How to Record Audio on Android Devices That's High Quality

The powerful capabilities of today’s smartphones make it easy for content creators to record video and audio wherever they are. It keeps content creators nimble while producing content for social media channels, vlogs, and other outlets. If you’re recording audio on Android devices, knowing how to do so to produce high quality audio is vital to your overall media performance.

Today, learn how to record audio on Android devices that will give you a usable, professional-level recording for your project. Streamline your content production with tips, techniques, and equipment to elevate your media any time you record.

Why You Need High Quality Audio for Video

The importance of learning how to record high quality audio on Android devices can’t be overstated for creators using them. Publishing media with poor audio puts you at risk of being immediately passed over by viewers and even having a permanent negative impact on your credibility as a creator. One study showed good audio quality as the most common element of 75% of the videos viewers graded highly and would continue watching1. Lower performance from poor audio will cost you revenue potential from platform content monetization as well as potential brand partnerships or other sponsored opportunities.

How to Record Audio on Android Devices With High Quality

How do I record audio on my Android that sounds great?

Content creators most likely have one of the most versatile tools at their disposal attached to them at all times: their phone.  Whether you’re using it to record content on the go or adding your smartphone as part of your studio setup, knowing how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality is integral to your production process.

To start recording premium-quality sound on your Android phone, consider these tips and techniques:

• Clear your Android mic for recording
• Position your Android mic properly for audio recording
• Use an external microphone
• Mute your notifications or put it on airplane mode
• Create the right audio recording environment
• Adjust audio settings on your Android device
• Choose the right Android audio recording app
• Use a windscreen for your Android mic

1. Clear your Android Mic for Recording

Similar to recording high quality audio on iPhone, getting the best audio recording on your Android device means knowing where the mics are and ensuring they’re clear of any obstructions that may muffle or distort the sound.

When you go to record audio on Android devices, you’ll find the primary mic is on the bottom. There are also additional secondary mics (usually one or two) located at the top or on the back. The location of these microphones may vary depending on which device you’re using, but the best option for how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality is using the primary mic.

In order to record the clearest audio, make sure this mic is clear and free from anything blocking the mesh. This could be something as simple as dirt buildup from use or the mic being blocked by part of your equipment setup. Checking for mic obstructions is one of the easiest and most obvious methods for recording audio on Android devices without disruptions or distortions.

2. Position Your Android Microphone for the Best Recording Quality

Creators using the built-in microphone for recording audio on Android devices need to position their phones properly to get the recording quality they want.

Start by making sure your device is the perfect distance from the subjects being recorded. For people speaking, place it close enough to pick up the audio clearly without them needing to shout to be heard. When recording audio only, the microphone should start between 6 and 12 inches from the subject, adjusting as needed for environmental recording factors2. At the same time, make sure your phone is far enough away that it isn’t picking up every breath they take, which will add challenges to post-production sound cleanup.

If you’re using a directional microphone to capture audio while filming, start 3 to 4 feet from the subjects you’re recording then point your mic at the subject speaking or the source of the sound3. You can adjust as needed to make sure you get the perfect audio take. Primary microphones on smartphones are typically directional, meaning they pick up sound best when aimed directly at the source without any obstructions. This becomes even more vital for how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality if you have more than one speaker.

For capturing environmental sounds, experiment with recording audio on Android devices placed in various locations to see which picks up the most natural-sounding recording. You may need to try a few different takes to get the best positioning.

3. Use an External Microphone

As a content creator, sometimes the best microphone for YouTube videos, blogging, podcasts, or other media is most easily captured by using an external mic. Instead of the built-in option, using an external mic to record audio on Android devices gives your phone more dynamic options than the default equipment will.

There are external microphones for Android devices at every price point that will help you get the best quality audio without putting you over budget. External microphones also give creators the options for wireless or wired mics, depending on what they need to record their audio. For example, a wireless lavalier microphone such as the Hollyland Lark M1 Compact Wireless Microphone System or IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav compact lavalier microphone makes it easier to record clear dialogue while filming video from further away than you’d need if you were using the built-in Android mic.

