Reviewed and updated: 21 July 2026.
Echo is created when speech reaches the recorder directly and again after reflecting from walls, glass, floors and ceilings. The farther the recorder is from the speaker, the more room sound dominates.
Run a room clap test
Stand where the meeting will occur and clap once. A long, metallic tail indicates strong reverberation. Test the recorder at several table positions before the real meeting.
Reduce distance before treating the room
- Place the recorder nearer the centre of active speakers.
- Avoid placing it at the far end of a long table.
- Move away from bare glass walls and corners.
- Use smaller rooms where possible.
- Close unnecessary doors and reduce empty space.
Use soft surfaces
Carpet, curtains, upholstered furniture and acoustic panels absorb reflections. Even choosing a furnished side of a room can improve clarity.
Improve meeting behaviour
Ask speakers to avoid talking across one another and to face the table. In a large room, use a chair-led turn-taking pattern and identify speakers verbally.
Check the original audio
An AI transcript can appear acceptable while names and short answers remain unreliable. Test quiet speakers, numbers and rapid exchanges.
How NERALVO Halo can be positioned
NERALVO Halo may be detached from the phone and placed where direct speech is strongest. Do not sacrifice audio position merely to keep the device attached.
Know the limit
For boardrooms, halls or training spaces with severe reverberation, a distributed or specialist microphone system may be necessary. Software cannot perfectly separate speech from reflections that overlap it.
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