Pasadena, CA— Author Becca C. Smith, whose work spans paranormal, mystery, thriller, and science fiction, recently recorded the audiobook for her latest novel, Grandma’s Little Secret, a fictionalized story based on true events from her own life. Recorded in a home setup, she used the AEA KU5A ribbon microphone to capture clean, focused voice recordings with minimal background noise.
Smith is the author of nearly twenty books, most of which are works of fiction. Her latest novel, Grandma’s Little Secret, while fictionalized, draws inspiration from a deeply personal experience in her childhood. To capture the tone of the characters and tell the story authentically, Smith chose to narrate the audiobook herself. Recording in a DIY closet setup, however, introduced challenges with background noise and room limitations.
“The previous microphone I was using kept picking up planes and traffic outside. I’d have to do retakes or pause the recording until the noise went away. Sometimes I wouldn’t even notice all the noise it picked up until the editing process.”
Smith records in a small closet using a simple DIY booth made from quilted blankets hung on a PVC frame. Inside, she works from a small standing desk with the microphone mounted on a mic arm and a pop filter in place, reading from a monitor on the desk. Her computer sits outside the closet to avoid fan noise, running Adobe Audition for recording and editing.
To address the limitations of the environment, she used the AEA KU5A ribbon microphone, taking advantage of its directional pickup and off-axis rejection to achieve clean, focused voice recordings at home.
“With the KU5A, there was none of that background noise. I don’t have to stop every time a car goes by, and I can step back a bit and still get this really smooth, warm sound. It let me relax and actually perform the story instead of worrying about every little noise.”
About Grandma’s Little Secret
Smith’s latest book, Grandma’s Little Secret, is a suspense-driven novel inspired by a real-life incident from her childhood involving a violent crime within her family. The story follows a young girl who begins to suspect her grandmother is capable of murder and must navigate the line between imagination and reality to protect her family. While the book expands on these events through fiction, it remains rooted in Smith’s personal experience.
Grandma’s Little Secret is available now via Inimitable Books. For more information, visit: https://inimitablebooks.com/titles/grandmas-little-secret/
About AEA Ribbon Mics
Founded in 1964, AEA began as a record label and mobile recording studio before expanding into microphone repairs and full-scale manufacturing. In 1998, AEA introduced the R44C — an evolution of the iconic RCA 44BX — and has since developed a full range of microphones and preamps inspired by classic designs and built to modern standards. With a commitment to ultra-low noise circuitry, musical sound, and expert craftsmanship, AEA continues to push ribbon technology forward while honoring its legacy. All AEA products are proudly handcrafted in Pasadena, California.
For more information on the AEA KU5A ribbon microphone, visit:
https://aearibbonmics.com/audio-products/ku5a/
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