How to Record a Book for Playback
Publishing companies often create audio books--in which an actor or similar professional reads the text aloud on a CD or MP3 file--and you can easily do the same for a favorite book. Most home computers contain audio recording software these days, and old-fashioned tape recorders do the trick as well. If you're very lucky, you'll have access to professional recording equipment such as microphones and mixing boards. If not, don't panic; you can still make a high-quality audio recording in just a few easy steps.
Instructions
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Set up your recording equipment in a room with a carpeted floor. Hard floors create echoes and will distort the quality of your sound. Put blankets or insulating foam up on the walls as well; they muffle ambient noise and let your voice come through clearly.
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Set up your recording equipment an adequate distance from your position, and test it to make sure it delivers the quality you want. Your voice should be easy to hear on the playback, without the distortion that comes from sitting too close to the mike.
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Sit comfortably in position near the microphone, and place the book within easy reading distance. You need to be able to read without stopping or stumbling midway through, so make sure you can read the text and turn the pages without effort.
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4
Press the "Record" button and begin reading the book aloud. Try to be as natural as possible: Let the text flow across your tongue and avoid stumbling or stammering. Use your voice as an instrument to convey the emotions in the words. Don't just drone on, but invest the text with life and vibrancy. If you have some acting talent, try to provide a unique voice for each of the characters.
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Press the "Stop" button when you're done and listen to the playback to make sure it sounds good. Label the recording so you don't lose track of it.
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Tips & Warnings
In many cases, you'll need multiple recording sessions to read an entire book aloud. Some computer programs (like Apple's QuickTime) let you cut and paste individual recordings together into one single file. Whether you use this option or stick with multiple files, make sure you label all of them in proper numerical order. Otherwise, your audio book with skip around when you attempt to play it back.
Audio recordings of books are copyrighted by their respective authors or publishers. You can record a book for personal playback--and no one will complain much if you send a copy to your aunt--but don't attempt to sell it or pass it on to other people. You're breaking the law if you do.
