Sound Recorder Essentials: Recording Quality Audio on Any Device

Why Audio Quality Matters

The psychological impact of audio quality

• Listeners judge content credibility based on audio quality
• Poor audio causes 75% of listeners to abandon podcasts within 5 minutes
• Clean audio makes content feel more professional and trustworthy
• Background noise creates cognitive load, reducing comprehension and retention

• Job interview recording with bad audio seems less professional
• Lecture recordings you can't understand waste everyone's time
• Podcast with poor audio loses subscribers regardless of content quality
• Voice notes you can't hear back are useless

The compounding effect

• Keeps listeners engaged longer
• Increases likelihood of sharing
• Reduces editing time
• Allows repurposing across platforms
• Archives better for future reference

• Cannot be fully fixed in post-production
• Limits how content can be used
• Requires extensive (expensive) cleanup
• May be unusable entirely

Understanding Audio Recording Fundamentals

The three pillars of audio quality

• Record in quiet environments
• Get microphone closer to sound source
• Use directional microphones
• Minimize ambient noise

• Use quality microphones
• Avoid cheap built-in mics that cut frequencies
• Position microphone optimally

• Set proper input levels (not too high or low)
• Use quality recording devices
• Control recording environment

Understanding audio specifications

• What it is: How many times per second audio is sampled
• Standard: 44.1 kHz (CD quality)
• Recommended for speech: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• Higher isn't always better for voice

• What it is: How much information captured per sample
• Standard: 16-bit (sufficient for speech)
• Professional: 24-bit (more headroom, better for music)
• Recommended for speech: 16-bit minimum

• What it is: Amount of data per second
• For speech: 64-128 kbps sufficient
• For music: 256-320 kbps recommended
• Higher = larger files but better quality

• WAV/AIFF: Uncompressed, highest quality, large files
• M4A/AAC: Good compression, quality preserved, medium files
• MP3: Universal compatibility, decent quality, smaller files
• FLAC: Lossless compression, high quality, moderate files

Recording on Smartphones

Built-in microphone optimization

• Bottom mic: Primary recording
• Top mic: Secondary/noise cancellation
• Back mics: Video recording/noise cancellation

• Hold phone 6-8 inches from mouth
• Angle slightly off-axis (not directly at mouth) to reduce plosives
• Bottom of phone (where primary mic is) pointed toward you
• Portrait orientation typically best

• Place phone between you and speaker
• Raise slightly above table (not flat on surface)
• Use a phone stand if available
• Consider using external mic for critical recordings

• Covering microphone with hand/fingers
• Recording in pocket or bag (obvious but common)
• Using phone case that blocks microphones
• Too far from sound source (over 12 inches reduces quality significantly)

iPhone recording tips

1. Open Voice Memos app
2. Record a test memo
3. Tap the three dots → Edit Recording
4. Check audio quality by playback
5. If distorted, speak softer or move farther from mic

• Settings → Voice Memos → Audio Quality
• Choose "Lossless" for best quality (larger files)
• Choose "Compressed" for space-saving (still decent quality)

• Always use lossless for important recordings
• Airplane mode prevents interruptions
• Close other apps to ensure reliability
• Monitor battery level (recording drains battery)

• Lightning-connected mics (Shure MV88, Rode VideoMic Me-L)
• USB-C mics with adapter
• Wireless mics (Rode Wireless GO II with TRRS adapter)
• Significantly improves quality over built-in mics

• Free, built-in, full-featured
• Adjust input levels manually
• Add effects (compression, EQ)
• Multi-track recording
• Export in multiple formats

Android recording tips

• Real-time transcription
• Excellent noise reduction
• Automatic speaker labeling
• Works offline
• Clean, simple interface

• Settings → Audio Quality → High
• Enable speaker labels for multiple speakers
• Use transcription for searchability

• Adjustable quality settings
• Multiple formats
• Skip silence feature
• Bluetooth mic support

• Professional-grade controls
• Adjustable sample rate and bitrate
• Built-in editor
• Advanced features for serious users

• Interview mode (focuses on voices in front)
• Standard mode (balanced)
• Voice memos mode (optimized for quick notes)

• Enable "Do Not Disturb" before recording
• Test audio playback before important recordings
• Use external storage to prevent running out of space
• Keep phone updated for best performance

