Oral History Recording

Media Loan Checklist:

• Make a reservation for equipment, stop by Lib. 2309, or call (360) 867-6253.
• Bring your Evergreen ID with the current quarter sticker.
• Test and confirm all equipment is in working order before leaving Media Loan. 
• Provide your own fresh batteries. Media Loan does NOT supply them for the recorders.
• Your checkout should include:

• Digital Voice Recorder / Marantz Flash Recorder / Zoom Flash Recorder
• Headphones – mini adapter only
• Microphone(s) appropriate to your recording situation
• Extra mic cables, stands, converter cables

Suggested Media Loan Microphones with Digital Voice Recorders

MOT Stereo Mic	Place between two people to get a stereo recording	Requires a battery
MOE Omni Lavalier (clip on mic)	Good for isolating just the interviewee	Clips on shirt- requires a battery
MCP Soundgrabber	Useful for placing on table surfaces and picking up surrounding noises	Ask for 1/8 “ adapter
Media Loan microphone guide Use any other regular mic combined with a Hi-Lo adapter to make it mini connector compatible

Media Loan has SEVERE LATE FINES. Return equipment on time, or call to make a renewal

Recording Checklist:

1. Make a test recording prior to your scheduled interview to make sure you are comfortable using the recorder. Start with fresh batteries.
2. Secure a signed talent release from the person you’re interviewing. Be sure to include in the wording of the release possible college archival use.
3. Pick a controlled and quiet recording location carefully. Avoid noisy public locations (like restaurants, or areas near a road). If possible, eliminate background noises (turn off stereos, TV’s, fans, air circulation vents). A room with carpeting and furniture will typically sound better than one with hard floors (too much echo).
   
4. Check record levels. Improve the quality of the recording by adjusting the mic placement either closer, or further away from the sound source.  Monitor the audio level meters through the headphones as well as on the recorder meters to confirm that the sound is clearly audible, while not being too loud so that it is distorted (going into the red). What you hear is what you get. Shock mounts and stands are great to reduce mic handling noise.
5. Confirm you are recording. Make sure the record light comes on, that the clock numbers are counting and audio levels are moving up and down.
6. Slate each recording session. State the date, time, location, your name, and the name of your interviewee at the start of each interview for proper archiving and cataloging of this work.
   

Steps for Saving Interview Files:

1. Backup the original audio files from the recorder to your program network drive. DO NOT USE SPECIAL CHARACTERS IN FILE NAMES (‘!#$*&%).
2. When working with files in a program like Audacity, create a copy of the originals to be able to revert back if necessary.