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Research Guides@Tufts

USB Microphone Kit

This guide walks through how to connect and configure the USB microphones.

Recording Tips

  • Prior to recording, listen carefully. If you can, remove sounds you don't want (e.g., hums, buzzes, TV, fridge, AC, music).
  • Do a test recording. Connect the headphones provided to your computer and play the recording back. Adjust as needed. For example, reduce background noise, or bring the mic closer to your subject.
  • Record 30 seconds of room tone (i.e., ambient sound of the space without speaking). When recording room tone, place the mic in the same position as during the interview.
  • When choosing a software, keep in mind that Audacity is a free software that is compatible with both PC and Mac systems, Garageband is free and exclusive to Mac, and Audition is a subscription-based software through Adobe compatible with both PC and Mac systems. Adobe Audition is available to all students for free on university computers (only) such as those in the DDS!