What should always be tested first according to audio recording practices?

In audio recording practices, it is essential to prioritize testing the recording equipment first to ensure that it functions correctly and captures sound effectively. The recording equipment, which includes devices such as digital recorders, audio interfaces, and any relevant hardware, must be checked for operational integrity. This means verifying that the equipment is powered on, properly connected, and set to the appropriate settings for the recording session.

Testing the recording equipment helps to prevent issues during the actual recording process, allowing for smooth performance and high-quality sound capture. If the recording equipment fails or has issues, it can lead to significant problems such as audio loss, poor quality recordings, or complete failure to record, which can disrupt the workflow and compromise the end product.

While testing microphones, software settings, or speakers is also important to ensure overall quality and performance, these elements are generally secondary to confirming the reliability of the recording equipment itself. The recording equipment serves as the foundation for everything else in the setup, making it the most critical aspect to check first.