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Accepted
josinalvo
Asked: 2012-07-23 13:36:34 +0800 CST

Recording audio: What is the best volume setting?

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follow-up question: What can be considered too high or too low volume?

I've been using Ubuntu to record some screencasts (kinda. Khan-style lectures, really)

I want to know what volume setting I should use for the microphone for optimal results.

I am guessing that "base" (in pavucontrol) or "unamplified" (in the ubuntu volume control), and increasing the volume later in ffmpeg would be optimal for quality (as compared to just using a higher setting).

Is that true?

Bonus points: are "base" and "unamplified" the same? What does the "100%" setting in ubuntu volume control mean, given that it is different than "unamplified"?

microphone

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    When recording, especially to digital formats like this, it is important to monitor the recording levels, whether from a microphone or line input or whatever, and ensure they do not clip. Most recording apps have a level meter that clearly indicates the max level you should allow. By adjusting to meet this level, you will be able to determine whether it needs to be amplified or not.

    The other thing is to not have the level too low. This allows background noise/hum/etc to increase in your recording. It also wastes some of the resolution of the audio capture device (the analog to digital conversion). This is why you should avoid having to increase the volume level later in ffmpeg or whatever processing you do.

    So, set it to be close, but NOT exceeding the max level before clipping.

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  2. The best setting really depends on your microphone. Unamplified means that the signal from the microphone is caputered without any amplification by the audio card. 100% means full amplification. Everything above is overdrive. You should avoid that. Experiment a little with settings from unamplified to 100%. One in that range should suit you. Listen to your recording and see if you can be understood easily and only little unwanted backround noises are hearable.

    PS: I have no idea what 'base' is ;-)

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