External microphones for smartphones

• Rode VideoMic Me: Directional, great for recording others
• Shure MV88: Video-oriented, decent audio
• Boya BY-M1: Lavalier (clip-on), great for interviews

• Rode SmartLav+: Professional lavalier
• Shure MV88: Digital stereo condenser
• Zoom iQ7: Mid-side stereo, professional quality

• Rode Wireless GO II: Wireless system, ultimate flexibility
• Shure MV88+: Modular video kit with professional mic
• Sennheiser HandMic: Reporter-style, excellent for field recording

• TRRS (3.5mm): Most common, works with adapter for newer phones
• Lightning: iPhone-specific, digital connection
• USB-C: Android and new iPhones, digital connection
• Wireless: Bluetooth or proprietary, most flexibility

• Your use case (interviews, podcasts, lectures, field recording)
• Budget
• Portability needs
• Phone compatibility

Recording on Computers and Laptops

Built-in laptop microphone reality check

• Designed for video calls, not quality recording
• Often positioned poorly (keyboard area, bottom of screen)
• Pick up significant keyboard typing noise
• Usually low sensitivity (quiet recordings)
• Typically poor frequency response

• Quick voice memos for yourself
• Draft voice notes (will be transcribed or re-recorded)
• Non-critical recordings
• Testing or practice

• Podcasts or public content
• Professional presentations
• Interviews
• Important lectures or meetings
• Archival recordings

USB microphones: The sweet spot

• Excellent value
• Both USB and XLR outputs (future-proof)
• Cardioid (directional)
• Solid build quality
• Best for: Beginners, podcasters, general use

• Budget option
• Decent quality for price
• Simple plug-and-play
• Best for: Basic needs, tight budget

• Most popular USB mic
• Multiple polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo)
• Headphone monitoring
• Gain control on device
• Best for: Versatile needs, podcasting, streaming
• Warning: Very sensitive, picks up room noise easily

• Excellent frequency response
• Cardioid only (focused)
• Very clear sound
• Durable build
• Best for: Voiceover, serious podcasting, quality priority

• Compact design
• Professional sound
• Magnetic desk stand
• Pop filter included
• Best for: Clean desk setup, travel, quality in small package

• Hybrid XLR/USB
• Voice isolation technology
• Touch panel controls
• Both analog and digital outputs
• Best for: Professional podcasters, future-proofing

• Broadcast-quality
• Internal shockmount
• Versatile connection options
• Best for: Professional content creators

• Streaming-focused
• Capacitor design
• Software mixing
• Best for: Live streamers, content creators

Computer recording software

• Simple interface
• Record audio or screen+audio
• Basic but reliable
• File → New Audio Recording

• Professional features
• Multi-track
• Effects and mixing
• Export high-quality files

• Professional DAW
• Complete production suite
• Overkill for simple recording but industry standard

• Extremely simple
• Adequate for basic needs
• Limited features

• Industry standard free option
• Full-featured
• Cross-platform
• Learning curve but powerful
• Effects, editing, multi-track

• Professional standard
• Excellent noise reduction
• Waveform and multi-track editing
• Part of Creative Cloud

• Most popular free option
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Regular updates
• Community support

• Professional DAW
• Extremely powerful
• Affordable
• Steep learning curve

• Simple, clean interface
• Real-time preview of effects
• Fast and lightweight

Optimizing computer recording settings

1. Open recording software
2. Speak at your normal volume
3. Watch input meter
4. Adjust microphone gain so peaks are in green zone (-12 to -6 dB)
5. Test recording, play back
6. Adjust as needed

• Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• Bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bit
• Format: WAV (editing) or M4A/MP3 (final delivery)

1. Edit → Preferences → Quality
2. Default Sample Rate: 44100 Hz
3. Default Sample Format: 16-bit

1. System Settings → Sound → Input
2. Select your microphone
3. Adjust input volume (start at 50%)
4. Use Input level meter to verify

1. Settings → System → Sound → Input
2. Choose input device
3. Device properties → Levels
4. Start at 70-80%, adjust based on results

• Prevent feedback loops
• Monitor actual recording quality in real-time
• Catch issues immediately
• Hear background noise you've tuned out

