headphones, use them check if the sound if adequate.

  4. If you must hold your phone in your hand do your best to keep it steady. Nice if you have tripod stand for video camera. Move your device gently/slowly if needed to capture certain actions.

  5. Check lighting because it can make or break the quality of your video. Experiment with different lighting setups and find what works best for you.

Checking battery, storage, and backups before recording.

  1. Begin recording on full battery charge.
  2. Ensure your storage SD card has sufficient space to carry your recording. A 128GB SD card recording on 1080p resolution at 60 fps can hold approximately 10 hours of footage.
  3. It is best to back up previous recordings on external hard drives rather than accumulating all in a single SD card.

3.3 Audio/Sound: clear voice (trainer: Pius Akumbu) Distance between mouth and microphone; avoiding rubbing noise. For clear sound, be careful about the distance between the microphone and the speaker’s mouth. For example, if using a lavalier microphone, place it approximately 15-30cm (6-12 inches) away from your speaker’s mouth. Managing background sounds (traffic, animals, loudspeakers) without erasing local life. As said earlier, background noise may interfere and affect audio quality. To avoid this, check carefully and take necessary measures. Doing a short test recording and listening back together. Before you begin recording, do a few tests to determine the best spot to place your microphone and recording device. Be sure that you can hear your speaker(s) clearly, and see all possible meaningful gestures.

3.4 Picture: frame, light, and movement Framing a person with dignity (not from above, not cutting the head, no clutter that distracts). Using natural light: facing the light, avoiding strong backlight or directly under sun. Set the video frame in a way that the person being recorded does not move out of it during natural movement. When to move the camera and when to keep it still; showing hands, other things, and surroundings when needed. Discuss hand cues like thumbs up, short clap to communicate non-verbally in advance. 3.5 Emotional safety while recording Not pushing people to share painful memories; giving them control. Sharing own stories to create a sense of equality. Stopping or pausing when someone is tired or upset. Recognising that the trainer may also carry emotional load and needs support. 3.6 Trainer activity: “record, review, reflect” Make pairs, each pair records a 3–5 minute conversation in a local language. Watch or listen together and note: one thing that worked well, one thing to improve for sound, one for picture, one for comfort. Ask: “Will you be happy if this was shared widely?” and discuss why or why not.

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PARI Guidelines