No studio required: the basics of recording audio with Dolby On

Let’s walk through the basics of recording audio with Dolby On:

Step 1: Launch the Dolby On app.

Audio recording mode is the first option listed.

Make sure nothing is blocking your phone’s microphones. Make sure your hand or phone case aren't blocking any of the mics, particularly the mic at the bottom of your phone. (Propping your phone up vertically will block the bottom mic.)

Step 2: Do a quick soundcheck to test your microphone levels.

Test your levels by speaking or singing into your mic and see the levels rise and fall.

Do you see the level indicator in the top-left corner?

We automatically optimize your microphone levels for the best sound available. But if the clipping indicator turns red it means your sound level is overloading your mic.

Move your phone away from the recording source until the indicator changes back to normal levels.

Step 3: When you’re ready to record, tap the record button and stay quiet for the countdown.

The app uses these three seconds to detect and measure background noise.

Pro-tip: If it’s not possible to stay quiet for the countdown, or if you’d just like to turn the countdown off, you can go into your Settings and turn off Countdown.

Now record your performances, rehearsals, song ideas, riffs, licks, lyrics, and more.  

Step 4: Done recording? Time for editing!

When editing, we highly recommend wearing headphones for the best results. You’ll need to hear all the little details to help you edit on the spot like a pro.

Start your editing with Styles: target sound profiles that Dolby uses to mix your recording.

Here are the different Styles in your sound mixing toolbox:

• Standard: Dolby On’s signature curve, adapted to your style
• Amped: enhanced bass and treble for an exaggerated rock profile
• Lyric: vocal presence without compromise
• Deep: for when you need bass and you need it loud
• Natural: classical inspired with a smooth, mellow curve
• Thump: EDM influenced, but works for any genre
• Off: neutral with no EQ effect

Then use Noise Reduction to clean away unwanted background noise measured during the countdown. Switch it off if you think too much is removed.

Pro-tip: If you’re recording a live show and you want crowd noise, you probably don’t want Noise Reduction turned off. 

Next, adjust your Bass and Treble. Bass is lower, treble is higher. Change the bass and treble independently for a mix that fits your style.

Try the Boost control. Turn up Boost for maximum loudness or pull it back to cover a wider volume range. (Hint: If your phone is closer to the recording source, you won’t need that much Boost.)

Your last editing step is to use the Trim tool to mark your track’s start and finish. Drag the start and end points for the correct beginning and final parts of your recording.  

Step 5: Don’t forget to add animations!

Add a visual animation to your new audio recording to prepare your track for any site that hosts videos.

Pro-tip: give your phone a “shake” to toggle between different visual animations.

When you’re all done, tap the share button to directly upload audio to SoundCloud, videos to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or share directly to your collaborators via email or text message.

Want to be the first to hear about new features, tips, tricks, and more? Subscribe to our emailing list in the app under Settings. Happy Recording!