Dedicated Voice Recorders

When to choose a dedicated recorder

• Purpose-built (one job, does it well)
• Longer battery life than phones
• Better microphones than most computers
• XLR inputs for professional mics
• Reliable (no notifications, calls, crashes)
• Physical controls for quick adjustments
• Often better preamps (cleaner, quieter)

• Journalists and field recording
• Musicians recording rehearsals/ideas
• Lectures and conferences
• Professional interviews
• Backup recording for critical events
• Situations where phone must remain available

Budget portable recorders ($50-100)

• 4GB internal + SD card slot
• USB charging and transfer
• Built-in stereo mics
• Simple operation
• Best for: Students, casual users, lectures

• 8GB internal storage
• Excellent battery life (110 hours)
• Voice guidance feature
• Intelligent auto mode
• Best for: Long recording sessions, conferences

• Entry into professional quality
• Adjustable mic positioning
• Built-in effects
• WAV or MP3 recording
• Best for: Musicians, podcasters on budget

Mid-range portable recorders ($120-250)

• Industry standard entry-level
• X/Y stereo mics
• Auto-record, pre-record functions
• Playback speed control
• Micro SD storage
• Best for: General professional use, podcasting, field recording

• Four-track recording
• XLR/TRS combo inputs
• Overdubbing capability
• Dual recording mode (backup at lower level)
• Best for: Interviews with multiple mics, musicians

• Hi-res audio support
• Compact design
• Limiter and low-cut filter
• USB audio interface mode
• Best for: Professional journalists, serious field recording

Professional portable recorders ($300-600+)

• Four-track simultaneous recording
• X/Y stereo mics + 2 XLR inputs
• Phantom power (for professional mics)
• Overdubbing, punch-in recording
• USB audio interface
• Best for: Podcasters, filmmakers, musicians

• Interchangeable mic capsules
• Four-input mixer
• Can use as USB interface
• Multiple powering options
• Best for: Versatile professional needs

• Six-track recording
• Four XLR/TRS inputs
• Interchangeable capsules
• Best preamps in portable category
• Backup recording function
• Best for: Professional podcasters, film audio, serious recording

• Broadcast-quality preamps
• 32-bit float recording (never clip)
• Timecode capabilities
• Compact but professional
• Best for: Film production, professional broadcast

Dedicated recorder best practices

• Set recording format (WAV recommended for important recordings)
• Set sample rate (48 kHz for video sync, 44.1 kHz otherwise)
• Check battery level (always carry spares)
• Verify storage space
• Test recording, play back
• Set limiter if available (prevents clipping)

• Monitor levels (peaks at -12 to -6 dB)
• Use headphones if critical
• Enable low-cut filter to reduce handling noise
• Keep device stable (use stand or place on soft surface)
• Note important timestamps

• Transfer files immediately (don't accumulate on device)
• Backup recordings (primary + backup storage)
• Clear old recordings from device
• Recharge immediately after use

Microphone Types and Selection

Dynamic vs. Condenser

• Rugged and durable
• Less sensitive (need to be closer)
• Handle high sound pressure levels
• Don't require power
• Less detailed but focused sound
• Better rejection of room noise

• Live performance
• Loud environments
• Interviews in noisy locations
• Podcast studios with poor acoustics
• Voices with strong projection

• Shure SM58 (industry standard vocal)
• Shure SM7B (broadcast/podcasting)
• Rode PodMic (podcasting)
• Electrovoice RE20 (broadcasting)

• More sensitive and detailed
• Require power (phantom power or USB)
• Capture nuance and breath
• Pick up room sound more easily
• More fragile
• Better frequency response

• Studio recording
• Quiet environments
• Voiceover work
• Singing and instruments
• ASMR and detailed sound capture

• Audio-Technica AT2020 (entry studio)
• Rode NT1-A (quiet, detailed)
• Blue Yeti (USB condenser)
• Neumann TLM 102 (professional studio)

• Quiet, treated space → Condenser
• Noisy environment or untreated room → Dynamic
• Podcasting at home → Dynamic usually better
• Professional voiceover studio → Condenser
• Field recording → Dynamic for durability

Polar patterns explained

• Single person recording
• Rejecting room noise
• Podcasting
• Voiceover
• Most general uses

• Recording room ambience
• Group discussions
• Capturing space and atmosphere
• Conference room recording

