Solway’s Audio Recorder Review: Features, Pros & Cons

How to Use Solway’s Audio Recorder: Tips & TricksSolway’s Audio Recorder is a straightforward and flexible tool for capturing audio on desktop and mobile devices. Whether you’re recording interviews, lectures, voice memos, podcasts, or sound effects, this guide walks you through setup, best practices, advanced features, editing tips, and troubleshooting so you get the cleanest possible recordings.

What You’ll Need

Solway’s Audio Recorder app installed (desktop or mobile).
A device with a working microphone (built-in or external).
Optional: external microphone (USB, XLR with interface, or lavalier), headphones for monitoring, and a quiet recording space.

Getting Started

Install and Launch

Download the latest version of Solway’s Audio Recorder from the official site or app store.
Open the app and grant microphone permissions when prompted. If you plan to use external devices, connect them before launching or select them in the app’s device menu.

Interface Overview

Record — starts and stops recording.
Pause — temporarily suspends recording without creating additional files.
Input Device — select built-in mic or external device.
Format & Quality — choose file type (WAV, MP3, etc.) and sample rate/bitrate.
Levels/Meter — visual indicator of input loudness to avoid clipping.
Save/Export — access your recorded files and share or export them.

Essential Settings

Choose the Right Format

WAV for highest-quality, lossless recordings and editing.
MP3 for smaller file sizes when quality can be slightly compromised.
FLAC if you want lossless compression to save space.

Sample Rate and Bit Depth

For voice and speech: 44.1 kHz / 16-bit is sufficient.
For music or high-fidelity capture: 48 kHz or 96 kHz / 24-bit.

Input Gain and Levels

Aim for average peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB on the meter. Avoid hitting 0 dB to prevent clipping.
Use rumble filters or low-cut if the recorder supports them to remove low-frequency noise.

Microphone Placement and Technique

For Single Speaker

Place the microphone 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) from the mouth.
Use a pop filter to reduce plosives (p, b, t sounds).
Angle the mic slightly off-axis to minimize sibilance.

For Interviews or Multiple Speakers

Use individual mics for each person if possible.
If using one mic, place it centrally and keep speakers at equal distance.
Consider a boundary mic or omnidirectional mic for round-table recordings.

For Field Recording

Use a windscreen and hold the mic steadily or mount on a shock mount.
Monitor with headphones and watch levels while moving.

Recording Workflow Tips

Do a Test Recording

Always record a 10–30 second test to check volume, clarity, and background noise.

Use Markers or Notes

If Solway supports markers during recording, use them to flag important moments for faster editing later.

Record Redundantly

When possible, record to two devices or use both WAV and MP3 exports to ensure you have a high-quality master and a shareable copy.

Room Treatment

Soft furnishings, rugs, and curtains reduce reflections. For critical recordings, use portable acoustic panels.

Editing and Exporting

Basic Editing

Trim silence at the start/end.
Use noise reduction carefully — overdoing it can cause artifacts.
Normalize to a consistent level, e.g., -1 dB peak for digital distribution.

Adding EQ and Compression

Apply a high-pass filter around 80–120 Hz to remove rumble.
For voice, gently boost 2–5 kHz for clarity and presence.
Use light compression (2:1–4:1) with moderate attack/release to smooth dynamics.

Export Settings

For podcasts: MP3, 128–256 kbps, 44.1 kHz.
For archiving/master: WAV or FLAC, 24-bit, 48 kHz or higher.

Advanced Tips

Use External Preamp or Interface

A quality preamp improves clarity and headroom. USB interfaces with good AD converters provide cleaner digital signals than some built-in soundcards.

Remote Interviews

Use dedicated remote-recording features if Solway offers them, or use separate local recordings combined in post.
Always record locally for each participant when possible, then sync tracks using a clapper or sync tone.

Monitor Latency

If you monitor while recording, enable direct monitoring on your interface to avoid latency. Software monitoring can introduce delay.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

No input detected: Check microphone permissions, cable connections, and that the correct device is selected in the app.
Distorted/clipped audio: Lower input gain, move mic further from the source, or use attenuation/pad.
Background noise/hum: Identify electrical sources, use balanced cables, enable low-cut filter, or relocate.
App crashes/freezes: Update the app, restart the device, and check for conflicting audio drivers.

Quick Checklist Before Recording

Microphone connected and selected.
Correct format and sample rate set.
Levels peaking around -12 to -6 dB.
Headphones connected and monitoring working.
Test recording completed and reviewed.
Markers enabled (if needed).

Recommended Accessories

USB/XLR microphone or audio interface.
Pop filter and shock mount.
Closed-back monitoring headphones.
Portable acoustic panels for on-location work.

Using Solway’s Audio Recorder effectively is mostly about preparation: choose the right gear and settings, set levels properly, control the recording environment, and follow a consistent post-production workflow. With a few simple habits—test recordings, proper mic technique, and appropriate file formats—you’ll get professional results suitable for podcasts, interviews, music, or archival work.