Read time: 4 minutes
In the first blog about developing a podcast, we discussed how to get started and addressed these questions:
1. What topic are you passionate about that you can create 10 podcast episodes?
2. What motivates you about this topic?
3. What are some possible names you can call your podcast show?
How did that go? What topic did you choose? Were you able to outline 10 episodes? Did you find a name for your dynamic and inspiring new podcast? I hope so.
Now
that you have the basics down and some episode ideas, let’s talk about the next
steps- essential equipment.
STEP ONE: To start, you need a computer, either a laptop or tablet.
This is where you will record your podcast episodes and edit them. We will talk about software and editing in the future.
STEP TWO: You need a microphone.
You might be thinking, “Oh man, more expense...” But, gratefully, there are a variety of options.
One basic rule about recording podcasts is that the better you record your voice, the less editing you will need to do and the better your audio. Therefore, buying a solid microphone is essential. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone ($99.99)
2. Mackie EM-USB Condenser Microphone ($99.99)
3. Blue Microphones Yeti Multi-pattern USB Condenser Microphone ($129.99)
4. Samson CO1U Pro Studio Condenser USB Microphone ($89.99)
5. Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone ($89.99)
You can find microphones at various brands and prices. Keep in mind that the better your sound is when you record, the better and easier the editing will be.
When we first started our podcast editing, the microphone used was not high quality, which made our editing process a nightmare. The process should have taken half an hour to an hour but turned into a 3-hour ordeal. Even after those three hours, the audio was still not quality.
You can’t turn awful audio into good audio. It’s like trying to put a Band-Aid on a stab wound; it just doesn’t work.
STEP THREE: We strongly recommend getting a pop filter for your microphone.
Pop filters are cheap and can be a lifesaver. They help muffle loud sounds.
For example, when you say certain words that are aggressive, it helps lessen the blow. By aggressive, we mean words that sound harsh, often those that contain Ps, Ds, or Ts.
When you pronounce those letters, there’s a pop effect, hence the name pop filter. Audio levels rise when harsher sounds are made, which can cause you a big headache when it comes time to edit your audio.
The filters also help block out hissing and lisping sounds that come with the letter S. They even filter out background noises like mouse clicks or keyboard taps. It’s a very effective tool that is pretty cheap and easy to use.
Here are some links to pop filters that I recommend:
1. Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL - Black ($69)
2. Stedman Corporation Pro screen 101 - 4.6" with Gooseneck ($39)
3. Auphonix Pop Filter Screen for Microphones - Gooseneck Clamps Compatible with Blue Yeti Microphone ($29.97)
STEP FOUR: Find a quiet place to record.
When you record, you want to be in a quiet location. Find a time of day and place in your residence that you know will provide the least amount of background noise. There are many ways to create a quiet location too. For example, I’ve often used blankets to minimize background noises as I recorded in a closet.
Something to think about when you choose a location is to be away from unwanted noises. Stay away from pipes with running water, air vents in a house that blows, or windows that might bring in road noise. These types of background are sometimes impossible to edit out.
Check for noises before your record. I usually do a test recording before I do my episode and go back and listen to see if I hear anything strange. Free apps like DecibelX can help gauge frequencies, including ambient noises.
Look out for more blogs with software you can record on your computer, intros, and outros tips.
Let
us know at 3C if you have questions, or you can visit Sweetwater
(sweetwater.com). We strive to make changes in your life through
learning or sharing knowledge. Keep growing and learning
for life.
With
compassion and kindness and the desire to share with others,
~ Scott Palasik and Jordan Houston
P.S. All products and apps mentioned are for
informational purposes only. We did not receive any benefits,
financial or products, for listing them in our blog post. We wanted you
to have this information so you could do your own research to determine what
would be best for you. Thanks for reading.
©Photo by Christian Horz from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com