If you use PowerPoint presentations in your business, there may be occasions when you simply can't be there to personally narrate the slides. To get around this problem, you can add narration to the slides through the PowerPoint program so that even if you aren't there, the presentation is properly narrated for clients or employees. However, static-laden recordings can not only leave a poor impression, but also inhibit the presentation itself. Combat static in your recordings by choosing the right equipment and carefully setting up the recording area.
Step 1
Use a directional USB microphone. Analog microphones can deteriorate over time, which can cause static in recordings. Standard 3.5mm microphone jacks are also not grounded, which can add static to recordings. USB microphones use digital data instead of electrical signals, thus providing higher-quality recordings. Directional microphones also reduce ambient noise, as passing air and machine noise that often create noise on a recording are greatly reduced, if not entirely removed.
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Step 2
Select the right room. The acoustics in a room, as well as the surrounding equipment, can create environmental noise, which often sounds like static on a recording. Choose a room that produces little or no echoes, and that has minimal noisy equipment. Once you start the recording, it's best to sit a little bit away from the PC to minimize ambient noise from the computer.
Step 3
Remove interference-causing equipment from the room. Cell phones, radios and similar equipment can create electronic interference. While this interference is inaudible to human ears, the microphone can pick it up and interpret it as static, creating crackling noise on your recording.
Step 4
Test your recording setup before actually recording the narration. Open a program like Windows' Sound Recorder and take a few minutes to record your voice, reading over the script in the voice you plan to use for the narration. Make adjustments to the room as necessary to optimize sound quality. Only proceed to the actual recording when you are satisfied with the output quality.
Step 5
Speak clearly in a normal tone of voice. Sometimes, excess air blowing across the surface of the microphone can cause static noise. Keep your mouth close to the microphone, but avoid blowing into or across it as you speak.
Step 6
Check your narration for static or ambient noise. Don't be afraid of doing multiple takes, if necessary, because you want your audio quality to be the best it can be. Re-record as necessary, and keep trying until you get a result you like.
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