• Two-person interviews (facing each other)
• Stereo recording techniques
• Music recording (specific applications)

• Film and video
• Distant sound capture
• Field recording
• Isolating specific sound sources

• 90% of voice recording needs: Cardioid
• Interviews (two people): Bidirectional or two cardioid mics
• Room recording: Omnidirectional
• Video/film: Shotgun

Wireless vs. Wired

• No batteries to worry about
• No interference issues
• Generally cheaper
• No latency
• Unlimited range (cable length)

• Cable management
• Limited mobility
• Cable noise if moved
• Trip hazard

• Freedom of movement
• Cleaner setup (no cables)
• Better for video (not in shot)
• Multiple subjects easier

• Batteries
• Potential interference
• More expensive
• Possible dropouts
• Latency (slight delay)

• Rode Wireless GO II ($300) - Compact, reliable
• Sennheiser EW 112P G4 ($700) - Professional standard
• Hollyland Lark 150 ($130) - Budget option
• DJI Mic ($330) - Video-focused

Recording Environment Optimization

Understanding room acoustics

• Walls (painted drywall worst)
• Windows and glass
• Hard floors (tile, hardwood)
• Ceilings (especially high ceilings)
• Empty rooms (nothing to absorb sound)

• Curtains and drapes
• Carpet and rugs
• Upholstered furniture
• Bookshelves filled with books
• Clothes in closets
• Acoustic treatment panels

Quick room improvements (No/Low cost)

• Clothes act as acoustic treatment
• Small space = less reverb
• Often quietest room in house
• Hang blanket behind you if closet shallow

• Hang heavy blankets around recording area
• Create makeshift isolation booth
• Cheap moving blankets work great ($15-30 each)
• Drape over mic stand and yourself

• Bookshelf behind microphone (absorbs reflections)
• Record facing corner (not parallel walls)
• Sit near soft furnishings
• Avoid center of empty room

• Pile couch cushions around mic
• Record under desk with blanket over desk
• Use mattress as portable sound absorber
• Hang towels on walls temporarily

• Find cardboard box large enough for mic
• Line interior with towels or foam
• Cut hole for mic cable
• Place over microphone
• Reduces room reflections hitting mic

Acoustic treatment (Moderate investment)

• 2-inch thick panels minimum
• 12-16 panels for small room
• Mix of flat panels and bass traps

• Behind you (absorbs reflection from wall behind mic)
• On walls to sides
• Bass traps in room corners
• First reflection points (where sound bounces)

• Cover every wall (dead, unnatural sound)
• Use thin foam (< 1 inch) - ineffective
• Use egg crate foam (myth, doesn't work)

• Auralex Studiofoam ($200 for room kit)
• Foamily Acoustic Panels ($50-100)
• DIY Rockwool panels ($50 in materials)

• Curved foam panel behind microphone
• Reduces room reflections
• Portable
• Immediate improvement

• SE Electronics Reflexion Filter ($100) - Original, heavy
• Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield ($40) - Budget
• Aston Halo ($100) - Circular, modern design

• Editors Keys SL600 Portable Vocal Booth ($150)
• Monoprice Desktop Isolation Booth ($100)

Controlling external noise

• HVAC systems and fans
• Refrigerator cycles
• Computer fans
• Traffic outside
• Neighbors
• Pets
• Household appliances

• Record when system is off (between cycles)
• Install quieter fan on computer
• Move recording location away from vents
• Schedule recording during off-cycle times

• Temporarily unplug during critical recordings (don't forget to plug back in!)
• Record when compressor is not running
• Close doors between you and kitchen

• Record during quieter times (late night, midday)
• Close windows
• Add weather stripping to windows/doors
• Move to interior room

• Schedule recordings during predictable quiet times
• Communicate with neighbors if serious (ask about construction schedules, etc.)
• Interior closet provides most isolation

• Increase distance between mic and computer
• Use external USB hub to move devices farther
• Consider fanless laptop or tablet for recording control
• Put computer in another room (use long USB cable or remote control)

• Late night (1-5 AM) - quietest
• Mid-morning weekdays (9-11 AM) - after rush hour, before lunch
• Sunday mornings - low traffic

• Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
• Construction hours (varies by location)
• When neighbors usually make noise (identify patterns)

