A method for automatically starting an audio recording that includes receiving audio data and dividing the audio data into a first set of consecutive segments and a second set of consecutive segments that occur after the first set. The method further includes analyzing the first set of segments by measuring an average energy and peak value for each segment of the first set and determining a silence score therefrom, and analyzing the second set of segments by measuring an average energy and peak value for each segment of the second set and determining an music score therefrom. The method begins a recording of the audio data if the silence score is above a first predetermined value and the music score is above a second predetermined value.

An apparatus including a recording system including at least one microphone; a controller including a processor and a non-transitory memory, where the controller is configured to automatically adjust at least one recording parameter for a sound signal from the at least one microphone based, at least partially, upon a distance between the apparatus and a sound source; and a distance determinator configured to determine the distance between the apparatus and the sound source and provide the determined distance to the controller so as to adjust the at least one recording parameter, where the distance determinator includes at least one sensor and does not include the at least one microphone, where the apparatus is a portable electronic device.