Telephone Recordings Tips
The recording quality of telephone conversations are generally poor compared to other audio recordings. However by taking a few tips into consideration, one can greatly improve upon the sound quality. A better sound quality not only ensures better quality of transcription but also reduces cost as transcription companies normally charge higher rates when the audio is not clear.
- Good Quality Equipment: Always use a good quality landline telephone when the conversation is likely to be recorded. There are also many telephone conversation recording devices available in the market which not only record telephone conversations with clarity but also saves the files in digital formats. For more information visit: www.telephonecallrecorder.com
- Avoid Speaker Phones: Speaker phone pick up ALL ambient background sounds. Even the ones we may not hear or notice, like someone tapping on the table with fingers, typing on a computer, doors opening or closing, various echoes etc.
- Never Use VOIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol clips the high and low end of the voice signal. Also you are extremely susceptible to clicks and pops when the digital signal is converted to analog. These results in hissing and clicks and also chances of dropped words or vowels or letters appearing in your recording are much higher.
- Avoid Cell Phones: The tiny microphone in a cell phone picks up higher frequency background noises. While you may not hear the noises during the live call, the recording picks up and records every sound coming in.
- Silent Setting: Choose a quiet setting to record your telephone conversation. Switch off any equipment or appliance that makes background sounds. Make sure that doors and windows are closed and any outside noise is avoided. Preferably use a smaller room compared to a larger one as sound echoes that interfere with the recording will be less in smaller rooms.
- Usage of Headsets: Using headsets do not generally affect the quality of the recording. However, do keep in mind to place the microphone away from being directly in front of your mouth. This helps to cut down on the microphone picking up the sounds of your breath, as well as the hard t's and p's in your speech.
- Speak Slowly: When recording a telephone conversation speak slower than you would normally do. Try not to interrupt other parties speaking and avoid voice overlaps. Speaking slowly and clearly with enough pauses to let the other person speak would ensure that the recording is crisp and clear.
- Keep Still: It is advisable not to move around unnecessarily during a telephone recording. Even small sounds like the microphone rubbing against the collar of a shirt, rustling papers etc can cause interferences in the telephone recording.
It is important to brief all the parties involved on the above points to ensure that the telephone recording is conducted smoothly with minimum disturbances. Taking care while making a telephone recording will lead to more accurate transcriptions and at lower costs.
