Slates and markers

Most handheld or mobile recorders have controls for dropping markers, starting new ‘takes’ or files. So do many phone/ tablet-based packages. These are key for anyone serious about doing this, as it saves a lot of time in the first stage of editing and archiving. There is also a manual approach which can be used with or instead of markers, akin to the slating in film recording. Clapping or making a loud transient, eg tapping the mic, can be useful for highlighting good takes or unwanted noise etc. Make verbal notes on the recording too, explaining what’s going on in the recording or some idea that comes to mind about the sound.