When it comes to the audio engine there are a lot more that you must keep in mind. If you want to be sure that the recording sounds the way you want it to be, we recommend that you make a test recording. In this way you get to know the interface of the app and know about the options made available to you. If you are not satisfied (qualitatively) with this test recording, this is probably due to the quality of your microphone. Here it is advisable to weigh up which other hardware options might be suitable for you.

You need the following to record such an audio file:

A smartphone with:

Charged battery: If your smartphone tends to use up a lot of battery in a short period of time, ensure that you have a power supply (connected via a charging cable, power bank, etc.) during your recording so that you are not interrupted during your recording.

Sufficient memory: We recommend a free memory of at least 10 MB for a recording of approx. 10 minutes of audio material in .mp3 format. You can find out how much storage space is available on your smartphone or on your memory card in the following location: Menu> Settings> Device maintenance> Storage

Optional: an external microphone. This is integrated, for example, in the headset supplied with your smartphone. If such an external microphone is available, we recommend that you use it, as it picks up speech in a focused manner and blocks out background noise. But the microphone integrated in your smartphone is also completely sufficient.

An App for Recording

In order to be able to access the microphone of your smartphone, you also need a corresponding app. You can get this app from the Google Play Store. Before you download an app from the Playstore, however, please check the following:

Using An Already Installed App For Recording:

Go to Menu and click in the search bar anchored at the top of the display. Now enter the terms “dictation”, “audio”, “memo” and “recording” individually to see whether you have already installed such an app. If you already have an app on your device, please continue with point 3. If your smartphone does not have an app for recording audio, download one from the Google Play Store.

Record an audio file: Preparation

You have now installed an app with which you can record audio. Before you start recording, please check the following:

  • The room in which you are recording is quiet (closed windows, no noisy devices in the immediate vicinity, you are not wearing any “rustling” clothes).
  • The smartphone or microphone is positioned in such a way that you do not accidentally bump them (this produces noise in the recording).
  • You are at a reasonable distance from your smartphone.

Your app may ask you for the following settings before recording:

Quality: In most cases, the Medium / Medium setting is sufficient here. Also note the storage space available to you; you can also make this setting dependent on this.

Mode: A distinction is made between mono and stereo. For a simple recording of your voice, the Mono option is sufficient.

General information: .wav files take up more memory than .mp3 files. Some apps show you in the app how much storage space is available to them and how long you can record audio with them.

The Recording

Start the recording by clicking either “Start” or the red round button.

If available: Press the symbol for “Pause” (2 rectangles next to each other) to briefly pause the recording (eg to collect yourself or have a quick drink) before you continue at exactly the same point.

Press the “Stop” symbol (usually a square) to end the recording.

You now enter a file name under which you would like to save the audio file. You then have the option of listening to the audio file directly.