The JCW Engine Tuning Kit for my Clubman is expected to arrive tomorrow, and in anticipation of requests for before/after sound clips I'm wondering how people record their exhaust sounds. I know I've seen this mentioned before, but seem to be striking out on the search function this morning. Thanks!

 

I know a lot of people use the video/audio capture on their smartphones, or any other digital video recorder. Just fire up the video app on your phone & set it near the exhaust. Sure the video might not be too exciting, but the audio portion is what you're after. Post the clip to YouTube or any other sharing site and there ya go!

HTH, and I look forward to hearing the "before" & "after".

 

I have run a mic cord under the hatch, with the mic on the bumper. Then ran an audio cable to the dashboard and plugged it into my camcorder. This way I got the picture ahead of the car, and the sound from behind, which gave a nice impression of the ride.

 

Best: Do a same-road, same-conditions ride, once with the OE exhaust on and once with the new one. Record sound INSIDE the car by aiming the smartphone out the windshield with the sound recording on. Don't do this in the rain, and please resist the temptation to talk, turn on the radio, or sing. A good addition would be recording the external exhaust sound from the inside, either using the technique above or simply opening the hatch and SECURELY aiming the phone at the exhaust. A great addition would be a cruising-speed 70MPH continuous-speed clip. Edit down to the essential bits.

OK technique: (or as an addition to the above) Do a drive-by or two and accelerate while passing a friend who's recording you. Do a standing start (not hard throttle, but reasonably aggressive) in front of the same friend. Edit down to the essential bits.

Most common and annoying: Set phone on pavement, leave recording on, get in and start car, then rev the cold engine like there's no tomorrow, don't let us know what it sounds like under load, then get out and turn the phone off and don't edit out the parts where the car is running or you are walking.

 

No rain - In Southern California; not a problem for the next several months - check

No radio - But CD or iPod's ok, right?

What, I can't sing?!? OMG!

All said strictly tongue-in-cheek; thanks for the great suggestions (and you don't wanna hear that last thing anyway, trust me!) Now, to make it happen . . .