Operation Manual

DO also experiment with the surface that the iTrack Pocket sits on when recording. You will

most likely place it on a convenient table to begin with, and obviously you will want to sit or stand

where the camera can get a good image of you. But be aware that the optimum position for video

capture may not be the optimum position for good sound quality. In particular, the table’s surface

will have a signiﬁcant effect on how the recording sounds – a glass table top will colour the sound

quite differently to a wooden one with a tablecloth. Try raising the iTrack Pocket above the table

top by standing it on a pile of books or something similar (the box the iTrack Pocket came in

might be suitable) to reduce surface reﬂections.

DO use the iTrack Pocket’s internal mics to record a guitar ampliﬁer if you want to include the

contribution to the sound that the ampliﬁer makes. But be aware that very high sound levels

which could distort the recording can be produced close to the loudspeaker and if you need high

volume, you will probably get a better result by moving it away from the ampliﬁer. Be aware that

the room’s acoustics will colour the sound, and what you are hearing from your amp won’t be

exactly the same as what the mics pick up.

NEVER forget that microphones are utterly unforgiving – they will not only pick up what you are

trying to record, but any other sound source in the room, like a clock, the aircon, heating, or a

chair creaking. You know how you take those holiday photos of a great bit of scenery and it’s only

when you look at the pictures later that you see the power cables right across the view? It’s the

same with recording. You might not notice extraneous sounds at the time, but the mics will and

you’ll hear them on the recording.

DON’T forget that the camera is equally unforgiving! If the table you’re standing the iTrack Pocket

on is littered with sheets of paper covered in words and chords, or if empty coffee cups feature

strongly, it won’t look professional to your viewers. Make sure there’s nothing in view that will

be embarrassing once you’re famous! Think about what’s behind you as well – a fridge covered

in magnetic letters, perhaps? You probably don’t want to have anything that could identify you

or your home visible to the camera. Remember, the Internet is a very public place, and your

recording will be available for a long time!