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

# Recording Environment

> Best practices for mic, headphones, lighting, and space to get a clean SquadCast recording.

How your space is set up affects a recording as much as what you say in it. Dial in your mic, headphones, lighting, and surroundings with the guidelines below before you hit record.

## Audio

### Microphone Technique

* Place your microphone directly in front of your face.
* Place your microphone roughly a fist distance from your mouth.
* Speak across the top of the microphone.
* Consider including a vocal screen or foam windscreen to reduce [plosives.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plosive)

#### Headphones > Speakers

* We highly recommend listening to the conversation using headphones instead of speakers.
* Headphones isolate the conversation audio from being captured by your microphone, while speakers do not.
* Consider lowering the headphone's volume to further isolate the conversation audio from being captured by your microphone.
  * Some headphones bleed/leak audio out.
  * Some microphones are highly sensitive.
  * Some microphones are very close to the headphones.

#### Wired > Bluetooth

* Bluetooth / wireless microphones & headphones are fully supported, but we recommend against them.
* Bluetooth can introduce latency & impact quality, especially as the battery is below 50%.
* Wired connections for microphones & headphones are highly recommended.

### Background Noise

* Avoid recording in rooms with noticeable echo.
* Avoid typing, writing, or mouse clicks.
* Consider recording away from other people or animals who may create sounds.
* Consider recording away from appliances like refrigerators & washing machines that may create sounds.

### System Notifications

* Silence all devices that receive notifications that may create sounds.
* Consider enabling Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode settings.

### Microphone Stands / Boom Arms

* Holding a microphone in your hand can be fun, but we recommend against it to avoid creating sounds.
* Microphone stands & boom arms isolate your microphone to avoid creating any sounds from your hands or your arms on your desk.

## Video

### Lighting

* Natural lighting is always best, but it is not always possible.
* Place your camera directly in front of your window or light source.
* Place your camera directly in front of where you will stand or sit.
* Consider a [3-point lighting system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_lighting) when natural light is impossible or for more creative control.

### Tripod / Mount

* Holding a camera in your hand can be fun, but we recommend against it to avoid jarring motions.
* Tripods & mounts stabilize your camera to avoid jarring motions from your movement.

## Network Connectivity & Security

[Read the article](/app-troubleshooting/how-to-resolve-network-connection-issues)

## System Requirements

[Read the article](/squadcast/squadcast-system-requirements)