Microphone technique

• Dynamic mics: 2-4 inches from mouth
• Condenser mics: 4-8 inches from mouth
• Shotgun mics: 6-12 inches

• Proximity effect (boomy, bass-heavy)
• Plosives (P, B, T sounds create wind blasts)
• Mouth sounds amplified

• Room noise increases
• Weak signal requires boosting (amplifies noise)
• Loses clarity and presence

• Don't speak directly into mic
• Angle mic 15-30 degrees off-center
• Reduces plosives
• More natural sound

• Mouth level ideal
• Slightly above and angled down works well
• Never below chin (captures chest resonance unnaturally)

• Mark position with tape
• Use mic stand (not handheld unless necessary)
• Maintain position throughout recording

• Mesh fabric screens ($10-30) - Standard, effective
• Metal perforated screens ($40-80) - Durable, easier to clean
• Foam windscreens ($5-15) - Less effective, better for outdoor

• Condenser microphones (essential)
• Dynamic mics for voiceover (recommended)
• Anytime reducing plosives matters

• Breathe away from mic (turn head)
• Control breath support from diaphragm
• Avoid gasping breaths

• Maintain steady volume
• Don't move closer/farther while speaking
• Project evenly

• Lip smacks: Stay hydrated, apply lip balm
• Sibilance (harsh S sounds): Use de-esser plugin or position mic off-axis
• Plosives: Use pop filter, speak across mic not into it

Software Settings and Post-Production

Recording software settings

• What it is: Delay between input and monitoring
• Lower buffer: Real-time monitoring, higher CPU load
• Higher buffer: Stable recording, slight delay
• Recommendation: 512-1024 samples for recording

• Enable to hear yourself through headphones
• Helps catch issues immediately
• Watch for feedback loops

• Enable automatic saving
• Save backups to multiple locations
• Prevent data loss from crashes

• No quality loss
• Can compress later if needed
• Best for editing

• M4A/AAC: Good quality, smaller files
• MP3: Universal compatibility
• FLAC: Lossless compression (if storage matters but quality too)

Essential audio effects

1. Select section of recording with only noise (no voice)
2. Effect → Noise Reduction
3. Get Noise Profile
4. Select entire recording
5. Apply effect (start conservative, 6-12 dB reduction)

• High-pass filter: 80-100 Hz (removes rumble and low-end noise)
• Gentle boost: 2-5 kHz (adds presence and clarity)
• Gentle cut: 200-400 Hz (reduces muddiness)

1. Effect → Equalization
2. Apply high-pass filter at 80 Hz
3. Boost 2-5 kHz by 2-3 dB if needed
4. Cut 200-400 Hz by 2-3 dB if muddy

• Threshold: -20 dB
• Ratio: 3:1
• Attack: 5 ms
• Release: 50 ms
• Make-up gain: Adjust by ear

1. Effect → Compressor
2. Use above settings as starting point
3. Preview and adjust
4. Apply

• Podcasts: -16 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)
• Audiobooks: -18 to -23 LUFS
• General use: Peak at -3 dB

1. Effect → Normalize
2. Check "Normalize peak amplitude to -3.0 dB"
3. Apply

1. Use EQ to reduce 6-8 kHz by 2-3 dB
2. Or use dedicated de-esser plugin
3. Apply subtly (over-processing causes lisp)

Signal chain order matters

1. Noise Reduction - Remove unwanted sound first
2. EQ - Shape frequency response
3. Compression - Even out dynamics
4. Normalization - Bring to final volume
5. Limiting (optional) - Prevent clipping

Editing best practices

• Work on a copy, keep original
• Use saves with version numbers
• Don't overwrite source files

• Cut long pauses (keep natural breath spacing)
• Remove false starts and mistakes
• Don't over-edit (leave some natural pauses)

• Always fade in at start (eliminates click)
• Fade out at end
• Fade between cuts for smooth transitions

• Save project file before final export
• Keep in case you need to make changes later

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Recording is too quiet

• Microphone gain set too low
• Speaking too far from mic
• Wrong input selected
• Microphone level in system settings too low

1. Increase microphone gain on device or in software
2. Move closer to microphone (within optimal range)
3. Verify correct input is selected in recording software
4. Check system audio settings (OS level volume)
5. Speak louder/project more

