1. A PC with Windows 98 or newer, or a fairly new Mac. Audio files are large, so you need work space available on your hard drive.
   
2. A quality soundcard. (Most recent computers come with one.)
   
3. A drive that can read and write CDs or DVDs or a high-speed internet connection.
   
4. Audio software for recording and editing sounds. Many programs are available. Two that work well at an affordable price are:
   

• Sony Audio Studio, available from Amazon.com for under $70.
• Audacity, a free, open-source software program you can download online. Our Audacity Quick Start file (173k, in pdf format) will give you an overview of how Audacity works.

5. A quality computer microphone.  We recommend a unidirectional mic (also called cardioid mic) which will help reduce background noise.  There are many available.  Some narrators prefer headset microphones, which keep a consistent distance between their mouth and the microphone, while others prefer traditional stand microphones.
6. Headphones are recommended, but not essential.  Headphones that block outside sound can be helpful when listening to playback of what you have recorded.

A word about equipment quality:

 With microphones, you get what you pay for. Inexpensive mics often produce poor sound, but if you already have one, you can send us a sample tape and we will help you evaluate whether the sound quality is adequate to record books on tape. NOTE: Try speaking slightly over rather than directly into the mic to minimize hisses and clicks.
 
Amazon.com carries several Desktop Recording sets you might consider.  These MXL sets were developed for podcasting and feature a unidirectional mic with stand, cables, and power source, and are as close to “plug and play” as you can get with a condenser mic.
 
For those more technically-minded, an alternative to the MXL sets is to put together your own system. You will probably need to purchase more than just the mic because stands, cables and adapters are often sold separately. Condenser mics require a "phantom power adapter" or other outside power source. (Dynamic mics draw power from the computer sound card, but may produce a softer audio signal than a condenser mic.) Whether you need an adapter, power source, or other accessories will depend on the specifics of your computer and the mic you choose.

 If you have technical questions, these links to online glossaries can help you become familiar with terms related to microphones, cables, power sources, etc.

• Sweetwater.com glossary
• ICT4LT.org

Take it step by step, and you'll be recording books on your computer before you know it!