> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.workbolt.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Recording Setup

> Set up your recording environment and equipment for WorkBolt projects.

## What you need

Most people already have everything they need to get started. Here are the basic requirements:

* A **computer or laptop** with a stable internet connection
* A **studio-grade microphone** — one of the approved studio-quality microphones (built-in and budget mics are not accepted)
* A **quiet recording space** with minimal background noise
* **Google Chrome** browser (latest version)

<Note>
  You don't need a full commercial studio, but you do need a studio-grade microphone and a quiet, treated recording space.
</Note>

## Recording environment

A proper recording environment is essential for producing high-quality audio that meets project standards.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Ideal" icon="check">
    * Small, carpeted room with soft furnishings
    * Closed windows and doors
    * No background noise (traffic, appliances, pets)
    * Away from kitchens, bathrooms, and busy areas
  </Card>

  <Card title="Avoid" icon="xmark">
    * Large, empty rooms with hard surfaces
    * Rooms with echo or reverberation
    * Spaces near construction or street noise
    * Areas with HVAC, fans, or other ambient noise
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Microphone setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Position your microphone">
    Place the microphone 6–12 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis to reduce plosives (harsh "p" and "b" sounds).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use a pop filter">
    If you have an external microphone, attach a pop filter between your mouth and the mic to minimize plosive sounds and breath noise.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your input level">
    Adjust your microphone gain so that normal speech peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB. Avoid clipping (distortion from levels that are too high).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test your audio">
    Record a short test clip and listen back with headphones. Check for background noise, echo, distortion, and consistent volume.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recommended equipment

WorkBolt projects require studio-grade audio. Use one of the [approved studio-quality microphones](/equipment/recommended-microphones) paired with the supporting gear below.

### Professional setup (\$250+)

| Item       | Recommendation                                     |
| ---------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Microphone | Shure SM7B,  Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR), Rode NT1 |
| Pop filter | Metal mesh pop filter                              |
| Stand      | Professional boom arm with shock mount             |

<Warning>
  Do not use Bluetooth headphones or speakers for monitoring while recording. Bluetooth introduces latency and compression that affects audio quality.
</Warning>