If you are recording outside of a professional studio, please keep these simple rules in mind to get the best possible results in your environment (especially if you plan to publish on major platforms like Audible).
IMPORTANT: Points marked with this word are critical, but that doesn’t mean the others should be ignored! Let’s dive in.
Room Choice
Whenever possible, choose a room filled with furniture (sofas, armchairs, bookshelves, etc.). It’s also highly effective to cover windows with thick curtains. If you have a vocal booth (DIY or purchased), that’s perfect! Pro tip: If you’re thinking about buying one of those fancy curved mic shields, don’t waste your money. Check out Common Concerns section below for explanations.
IMPORTANT: Consistency
Please use the exact same environment for every part of a single audiobook. It’s not a major issue if you use different rooms for different books, but using different rooms with different acoustics within the same project makes it very difficult to match the sound during post-production.
Noise Control
Shut all doors and windows to block out outdoor noise. Switch off noisy appliances (fridges, air conditioners, loud computers). During the session, stay mindful of noises you might produce yourself (clothes rustling, page turns, chair squeaks). Why it matters: ACX QA teams consider these defects. Noises between sentences are easily removed in post-production, but noise that happens while you are speaking is tough to clean without leaving artifacts. This ultimately costs more time and money. Tip: Read from an electronic device instead of paper. It’s silent!
Mic Placement
Keep your microphone (whether it’s a standalone mic or your smartphone) about 5 to 10 inches from your mouth. We need to record a “dry” signal (free from room reflections), so the mic shouldn’t be too far away. If you tend to get very close to the mic, please use a pop-screen.
IMPORTANT: Stable Distance
For the sake of consistency, maintain a steady distance between your mouth and the microphone. Volume and tonal fluctuations caused by active head movements can be very hard to fix.
No Obstructions
It sounds obvious, but make sure your microphone isn’t covered by anything (like a script or a tablet) while you record.
Mic Quality
Ensure your microphone quality is up to par. Instead of guessing, simply record a test sample and send it to your engineer. If they give you the green light, you’re safe to proceed.
Software Check
Double-check your settings (one, two, three and four) before you start. Just in case.
IMPORTANT: Sonic Cues
During the session, don’t forget to give your engineer clear sonic cues (like a loud click or snap) where cuts are needed. This significantly speeds up the editing process and literally saves you money! Do not ignore this step. Also, if you want your punch-ins to sound professionally, don’t miss this article. Simply be aware of that phenomenon.
Export Settings
Export your files as Mono / 16-bit / 44.1 kHz WAV. If you must use MP3, choose a high bitrate (256 – 320 kbps). If you’re not sure how to do this — just ask your engineer.
IMPORTANT: The “Rookie” Rule
If you’re new to this, don’t rush to record the entire project at once! Record the first 2 to 5 minutes as a test sample and send it to your editor or mastering engineer for assessment. Wait for their confirmation that everything is fine before moving forward.
And yet… common concerns & tips
Q: Why can’t I use a curved microphone shield instead of room treatment?
A: Most portable shields only block sounds from behind the mic but don’t stop reflections from the room hitting the front of the capsule (basically, from behind you). Real furniture and thick curtains absorb sound waves more effectively, providing a much “drier” and professional signal.
Q: Can I record in a walk-in closet?
A: Yes, it’s actually one of the best DIY options due to clothes absorbing sound.
Q: What is a “sonic cue” and why does it save me money?
A: A sonic cue is a loud, sharp sound (like a clap or a snap) made right after a mistake. It creates a visible spike in the waveform. This allows your editor to instantly find and cut errors without listening to every second of the raw audio, which significantly reduces the billing hours for editing.
Q: Why is it critical to record the first 5 minutes as a test sample?
A: It’s a “safety net.” If there is a technical issue (gain too high, background hum, wrong distance), it’s better to fix it after 5 minutes than to find out the entire 10-hour book is unusable after you’ve finished recording.
Q: Is it okay to switch between different rooms if they both have curtains?
A: No. Even similar rooms have different “sonic signatures.” Matching the tone of a voice recorded in two different spaces is a nightmare in post-production and often results in a final product that sounds inconsistent to the listener.
Q: Can a smartphone really be used for professional audiobook recording?
A: Yes, modern smartphones have decent microphones, but the environment is key. If you follow the rules from our checklist, a smartphone in a treated room can often sound better than a pro mic in a hollow, echoey kitchen.
Q: What if I don’t have a pop-screen?
A: You can use the ‘off-axis’ technique — point the mic at your chin or nose instead of directly at your mouth…
Okay, Let’s Get in Touch
I hope this helps! By the way, if you’d like a quick estimate on the cost of mastering your audiobook to ACX standards, feel free to use my calculator.
If you need an advice or assessment, or you want me to prepare your audiobook for publishing, please don’t hesitate to contact me!