Before You Begin Recording

Always confirm that your headset microphone is selected as the active recording device. Sometimes the computer may switch to the internal laptop microphone without you realizing it. Using the correct microphone greatly improves overall sound quality.

What the Colors Mean

Green – The audio meets quality standards. No action is needed.

Yellow – The audio is usable, but there may be areas that could be improved.

Red – The audio quality is strongly affected. Changes are recommended, and re-recording should be considered if possible.

Amplitude (Volume Level)

What this checks

Amplitude looks at how strong the recorded voice signal is overall. It checks whether the voice is recorded at a level that is easy to hear without sounding distorted or strained. This helps ensure the recording is neither too quiet nor too loud for listeners.

Why this matters

If the voice is too quiet, listeners have to work harder to hear and may miss words. If it is too loud, the sound can distort and become uncomfortable. Good volume helps listeners focus on the message instead of the audio quality.

Common reasons for poor results

• Windows microphone input level set too high or too low
• Microphone too close to the speaker’s mouth
• Microphone too far from the speaker’s mouth

How to get better results before recording

Before recording, set the Windows microphone input level high, around 90–95. If the speaker talks loudly, lower the input level until the voice is clear and not distorted. If the speaker talks softly, keep the input level as high as possible. Once recording begins, avoid changing the input level.

How to understand the result

A yellow Amplitude rating usually means the recording level is a little too high or too low. A red rating often means the voice is distorted from being too loud or difficult to hear because it is too quiet. Adjusting the input level and re-recording can greatly improve the result.

Frequency (Voice Fullness and Tone)

What this checks

Frequency looks at how much of the natural tone and fullness of the human voice is captured in the recording. It reflects whether the voice sounds balanced and clear, rather than thin or dull. This is influenced mainly by the microphone being used.

Why this matters

When parts of the voice’s natural tone are missing, speech may still be understandable but can sound less clear or less natural. A fuller and more balanced voice sound helps listeners stay engaged.

Common reasons for poor results

• Headset microphones with limited sound quality

• Microphones not designed for speech recording
• Low-cost or built-in laptop microphones
• Microphone placed too far from the mouth

How to get better results before recording

Use a microphone designed for speech recording rather than a built-in laptop microphone. Some headsets capture voice better than others, so testing a different model may improve results. Keep the microphone close to the mouth and positioned slightly to the side.

How to understand the result

A yellow Frequency rating usually means the microphone may limit the fullness of the voice but the recording is still usable. A red rating often means the microphone is not capturing the voice clearly or completely. In many cases, meaningful improvement may require a different microphone.

Noise (Background Sound Level)

What this checks

Noise measures the level of steady background sound in the recording. It reflects how much unwanted sound is present along with the voice.

Why this matters

When background noise is too high, it competes with the voice and makes speech less clear. Lower background noise helps listeners focus on the message.

Common reasons for poor results

• Continuous room noise such as fans or air conditioners
• Electrical hum or buzzing from equipment
• Outdoor sounds entering the room
• Recording in spaces with constant environmental noise

How to get better results before recording

Choose the quietest space available. Turn off fans or equipment when possible during recording. Move away from noisy devices or open windows. Recording at a quieter time of day can also help reduce background noise levels.

How to understand the result

A yellow Noise rating usually means steady background sound is present but not overpowering. A red rating often means the background noise level is high enough to compete with the voice. Reducing constant background noise before recording can greatly improve the result.

Reverb (Room Echo and Reflection)

What this checks

Reverb measures how much the voice reflects off walls, ceilings, and other surfaces before reaching the microphone. It reflects how echo-filled the recording space is.

Why this matters

When there is too much echo in a room, the voice can sound distant and less clear. A more direct voice sound improves clarity and makes listening easier.

Common reasons for poor results

• Large or empty rooms
• Hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, glass, or bare walls
• High ceilings
• Microphone placed too far from the speaker

How to get better results before recording

Record in smaller spaces when possible, especially rooms with soft materials such as curtains or furniture. Avoid large empty rooms with hard surfaces. Keep the microphone close to the mouth so more direct voice is captured and less room sound is picked up.

How to understand the result

A yellow Reverb rating usually means some room echo is present but speech remains understandable. A red rating often means the room sound strongly affects clarity. Moving closer to the microphone or choosing a softer space can greatly improve the result.

Speech Clarity (Speech Definition and Presence)

What this checks

Speech Clarity looks at how clearly the important parts of the voice are captured. It considers the balance of speech frequencies and whether the voice has enough detail to sound defined.

Why this matters

Even when volume and background noise are acceptable, speech can still sound slightly dull or flat. Clear vocal detail helps words stand out and makes listening easier.

Common reasons for poor results

• Microphone too far from the mouth
• Limited or low-quality microphones
• Excessive room echo
• Microphone partially blocked

How to get better results before recording

Keep the microphone close to the mouth and positioned correctly. Avoid covering or obstructing the microphone. Reducing echo and background noise will also improve speech definition.

How to understand the result

A yellow Speech Clarity rating usually means the voice may sound slightly less defined but is still usable. A red rating means the voice lacks detail or presence and may benefit from improved microphone placement or equipment.