Blog

As an audio forensic expert, I receive concealed audio recordings for forensic audio enhancement. These recordings are almost always created in noisy public environments. The goal is to remove the unwanted sound and increase the wanted sound. In most cases the wanted sound is dialogue.

One of the goals is to hear conversation in its entirety as it can be used in litigation.

Recorder Location

Keep in mind, an ounce of prevention is often the best remedy. In other words, prevent the unwanted sound as much as possible.   Instead of putting the audio recorder in your pants pocket, purse, briefcase or other type of bag, consider wearing a garment that has a lapel pocket where the digital audio recorder microphone is closer to the persons speaking. Placing the digital audio recorder in the lapel pocket of a shirt or sport coat allows the microphone to be closer to the sound source or conversation. This is better than if it were placed in a bag or briefcase under the table or on the floor.

Oftentimes when people create concealed recordings, they meet the opposing party in a noisy public location. The recorder picks up the noisy background unwanted sounds in addition to the conversation that’s important to the litigation. When you choose the public location to record your conversation, pick the quietest spot at the location. Arrive early so you’re the person creating the recordings can choose the quietest spot at the location. Listen carefully when you walk into the location and find the quietest spot or table to sit at when creating your recording.

Is the recorder in working condition?

The third tip is to make sure that your recorder is functioning properly. Many conversations are lost because of a low battery, a microphone pointing in the wrong direction, or not enough space on the memory of the recorder. So before you make your concealed audio recording, make sure you have fresh batteries in your recorder and make sure the folder you are recording your conversation into has plenty of space for the duration of your conversation. (You can check this by looking at the manual for your recorder and determining how you can assign your folders for the most optimum use of your storage space.) You also want to make sure that you have enough storage space left on your digital audio recorder. Delete any recordings that are not needed, or, if the conversation is valuable, purchase a new digital audio recorder. Olympus is one of the most reliable manufacturers of digital pocket recorders.

These audio enhancer tips for concealed recordings will help you to successfully create a recording of your conversation for use in litigation. And remember do NOT delete the original recording from your recorder in case there is ever a question of the integrity of your concealed recording.

For more information call 1-800-647-4281.