Audio recording is so crucial for recording podcasts unlike video recording wherein as long as you have a steady cam with decent video capabilities and excellent lighting, then you are good to go. With audio recording, there are a lot of factors involved from technology, skills, and other external factors. Even with the edit function, terrible audio cannot be repaired which is why it is important to learn how to capture clean audio before even starting your podcast project.
All of the popular podcasts out there have one thing in common: great audio. Even if the show’s host is so spontaneous and professional, it will be for naught if the sounds coming out of the set are not captured properly. In this article, we will teach you the top 8 tips for recording podcasts. We will make sure you capture clean audio recordings for your podcast production by following the tips mentioned below.
Tips to Audio Recording for Podcasts
1. Invest in the right audio recording equipment.
Professional audio quality requires the right equipment. You cannot go with the equipment you can pick up right off the bat such as a built-in laptop mic or a generic dynamic microphone. You don’t have to purchase something high-end and expensive to achieve quality audio recording. Try to read reviews online to be aware of the cheapest yet decent microphones out there for recording podcasts.
2. Conduct a dry-run.
You do not have to record everything in a single take. Feel free to conduct a dry-run or rehearsal to prepare for the actual recording. This way, you can test your equipment and as well as warm-up your host for the eventual recording process. Also, warming up is critical for the host to avoid mumbling words later on or get tongue-tied. The mouth needs to get moving beforehand.
3. Make sure to have a recording-friendly environment.
According to a music recording blog, it is ideal to pick a small and quiet room when recording podcasts. This idea follows the same concept as to why a radio DJ is locked up in a small booth. Make sure the windows and doors are closed and avoid appliances that give out the noise. If possible, make sure the air conditioner does not give out a buzzing sound. Fill the room with soft stuff such as pillows, curtains, blankets, carpet, etc. to achieve the standard acoustic feel.
4. Implement microphone setup techniques.
There are a lot of microphone placement techniques you need to know when recording audio. The most basic tip is to put the mic at the same level as your mouth then move a few inches to make sure the pop filter is right in between the mic and your mouth. Keep in mind the volume of your mic output is based on your mouth’s distance from the mic. Make sure to keep a constant distance to avoid volume peaks. You would not want to edit volume inconsistencies later on.
5. Monitor volume levels.
Whatever recording equipment you use, there will always be a volume meter in the form of lights on the equipment. Take note of these lights which usually scales from green to yellow, then red. Regular conversations are usually on the green scale while musical voices are at the yellow or red scale. For regular podcast production, it is advised to maintain your volume at the green scale to avoid distorted voice sounds.
6. Take note of your breathing sounds.
Inhaling and exhaling near the microphone can pick up unwanted sounds for your audio recording. It is a must for the host to control his or her method of breathing and avoid the gust of air to cause any sounds. Teach the host to take quick small breaths and keep up the right posture to avoid getting weary. He or she must be wary enough to move away from the mic when doing a big breath.
7. Let the crew and host maintain a comfortable position.
Moving around in the set will naturally make unnecessary noises and you do not want them to happen in your podcast. Wires, headphones, and even lapel mics may give out unwanted sounds when moved which is why it is a must for everyone to maintain a still and comfortable position while the podcast is recording. Make sure the host also has enough space to move comfortably in case he is doing gestures or presenting items.
8. Always record with the headphones on.
The only way to avoid audio feedback when recording podcast such as musical podcast is by letting the host/s and guest/s (if there are any) to wear headphones while recording. Even though you can still edit the audio post-recording, you do not want to take a lot of time removing feedbacks simply because the people involved missed to wear headphones.
