Checklists for Audio

Checklists

1. Eliminate *noise
1.	all noise sources	SWITCHED OFF
2.	sound from the outside coming in	MINIMIZED
3.	listening	WITH HEADPHONES (MAYBE IN-EAR)
4.	computer keyboard	SILENT
5.	microphone placement and keyboard location	AS PER (CARDIOID?) PATTERN
6.	behind the microphone	SOMETHING ABSORBANT
7.	onboard soundcard	DO NOT USE
8.	noise cancellation	USED WITH CARE
9.	microphone technique	CLOSENESS VS. AMPLIFICATION

2. YouTube Pre-Upload Audiotrack
1.	How many audio tracks does the video contain?	1
2.	Is the audio track in stereo or mono?	STEREO
3.	Which sample rate was the audio encoded with	48.000 HZ
4.	What is the bit depth?	16 BIT, MAYBE 24 BIT
5.	What Audio Codec is used?	AAC
6.	What Bit Rate is used?	MONO: 128 KBPS, STEREO: 384 KBPS
7.	Does the waveform show spikes?	CHECK
8.	Was the track suitably compressed?	CHECK
9.	Is the Loudness below YouTube standard?	<= -14 LUFS INTEGRATED (CLOSE TO)
10.	Are the True Peaks kept in check, e.g. with a limiter?	<= -1DB TRUE PEAK MAX
11.	Is the noise floor quiet?	< -40DB
12.	If background music is used, is speech still intelligeable?	CHECK
13.	Are there any parts in the audio that should be replaced by room sound?	CHECK
14.	Are there any lessons learned for the next recording?	CHECK

3. Windows 10 Audio Recording Inventory
1.	Are ASIO drivers installed?	YES/NO
2.	What recording software is used?	AUDIO-VIDEO/DAW/VOICE RECORDER/OTHER
3.	Does the recording software also function as a communication software?	YES/NO
4.	What is the Default Device for Recording?	CHECK
5.	What is the Default Device for Playback?	CHECK
6.	What is the Default Communication Device for Recording?	CHECK
7.	What is the Default Communication Device for Playback?	CHECK
8.	If an audio interface is used, does it have a monitoring output?	CHECK
9.	If an audio interface is used, which driver type is used?	WDM/ASIO
10.	If an audio interface is used, does it come with a Bitfocus Companion module?	CHECK
11.	If an external microphone is used, what is its transducer type?	DYNAMIC/CONDENSER/RIBBON
12.	If an external microphone is used, what cable does it have?	3-PIN XLR/3,5MM TRS/OTHER
13.	If an external microphone is used, does it need phantom power?	YES 48V FOR MIC/YES 48V FOR PRE-AMPLIFIER/NO
14.	If an external microphone is used, what is its polar pattern?	CHECK
15.	If an external microphone is used, what is its frequency response?	CHECK
16.	If an external microphone is used, how is it adressed?	END-FIRED/SIDE-ADRESSED
17.	The Sound Settings of the Default Device for Recording has which level set?	100%
18.	The Sound Settings of the Default Device for Recording show which sample rate?	48000 HZ
19.	The Sound Settings of the Default Device for Recording show which setting for exclusive mode?	ALLOW AND/OR PRIORITY?
20.	The Sound Settings of each Device for Recording has which level set?	100%
21.	The Sound Settings of the Default Device for Recording show which sample rate?	100%
22.	The Sound Settings of the Default Device for Recording show which setting for exclusive mode?	100%
23.	In the Volume Mixer, which output levels are set?	SPECIFIC DEVICE OR DEFAULT DEVICE?
24.	In the "App volume and device preferences", which App Volume levels are set for Output?	CHECK
25.	In the "App volume and device preferences", which App Volume levels are set for Input?	CHECK
26.	In the recording software, which input device is set?	CHECK
27.	Is something plugged into headphone/speaker/microphone jack(s)?	CHECK
28.	In the Sound Settings Sounds panel, which sound scheme is set?	NO SOUNDS/WINDOWS DEFAULT/OTHER
29.	In the Sound Settings Communications panel, which audio ducking/volume control is set?	MUTE/80%/*50%/DO NOTHING
30.	If a Realtek chipset is built in, are in Realtek HD Audio Manager for the Microphone device Microphone Effects Disabled?	YES/NO
31.	In Settings > Privacy > Background Apps, are any apps switched off that might interfere with audio recording?	YES/NO
32.	In Control Panel > Hardware > Power Options, is High Performance Setting set?	CHECK