User guide

To the top
To the top
Computer with a sound card
Microphone
Microphone preamplifier
Speakers
Recording software
6. (Optional) Select the Ignore Markers option to ignore any sound markers placed in the audio file.
Recording audio
In addition to adding existing audio files, you can also record your own audio files to use in Adobe Presenter presentations. Recorded files are
saved in mp3 format. Follow these tips to ensure that you are recording the highest-quality audio possible.
Setting up audio equipment
After you have acquired the necessary audio recording equipment, set it up properly. If you are just using a microphone, plug the microphone into
the computer and start recording. Alternatively, you can plug the microphone into a mixer or stand-alone preamplifier. And then, plug the output of
that device into your computer sound card’s “line in.” Plug the headphones into your computer. Then, set the volume on the mixer or preamplifier.
Begin speaking to test the volume levels, and carefully raise the volume until it shows just under zero. (Using a preamplifier and line-in socket is
optional.)
Setting sound card options
You can open the software application that controls the sound card. (In most Windows operating systems, you can find sound settings by clicking
Start in the lower-left corner and selecting Settings > Control Panel > Sounds.) When you select the recording source (line in), you can adjust the
volume to 100%. If you are using a mixer or stand-alone preamplifier, the actual recording level can be controlled from there.
Changing audio recording settings
After starting your audio recording software, you can change the settings as necessary. Mixers and preamplifiers don’t have sound-level controls,
so you rely on the meters when recording. While recording, ensure that you do not exceed zero on the meters. Else the sound gets distorted.
Placing the microphone
Positioning your microphone correctly can make a big difference in the finished audio file. First, get as close as possible to the microphone (within
4–6 inches) so that you avoid recording any other nearby sounds. Don’t speak down to the microphone; instead, position it above your nose and
pointed down at your mouth. Finally, position the microphone slightly to the side of your mouth, to help soften the sound of the letters s and p.
Improving microphone techniques
Have a glass of water nearby so you can avoid “dry mouth.” Before recording, turn away from the microphone, take a deep breath, exhale, take
another deep breath, open your mouth, turn back toward the microphone, and start speaking. By doing so, you can eliminate breathing and lip-
smacking sounds frequently recorded at the beginning of audio tracks. Speak slowly and carefully. You may feel that you are speaking artificially
slowly, but you can adjust the speed later by using your audio recording software. Finally, keep in mind that you don’t have to get everything right
the first time. You can listen and evaluate each recording and rerecord, if necessary.
Editing sound
Editing sound is like editing text. Listen carefully to your recording, delete any extraneous sounds, and then use the options available in your
software to polish the sound. Add any music or sound effects you require, but make sure to save your audio track in the correct format (mp3 or
WAV).
Reviewing the presentation
After you have added the audio to the presentation, listen to it again. Finally, it helps to ask others to preview the presentation file. If necessary,
you can edit the audio again, on a per-slide basis.
About audio recording equipment
Having the right audio equipment makes a significant difference in the quality of recorded audio. Surprisingly, basic audio equipment can be
relatively inexpensive; your equipment could include some if not all of the following:
The sound card installed in your computer acts as a digital recorder for audio.
If possible, avoid using the internal microphone that comes with most computers. Use a professional-quality microphone cable and a
stand to hold the microphone while you are recording.
A preamplifier boosts the signal of the microphone. The microphone input of your computer’s sound card probably
includes a preamplifier, but it’s most likely a poor quality one. When purchasing a preamplifier, you can choose a small mixer or a stand-alone
version. Mixers let you connect several microphones and devices to one location, and you can adjust their volumes independently. Stand-alone
preamplifiers can be better than mixers at filtering out unwanted noises.
The speakers that came with your computer are probably good enough for listening to any audio you record. For best results, check
the specifications of your speakers and use the highest-quality speakers possible.
In Microsoft Windows operating systems, you can usually find speaker (sound) settings by clicking Start in the lower-left corner and selecting
Settings > Control Panel > Sounds.
A wide range of recording software is available, including Adobe Audition®. Important software features include editing