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Audio-Recording Tips
The most common form of concealed audio recording is
made using a micro cassette recorder. While all of the recording techniques
apply to essentially any form of concealed audio recorder, for purposes
of this article we focus on micro cassettes:
- First, and very important, do not record with the
voice activation-setting turned on. While this setting may let you
record longer without turning the tape over, voice activation settings
can clip words on the recording – possibly resulting in a lower-quality
evidence recording. Content that is lost or “clipped”
may make or break your case.
- Next, it can not be emphasized enough: Always use
new and quality batteries for all recordings. Hours and money can
be spent attempting to fix recording-speed problems due to weak batteries,
particularly in the case of micro cassettes. The price of new “AA”
or “AAA” or proper-size batteries is far less costly than
hours of lab/studio time to correct a taping-speed problem due to
dying batteries. On the same subject, it’s wise to have a ready,
second set of fresh batteries as a backup for recording.
- During actual recording, be as close as possible to
the sound source. The more distance between you and your sound source
(person talking), the lower the available volume (acoustic energy)
you will have to capture on the conversation clearly on tape. This
is probably the #1 technical mistake I encounter with concealed recordings.
- Avoid extraneous noises. Take note of nearby appliances
such as furnaces, refrigerators, air conditioners, TVs, radios, etc.,
which create unwanted background/humming noises and detract from recording
clarity. Be mindful of recording too close to moving vehicles and,
obviously, airplanes or loud exterior sounds can surely interfere
with clear recordings. While some sources may be unavoidable, any
noises competing with your sound source have the potential to ruin
clarity of the conversation. For example, I once had a woman provide
me with a tape where her ex-husband was speaking right next to the
TV.
- Avoid extraneous noises. Take note of nearby appliances
such as furnaces, refrigerators, air conditioners, TVs, radios, etc.,
which create unwanted background/humming noises and detract from recording
clarity. Be mindful of recording too close to moving vehicles and,
obviously, airplanes or loud exterior sounds can surely interfere
with clear recordings. While some sources may be unavoidable, any
noises competing with your sound source have the potential to ruin
clarity of the conversation. For example, I once had a woman come
provide me with a tape where her ex-husband was speaking right next
to the TV.
- Use new tape stock whenever possible. Old, previously
used tape can become worn, causing a lower-quality recording than
fresh, new tape can provide. As far as tape stock, please use a well
-known name brand. (Maxell or TDK are my preferences.)
- Regarding recording speed, most micro recorders have
two speeds. The first speed (slow) is 12; normal speed is 24 (faster);
some makes and models vary. You may want to pre-record a test for
yourself first - to be confident about the recording speed you choose
and be familiar with the recording function and playback buttons,
etc., of the unit you use. If you are recording a long meeting/ conversation,
it’s O.K. to record on the slow speed so as not to have the
tape side end, thus possibly losing part of the conversation.
TIP: If you have a micro cassette tape length of 60 minutes, remember
that there’s only 30 minutes per side; flipping the tape over
is what gives you the full 60 minutes. This time is doubled to 60
minutes per side when a recording is made at the slow speed.
- Where to conceal the recorder is very important. For
men, it’s best to put the micro cassette in a pants pocket with
the microphone facing the sound source, away from your body. Top-cut-pocket
pants (like jeans) work better than side-cut-pocket pants (like dress
slacks). That way, the built-in microphone can be more easily exposed
without it falling down into the pocket, becoming covered by material.
Sport coats are also good for camouflage drapery as long as they don’t
block the sound too much. Remember, you don’t want your subject
to know you are making the recording. Inside sport coat pockets are
generally O.K., but I recommend a test recording to determine quality
before the desired recording is made. Sport coats with thick fabric,
like wool, insulate sound, making the volume level lower than desired.
Similarly, silk or other materials that rustle too easily with even
slight movement will create unnecessary noise and possible sound quality
problems.
- An external microphone is the best way to capture
reliable sound quality. However, not all micro cassette recorders
have external microphone inputs. For $30-$50, you can purchase a lavaliere
microphone at Radio Shack® for very reliable sound quality. An
external microphone can be concealed elsewhere while the recorder
rests in a pocket.
- When recording audio evidence, remember to sit as
still as possible. Having fabric rub against the microphone (external
or built in) creates a rustling sound that is very difficult to remove.
When putting the micro cassette recorder in your pocket, try to create
a gap between the built-in microphone and the fabric of your clothes.
- Regardless, of what equipment is used, it’s prudent
to conduct a test recording prior to the actual recording, and make
recording volume and make clothing adjustments as necessary.
- Ladies definitely have the advantage by carrying a
purse to conceal the recorder. When placing the micro cassette into
a purse, be sure the microphone is as exposed as possible and facing
the sound source. Try not to move the purse around too much to avoid
rustling or scratching sounds that can hamper the recording.
- Put the recorder into “record” position
just BEFORE arriving at the location where the recording is to be
made. It doesn’t matter if you have some sounds recorded of
you walking into the location and this helps ensure that your concealed
recorder remains undetected.
- Final reminder: Make a test prior to recording to
be sure the recorder is functioning properly and recorded sounds are
as clear as possible. Listen to the playback of your test and make
sure you are pleased with the results. If not, make adjustments until
you are.
I hope this information assists you in helping clients
save money and avoid sound-quality errors when making a concealed audio
recording. Remember, an ounce of prevention … is worth a pound
of cure.
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