Problem: Recording is distorted/clipping

• Input gain too high
• Speaking too close
• Recording levels exceeding 0 dB
• Hardware limitation

1. Reduce microphone gain
2. Move farther from microphone
3. Speak less loudly
4. Enable limiter if available
5. Monitor levels while recording (keep peaks below -6 dB)

Problem: Background noise/hum

• Noisy environment
• Electrical interference (60 Hz hum)
• Computer fan noise
• Microphone gain too high
• Cheap microphone/preamp

1. Record in quieter location
2. Use dynamic mic in noisy environment
3. Enable low-cut/high-pass filter (removes low-frequency hum)
4. Move electronic devices away from mic/cable
5. Use balanced cables (XLR) if possible
6. Apply noise reduction in post

Problem: Reverb/echo

• Untreated room
• Recording in large/empty space
• Microphone too far from source

1. Record in smaller room with soft furnishings
2. Use blanket fort method
3. Move microphone closer
4. Add acoustic treatment
5. Use directional microphone (cardioid)

Problem: Plosives (P, B sounds causing distortion)

• No pop filter
• Microphone directly in front of mouth
• Speaking too close

1. Use pop filter
2. Position mic off-axis (angle it)
3. Increase distance slightly
4. Speak across mic not into it

Problem: Mouth noises (clicks, smacks)

• Dry mouth
• Sensitive microphone picks up everything
• Microphone very close

1. Stay hydrated (water, not sugary drinks)
2. Apply lip balm before recording
3. Avoid dairy before recording (increases mucus)
4. Take sips of water during breaks
5. Edit out in post if occasional

Problem: Inconsistent volume

• Moving closer/farther from mic
• Varying vocal projection
• No compression applied

1. Mark position, maintain it
2. Practice consistent delivery
3. Use microphone stand (not handheld)
4. Apply compression in post

Problem: Noise floor too high

• Microphone gain too high
• Cheap preamp/interface
• Electrical interference
• Sensitive condenser mic in noisy environment

1. Lower input gain, speak closer to boost signal-to-noise ratio
2. Upgrade to quality preamp/interface
3. Use dynamic mic instead of condenser
4. Address noise sources in environment
5. Apply gentle noise reduction

Quick Reference Guides

Recording checklist

• [ ] Environment quiet (HVAC off, doors closed, etc.)
• [ ] Correct microphone selected in software
• [ ] Input levels tested (peaks at -12 to -6 dB)
• [ ] Headphones connected for monitoring
• [ ] Pop filter in place (if needed)
• [ ] Recording format set (WAV, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit)
• [ ] Sufficient storage space
• [ ] Battery charged/device plugged in
• [ ] Test recording played back successfully

• [ ] Monitor levels (watch for clipping)
• [ ] Maintain consistent position
• [ ] Note timestamps of mistakes/important moments
• [ ] Check recording is actually happening (blinking indicator)

• [ ] Listen to full recording
• [ ] Save with descriptive filename
• [ ] Backup to second location
• [ ] Clear storage from device if needed

Optimal settings by use case

• Microphone: Dynamic (SM58, SM7B, PodMic)
• Position: 4-6 inches
• Recording: 48 kHz, 16-bit, WAV
• Effects: Noise reduction, EQ (high-pass 80Hz), compression, normalize to -16 LUFS

• Microphone: Condenser (AT2020, NT1-A) in treated space
• Position: 6-8 inches
• Recording: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, WAV
• Effects: Minimal EQ, light compression, normalize to -23 LUFS

• Microphone: Omnidirectional or room recorder
• Position: Center of space
• Recording: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, M4A (smaller files)
• Effects: Noise reduction, normalize

• Microphone: Smartphone or any available
• Position: 6-12 inches
• Recording: Default settings (compressed format fine)
• Effects: None needed for personal use

• Microphone: Condenser in treated space
• Position: 6-8 inches, off-axis
• Recording: 48 kHz, 24-bit, WAV
• Effects: De-esser, EQ, compression, normalization, limiting

Conclusion

• Control your environment (easiest, most impact)
• Learn proper microphone technique
• Set optimal recording levels
• Apply basic noise reduction and EQ

• Better microphone when budget allows
• Acoustic treatment if recording regularly
• External interface if using XLR mics
• Dedicated recorder if needed