Introduction.
Audio recording is used in a wide variety of situations, including meetings, interviews, and online events. No matter how good the recording equipment is, if the recording environment is inadequate, the quality of the audio will deteriorate significantly. Especially when considering the use of AI for transcription and meeting recordings, clear audio is essential to achieve highly accurate transcription.
This article is divided into three chapters detailing specific methods for creating a clear audio environment. This will make it easy for anyone to achieve professional-level audio recording.
Optimization of the network environment
Ensure a stable Internet connection
In an online meeting, an unstable Internet connection can cause audio interruptions and delays, which can hinder the progress of the meeting. Therefore, ensuring a stable Internet connection is critical; if you are using Wi-Fi, you can improve network stability by moving closer to the router to maximize signal strength or switching to a wired connection.
Restrict the use of other applications
Other applications or devices consuming bandwidth during a meeting can cause poor voice quality. It is recommended that other devices and applications (especially streaming services and apps that upload large amounts of data) be stopped or their use limited during meetings.
Configuration to ensure bandwidth
Each tool (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, etc.) has settings to optimize audio and video quality. For example, in Zoom, “HD Video” can be turned off to allocate more bandwidth to audio; in Google Meet and Teams, audio is prioritized by reducing the resolution of the video, making it easier to hear clearly.
Use of audio devices and mute functions
Use of high-quality audio equipment
Microphone and headset selection is critical to improving the audio quality of online meetings. Lavalier microphones, USB microphones, and headsets with noise-canceling features can be used to record the speaker’s voice clearly while suppressing background noise. Since microphones built into notebook computers tend to pick up ambient noise and often have poor sound quality, it is preferable to use a dedicated external microphone.
Use of noise canceling function
Many online meeting tools offer noise cancellation features. For example, Zoom has a “Suppress Background Noise” option that automatically cuts out unnecessary sounds during meetings; Microsoft Teams also has a “Noise Suppression” setting that provides clear audio by reducing ambient noise. By enabling these features, you can reduce household noises, wind noise, etc., and focus on your conversation.
Actively utilize mutes.
When there are many participants in a meeting, participants who are not speaking can mute their microphones to avoid background noise; it is common practice in Zoom, Meet, Teams, etc., to mute all but the speaker. This allows the speaker’s voice to come through clearly and improves the overall audio quality. Furthermore, unmuting can be done manually when needed, minimizing noise during the meeting.
Software configuration and environment
Setting up voice filters and echo cancellation
Online meeting tools include voice filters and echo cancellation (echo suppression) functions. By activating these functions, the echo of the voice can be reduced and a clearer voice can be delivered.
In Zoom, the level of echo cancellation can be set from “Advanced Audio Settings”. The automatic echo suppression feature is also enabled as standard in Teams and Meet.
Devise an acoustic environment
Attention should also be paid to the acoustical environment when conducting online meetings. For example, it is useful to choose a location with low reverberation and a room with high sound absorption. Holding meetings in a room with many curtains and fabric furniture will absorb sound and reduce reverberation, making it easier to achieve clear audio.
In addition, when meetings are held in a small confined space, outside sounds are less likely to enter the room, creating an environment conducive to concentration.
Test the meeting.
Before starting an online meeting, it is also important to make a test call beforehand; Zoom has a “test audio” feature that allows you to see how your voice will sound, and Teams and Google Meet also allow you to test your microphone and speakers before starting.
This reduces the risk of audio problems occurring during the actual meeting in advance, allowing the meeting to proceed smoothly.
summary
When using online meeting tools, it is essential to optimize the network environment, use appropriate voice equipment, and software settings to improve voice quality. Ensuring a stable Internet connection and using a high-quality microphone will ensure clear audio and accurate sharing of meeting content.
In addition, by utilizing the noise canceling and echo cancellation functions provided by each tool, voice problems can be minimized. By practicing these measures, you can achieve more comfortable and effective online communication.
