How to Record Files

This page contains some information on how to make your own (hypnotic) audio files.

General tips

• Practice with people before you start.
• Practice makes perfect, the more you do it, the more you start.
• During recording, have someone to talk to (voice/cam call). This makes your pacing much more natural.
• Look at voice acting tutorials to improve your speaking voice.
• Don't hurt yourself!
• If you make a mistake, keep going or repeat the last sentence.
• Stay hydrated! A lot of talking will dry out your mouth.

Microphone

Spending some money on a basic USB microphone will make all the difference when you record. It doesn't have to get expensive even. Some general tips:

• USB microphones are really good to start with - NT USB and Blue Yeti are very acceptable.
• In a pinch, a drying rack with a duvet cover over yourself and the microphone can help with sound dampening. Or build a small blanket fort to record from.
• SBN3 on YouTube If you want to get much better, this video/channel has great tips.

Recording software

You can use any kind of software you like. Some basic tips:

• Audacity - is pretty decent, free audio recording software for all OSes.
• To make editing easier, set up a button to 'mark' the timeline if you make a mistake. (it's called "add label at playback position" in Audacity).
• A (soft) background track can help you mask other background sounds.
• Depending on your editor, using left-right panning or proper binaural stereo can be really nice.

Things to be careful with

• Sound/audio effects - Like most things in life, moderation is key.
• Text-to-speech - This is not a shortcut to easy file making, it takes a lot of effort to do this well!
• Binaural waves - Pleasing for some, irritating for others.