The Syndicate

Quick tips for cleaner audio recording (the kids these days call these things "hacks," which is really stupid):

1. The most important thing I can tell you is to lower your input volume. If your mic is too hot, then the quality of your recording is going to suffer. That nasty distortion you hear on playback is called clipping. All you have to do is dial back on the volume of your recording device (for Windows 7, go into the Control Panel / Sound and click the "Recording Tab," double click the mic you are using, and then you can adjust the level). Don't worry if you think the signal is a tad low- people can always turn up their speakers. It's better than clipping.

2. Eliminate as much background noise as possible.

3. I'm not suggesting you get one if all you're doing is playing a mafia game, but if you use your microphone with any frequency, it is worth it to purchase a pop filter. That will reduce the effect of the plosive noises inherent in the repressive and guttural sounds of the English language.

4. Keep a few inches of space (4-7) between your mouth and the microphone- it's not your girlfriend.

5. Keep your mic safe. Don't let Kanye West anywhere near it.