4. Mute Your Notifications or Use Airplane Mode

Nothing ruins an audio recording faster than hearing notification sounds or haptics. These interruptions take the viewer out of the experience and lower the level of your media from professional to amateur.

One of the easiest steps toward how to record audio on Android devices without sacrificing quality is to mute your notifications during the recording process. When you mute your notifications, you’ll still be able to see them as they show up but without the accompanying vibrations that interrupt your audio recording. This is particularly helpful for creators who need to see their notifications while recording audio to look for incoming information or feedback.

If you don’t need to view any notifications, the best option is to put your Android device into airplane mode. If you don’t require internet access, this will prevent any risk of having your audio recording distorted by sounds or haptics.

5. Optimize Your Recording Environment

How to record audio on Android devices with high quality sound depends heavily on your recording environment. Optimizing that environment as best you can is vital to avoiding the need for multiple takes due to external disruptions or sound pollution.

Creating the right recording environment may include things like:

• Unplugging sound disruptors like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.
• Soundproofing your recording booth
• Choosing a quiet space for shooting outdoors
• Keeping the recording area from being “too live” with ambient noise
• Adding a windscreen or pop filter to external microphones

6. Adjust the Audio Settings on Your Android Phone

Creators learning how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality need to adjust their audio settings. Your device offers a variety of audio settings depending on how you’re recording sound.

For example, for creators using the standard Voice Recorder app, you can tap the Options icon to get to Settings and finally find Recording Quality. Here, you’ll be able to select from a variety of options to optimize how you are recording audio on Android devices. Depending on any external microphone you’re using, you may also be able to adjust settings for the mic to maximize clarity while recording.

Creator Tip: It’s important to know the best audio format for different types of content. After you record your audio, consider where and how you want to distribute it to decide what’s best for your media.

7. Choose the Best Android Recording App

Android users aren’t limited to only recording audio on the standard Voice Recording app. There are numerous recording apps to help with how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality.

As with iPhone users, the Dolby On app is a popular audio recording app for Android devices that automatically applies noise reduction, volume maximization, and more. It’s ideal for recording or live streaming without having to worry about poor audio quality.

You might also consider the Smart Recorder app, which was designed for high quality, longer recordings. This may be ideal for creators using recording audio on Android devices for podcasts or other long-form content. The app has a live audio spectrum analyzer as well as Wave/PCM encoding with an adjustable sample rate (8-44 kHz).

Creator Tip: Voice over is one of the most common techniques used in video content. Learn more about how to voice over a video like a pro after this article.

8. Use a Windscreen or Pop Filter

Regardless of whether you’re using your phone’s built-in microphone or an external mic option, consider getting a windscreen to improve how to record audio on Android devices when you’re outside. A windscreen protects the microphone diaphragm from gusts of air, which may manifest as popping sounds and ruin your audio.

When you’re recording audio on Android devices indoors, a pop filter prevents sharp sounds like breaths or pops from being captured when recording a person speaking.

Additional Tips for Recording Audio on Android Devices

To maximize recording audio on Android for speech, be sure you’re following the best voice over tips for social media videos, starting a podcast, or creating another form of content. You should also consider a text to speech app like MixVoice to get the perfect voice over recording for your media using its AI voice generator. It cuts out many of the factors that impact how to record audio on Android without sacrificing quality while also keeping video production costs low. Third-party voice over apps like this are powerful tools that help you streamline production, saving time and money.

Learning how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality is a critical skill for creators looking to stay nimble and record media wherever they need to. These powerful tools put the ability to record high quality audio and video in the palm of your hand and are important for creators at all levels. Follow the tips and techniques outlined above for how to record audio on Android devices that’s high quality and feel confident knowing you’re creating professional-level content at all times.

Additional Sources

1. https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-people-stop-watching-videos/
2. https://bunnystudio.com/blog/guide-on-the-proper-microphone-distance-from-the-mouth/
3. https://www.videomaker.com/how-to/audio-how-to/audio-recording/general-microphone-placement-for-good-audio/