Recording Tips for Best Results
Microphone Placement
Single microphone (best): Place one quality microphone in the center of the board table. Omnidirectional mics work well. This setup gives MuniMins a complete view of all speakers.
Multiple microphones: If you use multiple mics (one per board member), make sure they're all recording to the same audio file with synchronized timing. Mixed or offset audio makes speaker identification harder.
Avoid: Recording just from a webcam at the back of the room (audio is too quiet). Directional mics pointed only at the chair (other voices are too quiet). Recording from speaker phones (too much processing/compression).
Audio Levels
- Test audio levels during a 5-minute practice run before the meeting
- Aim for a clear audio level that doesn't peak or distort
- Too quiet = MuniMins struggles to hear speakers; too loud = distortion
- Use manual gain control if your device has it; avoid automatic gain (it causes level jumps)
Minimize Background Noise
- Close windows and doors
- Mute cell phones in the meeting room
- Ask attendees to mute if they're not speaking (especially important for virtual meetings)
- Avoid HVAC/AC noise pointed at the microphone
- If using Zoom, record local audio files, not just the cloud version (better audio quality)
Recording the Full Meeting
- Start recording before the chair calls the meeting to order
- Continue recording through all agenda items, executive sessions, and until adjournment
- Don't stop/start recording during the meeting; keep it as one file
- If you must split recordings (device limit, etc.), note the break time
File Handling
- Save as MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4, MOV, or WebM
- Audio-only files (MP3) are smaller and process faster than video
- Label files with the board name and date for easy identification
- Upload within 24 hours of the meeting while details are fresh