Are you doing what it takes to create a successful podcast?
Last year, the market for podcasts was valued at USD 18.52 billion. Recording high-quality audio is more complex than you may think. It can challenge even the most experienced podcaster.
From the physical environment to technical elements, expectations are high when it comes to audio production today. With so much of a podcast’s content often revolving around the conversation between hosts, be sure your audio production is in top shape.
With that in mind, let’s cover the dos and don’ts of recording podcasts with quality audio.
The Do’s of Recording Podcasts
Following the do’s of recording podcasts are essential to ensure quality sound and a successful podcast. Correctly recording a podcast can help the podcast to become successful, engaging, and accurate for the listener. Here are several do’s for quality sounds of recording podcasts:
1. Look For Podcast Virtual Assistant
A podcast virtual assistant (VA) can help you arrange your editing, production, and publishing tasks efficiently. They are also knowledgeable about the latest industry standards for recording podcasts and sound production. Also, they provide helpful feedback and advice that can help you create a better-finished product.
Additionally, they can provide you with access to the latest sound and audio editing software and equipment for optimal sound quality. Using a podcast virtual assistant can help you save time and money by streamlining your podcast production tasks.
2. Use a High-Quality Microphone
A high-quality microphone will help capture the best sound when starting a podcast recording, allowing for clarity and a richer overall sound. The right microphone will result in better production levels, higher audio quality, and clearer vocal tracks.
When selecting a microphone for recording, consider the type that will best suit the podcast’s audio needs. For example, a USB microphone may be suitable for solo podcasts. A more traditional condenser microphone is better for group recordings.
3. Record in a Quiet Environment
Ambient noise – like dogs barking, traffic, and humming appliances – can be distracting and interfere with the sound quality of the podcast. Also, it may take more time in post-production to remove the noise from the audio track.
To achieve the best sound, find a quiet spot to record. Create a recording atmosphere by closing windows and turning off any electronic devices.
4. Use Soundproofing Methods
For podcast recording best practices, you must use soundproofing methods. This ensures high-quality audio recordings and protects the listener from extraneous noise. Create a makeshift recording corner with bookshelves filled with books.
You can also place blankets over walls and make small DIY acoustic panels created from egg cartons and fabric. This eliminates much of the environmental noise, echo, and reverberation that can show up in the final recordings. Other methods include using appropriate window treatments/curtains and dampening floor mats.
5. Invest in Audio Monitors Designed for Podcasting
Have a wide range of frequencies available to accurately control and adjust audio to make sure it is picked up and sounds its best. Not all audio monitors offer a complete frequency response range, and some have limited controls. This can result in poorly recorded audio, especially for podcasts, that can sound tinny and distorted when listening.
The Don’ts of Recording Podcasts
To record a podcast for beginners, no one wants their podcast cut short due to technical difficulties or poor sound quality. Following the ‘don’ts’ of recording a podcast are a great way to ensure that you have a successful podcast. Some important things you should avoid doing include:
1. Forgetting to Check the Levels of Your Recordings
If the levels are too low or loud, it can make it difficult for listeners to understand your content. Also, having inconsistent levels can contribute to a jarring listening experience.
Be sure you invest in quality recording gear and use sound-level meters to check the audio levels of your recordings. Double-check your recordings before releasing them, ensuring that the levels remain consistent and of sufficient quality.
2. Missing Out on Adding Post-production Effects
It’s not enough to record your podcast. You need to shape the sound of your podcast by adding effects such as reverb, compression, delays, and other treatments to enhance certain elements.
Post-production effects serve to liven up your podcast and add depth and character to the sound. Skipping out on adding post-production effects will result in an inferior sound and a sub-par experience for your listeners.
3. Recording Too Close to the Microphone
One of the cardinal sins of getting a podcast right is to record too close to the microphone. This results in distorted audio due to the closer proximity of the mic channel. This can add an undesirable fuzzy sound.
Moreover, it can cause annoying feedback and high peaks, which is difficult to edit and remove. Instead, record from a further distance and use a pop filter if needed or check the settings on the mic for a reduced input sensitivity level.
4. Using Overly Compressed Audio
One of the most crucial rules of podcasting is don’t use overly compressed audio. Overly compressed audio affects the sound quality of the overall recording by making it too loud, thus causing distorted or muffled effects.
This method also masks subtle nuances of sound by over-squashing the signal so that its low points are louder than they would be. It has a flattening effect on any dynamic range, leaving the podcast sounding dull and uninteresting.
5. Using Free Software
Don’t use free software as it is hard to achieve higher quality sound. Also, it may lack the features you need. So it’s best to invest in professional sound equipment and software instead.
This type of equipment will help you capture the highest quality sound for your podcast, no matter what podcast genre you are podcasting about. Some top equipment to look out for includes dynamic microphones, audio interfaces, and audio recording software.
Consider the Do’s and Don’ts of Recording Podcasts
Achieving a quality sound for recording podcasts requires a focus on detail and attention to the basics. Following the dos and don’ts can create a great-sounding podcast. Remember to look for a podcast VA, use a high-quality mic and soundproofing method, record in a quiet environment, and invest in an audio monitor that provides a frequency response range.
Avoid forgetting to check the levels of recording, missing out on adding post-production effects, recording too close to the mic, and using overly compressed audio and free software. Start recording your podcasts today!
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