Recording meetings with high-quality audio is essential for creating accurate transcripts, ensuring nothing important is missed, and enabling team members who could not attend to catch up. Whether you are recording in-person meetings, virtual conferences, or hybrid sessions, this guide covers all the methods and best practices for capturing clear meeting audio.
Quick Answer
To record meeting audio effectively, use dedicated apps like Otter.ai or Zoom for virtual meetings, smartphone voice recorder apps for in-person meetings, or professional audio recording equipment for important sessions. The key is ensuring clear audio quality through proper microphone placement, quiet environments, and appropriate recording settings.
Virtual Meeting Audio Recording
Zoom Meeting Recording
Zoom provides built-in recording with excellent audio quality for virtual meetings.
Setup Steps:
- In Zoom meeting, click Record button in toolbar
- Choose Record to the Cloud (paid plans) or Record on this Computer
- Enable Separate audio file option for better post-processing
- Zoom records all participant audio automatically
- Recording includes screen sharing and chat
Audio Quality Tips:
- Ask participants to use headsets or good microphones
- Enable noise suppression in Zoom audio settings
- Mute participants when not speaking
- Use Original Sound for music or high-fidelity audio
Microsoft Teams Recording
Teams offers cloud recording with automatic transcription.
How to Record:
- In Teams meeting, click More actions (...) > Start recording
- Recording notification appears for all participants
- Audio and video are captured automatically
- Recording saves to OneDrive or SharePoint
- Automatic transcription is generated
Best for: Business users, Office 365 integration, automatic transcription
Google Meet Recording
Google Meet recording requires Google Workspace accounts.
Recording Process:
- In Google Meet, click Activities > Recording > Start recording
- Confirm recording start with all participants
- Meeting audio and video are captured
- Recording saves to Google Drive automatically
- Participants receive email with recording link
Limitations: Requires Google Workspace, no transcription, basic audio quality
In-Person Meeting Audio Recording
Smartphone Recording
Most convenient option for casual meeting recording.
iPhone Voice Memos:
- Open Voice Memos app
- Place phone in center of meeting table
- Tap record button and start meeting
- Recording automatically saves with date/time
- Share recording for transcription
Android Recording:
- Use built-in Voice Recorder or Google Recorder app
- Enable high-quality recording in settings
- Position phone close to speakers
- Google Recorder provides real-time transcription
Tips for Better Smartphone Recording:
- Use airplane mode to prevent interruptions
- Charge phone fully before long meetings
- Test recording quality in meeting room beforehand
- Keep phone close to primary speakers
Dedicated Recording Apps
Specialized apps offer better features and quality.
Otter.ai Mobile:
- Download Otter.ai app on smartphone
- Start new recording in app
- Real-time transcription appears on screen
- Add photos and highlights during meeting
- Share transcript immediately after meeting
Features: Live transcription, speaker identification, cloud sync, collaboration
Rev Voice Recorder:
- Install Rev Voice Recorder app
- Record meeting with high-quality audio
- Upload to Rev for professional transcription
- Receive 99% accurate transcript via email
Cost: AI transcription $0.25/minute, Human transcription $1.50/minute
Professional Audio Equipment
For critical meetings requiring highest audio quality.
Digital Audio Recorders:
- Zoom H1n Handy Recorder ($120) - Compact, professional quality
- Sony ICD-UX570 ($80) - Easy to use, long battery life
- Olympus WS-853 ($90) - Voice activation, noise cancellation
- Tascam DR-05X ($110) - Professional features, XLR input
External Microphones:
- Lavalier mics for individual speakers
- Conference microphones for group discussions
- Shotgun mics for directional recording
- USB mics for computer-based recording
Hybrid Meeting Recording
Recording Both In-Person and Remote Participants
Hybrid meetings require capturing both room audio and virtual participants.
Method 1: Conference Room System
- Use conference room with built-in recording system
- Connect virtual meeting to room audio/video
- Record through main conferencing system
- Captures both room and remote participant audio
Method 2: Dual Recording
- Record virtual meeting through Zoom/Teams
- Simultaneously record room audio with separate device
- Sync recordings in post-production
- Combine for complete meeting audio
Method 3: AI Meeting Assistant
- Use Fireflies.ai or Otter.ai for virtual recording
- Place additional recording device in room
- AI assistant captures virtual participants
- Room device captures in-person discussions