The Setup Demonstrated

Jonathan’s workflow combines a MacBook, a rectangular FIFINE dynamic microphone, QuickTime Player video recording, and Adobe Audition for audio editing. These are the tools he describes using successfully in his own recording environment.

1. Choose a Setup You Can Use Consistently

Jonathan describes trying multiple microphones, recording spaces, and equipment combinations before settling on a simpler setup.

The microphone discussion reflects Jonathan’s experience rather than a sponsored endorsement. The lesson does not identify the exact microphone model or the additional audio device mentioned.

2. Reduce Noise in the Recording Environment

1. Listen for outside noise, fans, and other sounds before recording.
2. Reduce the noise you can control at the source.
3. Record a short test containing both speech and a quiet pause.
4. Listen to the test before beginning a full chapter.

Jonathan records in a downtown condo and describes using window inserts to reduce outside sound. He also discusses the background noise present in his own room and how he processes the recording afterward.

3. Position the Microphone

1. Begin with the microphone approximately 6–8 inches from your mouth, as demonstrated.
2. Place it at a slight angle rather than directly in the path of your breath.
3. Speak at your normal narration volume.
4. Test words containing strong consonants and louder passages.
5. Adjust the distance and angle while listening for changes in tone, pops, and room sound.

Jonathan demonstrates how the sound changes as he moves the microphone. His angled placement is intended to reduce direct breath impacts while maintaining a clear voice recording.

4. Set a Recording Level That Handles Louder Speech

1. Test your loudest expected narration before starting.
2. Lower the input level if loud syllables distort or clip.
3. Keep your microphone position reasonably consistent.
4. Leave room for changes in vocal intensity.
5. Listen to the recorded test rather than judging only by how loud it sounds during recording.

Jonathan describes pulling the microphone back and reducing the recording level for narration, then adjusting loudness during editing. Raising the volume later does not repair distortion already captured in the source.

5. Record Video in QuickTime Player

1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. Choose the video-recording workflow used in the demonstration.
3. Select the intended microphone and camera.
4. Make a brief test and confirm that the correct microphone is being recorded.
5. Record yourself narrating the text.
6. Save the original video before extracting or editing the audio.

Jonathan prefers QuickTime’s video-recording workflow for his setup. It gives him both an audio source and a video of the narration that he can use as a video audiobook or behind-the-scenes recording.

6. Document Your Narration Process

1. Keep recordings of yourself performing the narration.
2. Organize the recordings by book and chapter.
3. If you share the production process, explain which tasks you perform yourself and where you use automated tools.
4. Retain the original files alongside your edited versions.

Jonathan records and streams his work to make his creative process visible. The video narration can also become additional material for readers and course members.

7. Choose an Audio-Editing Workflow

The lesson discusses Audacity, Adobe, and ChatGPT. Jonathan’s established workflow uses Adobe Audition, while he also experiments with AI-assisted processing.

1. Export an audio copy from your narration recording.
2. Open it in your chosen editing environment.
3. Review background noise, overall levels, repeated phrases, and unwanted sounds.
4. Make the necessary edits.
5. Listen to the entire finished file.

Jonathan describes Adobe as giving him direct control over small edits. He also notes that automated processing may still require manual review and correction.

8. Review Automated Audio Edits

1. Provide clear instructions about the changes you want.
2. Include a transcript when it helps identify repeated words or sentences.
3. Check that the correct take remains after repetitions are removed.
4. Listen for missing words, unnatural cuts, and changes to the voice.
5. Check the exported file’s technical properties separately.

Publishing check: This lesson introduces the workflow; it does not provide a complete set of ACX or distributor export specifications. Verify the finished files against your destination’s current requirements before submitting them.

9. Keep the Original Recording as Your Editing Source

Jonathan discusses the sound he hears after publishing to YouTube and describes experimenting with downloaded versions. Preserve the original local recording so you have a consistent source for editing and comparison.

Evaluate the actual file you intend to distribute. Playback on a video platform is not a substitute for checking the audiobook export itself.

10. Prepare the Opening and Closing Credits

1. Confirm the exact book title and subtitle.
2. Prepare the author and narrator credits.
3. Prepare the production credit.
4. Check the manuscript for any quotation or other opening material you intend to include.
5. Read the introduction and outro clearly.

Jonathan checks the book before recording rather than relying on his memory of its opening pages.

Opening Credit Recorded in the Lesson

Capitol Murders. The Madison Ripper. Written and narrated by Author Jonathan David. A False Reality Publishing production.

Closing Credit Recorded in the Lesson

This has been Capitol Murders, The Madison Ripper, written and narrated by Author Jonathan David. A False Reality Publishing production.

11. Mark the Credits for Easy Extraction

1. Record a distinctive sequence of five beeps before the credits.
2. Read the introduction and outro.
3. Record another five-beep sequence afterward.
4. Locate the marker patterns when editing the longer recording.
5. Extract the credits and remove the marker sounds from the finished files.

The next lesson demonstrates cutting out and editing these recorded sections.

Before Recording a Full Chapter

• Confirm the selected microphone.
• Test microphone distance, angle, and input level.
• Listen for room noise and distortion.
• Have the correct manuscript and credits ready.
• Save the original recording.
• Review the complete edited audio before publication.

Follow the Audiobook Production Course

Become a member to follow Jonathan’s narration of Capitol Murders — The Madison Ripper and the production of its sequel, State Street Zodiac.

Access the lesson library and join live Zoom sessions for Q&A and guidance while the books, recordings, and finished products are being created.

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