Seeking suggestions on a product for recording

[cnajohnson]

Getting to work on my first muse which I anticipate will have several audio cds along with a workbook. Can anybody recommend a service that allows me to record the audio? I know nothing about how to proceed here but I know there are products out there that make recording audio programs free (or at least cheap) and easy. Recommendations anybody?

[FrozenCanuck]

How will you be conducting the interviews? If online then I'm not sure the best way - go ask at WarriorForum. If you are doing the interview in person use Audacity, it is free software.

[cnajohnson]

I'm actually not going to be doing interviews, it's a series of audio cd's that accompany the ebook/workbook. So really it's just me teaching. But I want something that is quality audio.

I've heard others talk about a service that allows you to talk into a regular corded phone and it records it for you as an audio file. I've also heard of people hooking up a mic to their laptop. But I'm sure somebody here has actually created audio cds --- would just love to know how they recorded them. (assuming they didnt go into a studio!)

[stopandstare]

Essentially all you need is a microphone and audacity to record your sound. Most new laptops have a built in microphone - the quality is good enough for skype but not great for recordings - you may be able to use audacity to tweak the sound, cut and master your sound. If you are going down this route - be very aware of background (called ambient) noise - it will kill your recording.

If your laptop doesn't have a microphone you can buy ones that plug directly into your laptop on ebay. Like everything else - the better the microphone the better the sound and for the better microphones you will pay a lot more and you will need additional equipment (like a mini mix desk) to take sound into your laptop.

If you really want good quality sound and can't pay for it - I would recommend approaching some local colleges that do digital media / sound production / interactive media courses and ask if they could take on your project for experience or a small fee! They often have fully functioning studios with sound proofing and condenser mic's and you will get semi-professionally produced sound using Soundtrack Pro for little or nothing.

Even if the college won't - many of the students in those types of classes are musicians in their own right and have reasonable sound recording facilities at home!

Hope this helps,
Orla