High-quality audio is essential for making your work stand out, regardless of the project. For example, producing YouTube videos, recording podcasts, joining virtual meetings, or creating eLearning tutorials all benefit from clear and professional sound. As a result, your content is elevated and your audience remains engaged. In contrast, poor audio can distract listeners and undermine your message. By prioritizing excellent audio, you ensure that your audience stays focused and truly connects with your content, creating a more immersive and impactful experience.

In this article, we will show you how to capture sound from a computer like a pro. From equipment selection and settings configuration to final cleanup of your audio recording, these tips and tricks will give you polished, professional-level audio straight from your computer.

How to choose the right microphone for your computer

The first step to great audio is choosing the right microphone. Not all mics are created equal, and the best one for you depends on your goals and environment.

Types of microphones:

• USB Microphones – Ideal for beginners. Easy to plug in and use without extra equipment.
  Recommended: Blue Yeti, Razer Seiren X
• XLR Microphones – Preferred by professionals. Require an audio interface but offer superior sound quality.
  Recommended: Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM7B
• Lavalier Microphones – Great for on-the-go or video recordings. Clip-on style, often used in interviews.
  Recommended: Rode smartLav+, BOYA BY-M1

Choose a cardioid microphone pattern to focus on sound in front of the mic and reduce background noise from behind or the sides. This is especially important if you’re recording in a non-soundproofed room.

Optimize your recording environment for cleaner sound

Even the best mic won’t perform well in a noisy or echo-filled room. Here’s how to make your space audio-friendly:

Reduce background noise

• Turn off fans, air conditioners, and noisy appliances.
• Record during quiet hours to avoid outside traffic or neighbor noise.
• Use soft materials to absorb sound such as curtains, rugs, pillows, and bookshelves can help.

Soundproofing basics

Foam panels or bass traps effectively reduce echoes and reverberation, while for budget setups, thick blankets or mattresses placed against the wall can work surprisingly well.

Mic placement tips

• Position the microphone 6–12 inches from your mouth.
• Use a pop filter to minimize plosives (hard “P” and “B” sounds).
• Mount the mic on a boom arm or shock mount to prevent picking up desk vibrations or keyboard clicks.

Adjust your audio settings for best sound recording

Before you start recording, it’s important to configure your system for the best possible audio quality. Begin by setting your sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, which are standard rates that provide excellent sound fidelity. For bit depth, choose 16-bit or 24-bit to capture a wide dynamic range and detailed audio.

Next, input gain and levels:

• Check your input levels in your audio software or Windows sound settings.
• Aim for input levels that peak around -12 dB to -6 dB to avoid distortion.
• Refrain from maxing out gain because it amplifies everything, including unwanted noise.

On Windows systems, remember to disable audio enhancements

1. Right-click the speaker icon > Sounds > Recording tab.
2. Select your microphone > Properties.
3. Under the Enhancements tab, disable all sound effects or processing options.
4. Switch to the Advanced tab and match sample rate/bit depth.

Best software to capture sound from a computer 

To record audio from your computer, you’ll need a reliable recording tool. We recommend AVS Audio Editor, a feature-rich and user-friendly program that supports high-quality audio capture and editing.

How to record audio with AVS Audio Editor

1. Open AVS Audio Editor.
2. Click Record from the top toolbar.
3. Choose your input device (e.g., microphone, stereo mix).
4. Adjust the recording volume and monitor input levels.
5. Hit Start Recording and speak clearly into your mic.

You can also use AVS Audio Editor to record PC audio (e.g., from streaming content, games, or video calls) by selecting the “Stereo Mix” or system audio option, just make sure it’s enabled in your sound settings.

Audio cleanup and editing tips 

Even a well-recorded clip can benefit from post-processing. AVS Audio Editor offers a range of tools to clean up audio and enhance quality.

Key editing features

• Noise removal

 Use the “Noise Reduction” tool to clean noise from audio, like hums or static.

• Cut and trim 

Remove awkward pauses, false starts, or background interruptions.

• Equalizer and compressor 

Balance your frequencies and dynamic range for a more polished sound.

• Effects 

Add reverb, pitch correction, or fade-ins/outs for creative touches.

Monitor your audio while recording

Monitoring your audio in real time helps you catch issues early and make live adjustments.

 Use headphones

• Plug headphones directly into your audio interface or computer.
• Avoid Bluetooth headphones since they often have latency.

When monitoring your audio, listen carefully for any unexpected noises or buzzing. Check if your voice sounds too quiet or if the audio is clipping. Also, be aware of any echo or room noise that may need to be addressed.

Make adjustments to your mic position or input levels as needed while monitoring.

Maintain your gear

Proper care can extend the life of your audio equipment for years. After each session, gently wipe your microphone with a soft, dry cloth to keep it clean, and store it in a dust-free place or use a protective cover to prevent damage. Avoid exposing your gear to extreme temperatures or humidity, as these conditions can damage components over time.

Regularly inspect your cables and connections for any signs of wear or damage, replacing loose or frayed wires promptly to maintain reliable sound quality. Keeping your audio drivers and recording software like AVS Audio Editor up to date is also essential to ensure smooth performance and compatibility with your system.

Conclusion

Capturing crystal-clear audio on your PC is absolutely achievable with the right setup, tools, and a bit of know-how. From podcasts and voiceovers to gameplay commentary, the steps outlined above will guide you to professional results at home.

Remember: quality audio starts with the right microphone, continues with a good environment and settings, and finishes with smart editing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups to find what works best for your voice and space.

Want to get started now? Download AVS Audio Editor and start creating studio-quality recordings from your PC today!

Useful links

How to remove background noise from audio?

5 essential audio editing tips to improve your videos

How to create voiceover for your videos?

What is gain in audio?