Navigating the Waves: A Professional Audio Engineer's Guide to Beginning Podcasting
So, you're ready to dive into the world of podcasting? Excellent choice! For many, podcasting is a great creative outlet - a space to explore storytelling, interview guests, or showcase original content. It allows individuals to express themselves in ways that align with their interests and talents. As a professional audio engineer, I've seen (and heard!) the power of quality sound firsthand, and I'm here to guide you through the exciting journey of starting your own podcast.
Where to start?
First and foremost is the importance of sound quality. Just like in music production or film editing, clear and crisp audio is paramount in podcasting. The first step to achieving a great sound is choosing the right equipment - and it all begins with the microphone. The options for “podcast microphones” may seem endless, but allow me to start with some basic concepts.
Dynamic Microphones vs. Condenser Microphones
All microphones convert acoustic sound waves into an electrical signal, but the way this process occurs varies from mic to mic, and microphones appropriate for podcasting fall into one of two categories: Dynamic microphones and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones use electromagnetism, while condenser microphones use what is called “capacitance”. Without getting into the weeds of the technicality of these differences, we can look at it this way: Dynamic microphones can take a lot of signal and are generally less sensitive to sound input, while condenser microphones tend to be much more sensitive and require less gain to perform well. You often see dynamic microphones used in live concert settings or on loud instruments such as drums while condenser microphones are typically found in recording studios or for quieter sound sources such as acoustic guitars. In the podcasting world, there are microphones of each type that can be suitable. A major factor in your microphone decision will depend on what I’ll cover in the next section: the recording environment.
Your Recording Environment
Consider your recording environment and where you imagine yourself recording your podcast. Ideally you should find a quiet space where you can record without any interruption. Even the slightest echo or background hum can detract from your podcast's professionalism and overall sound quality. If you are able, a little soundproofing can go a long way. Consider using a room that has carpeted floors, heavy curtains, or other soft surfaces that will reduce sound reflections. If you are able to achieve a soundproofed room free of buzzing air conditioners, fans, and reflective hard surfaces, a condenser microphone may be the ideal choice for your recording needs. If however you are unable to craft such a space, a dynamic microphone can be your friend, as it will be less susceptible to picking up the sounds of the room around you.
I have my microphone. I have a space to record. Now what?
What you need now is equipment to record the sound captured by your microphone. This can easily be done by most computers and laptops. Even your smartphone or tablet can be used to record audio! If the microphone you have uses a USB connection, you can plug straight into almost any computer and get started. If the microphone you have uses an XLR connection (a circular connector with three pins), you need an additional piece of equipment called an Audio Interface. This device will amplify your microphone and convert the signal to a digital signal that the computer can interpret.
Once you have the equipment, next you need appropriate software. Recording software comes in many shapes and sizes (and price points) but there are a number of free options out there that can easily take the signal from your microphone and record it into a simple sound file. If you use an Apple device, such as a MacBook or iPad, GarageBand is an excellent free option that is included with those devices. On a Windows device, there are a number of free software options like Audacity and Reaper to get you started.
Getting the pro sound
Once you've recorded your podcast, it's time to edit. This is where a partnership with a professional audio engineer can really fine-tune your audio and make it shine. An audio engineer has the tools and expertise to cut out mistakes or long pauses, adjust volume levels, and add in any music or sound effects if desired. Audio engineers can ensure seamless transitions between sections and advertisements, optimize volume levels for a consistent listening experience, and even add metadata for discoverability.
Starting a podcast may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and guidance, you can create a high-quality show that captivates your audience. Remember to prioritize sound quality, create a quiet recording environment, invest in appropriate equipment, and don't be afraid to experiment with different software and techniques. Finally, working with a professional audio engineer is a worthwhile partnership to ensure the best possible outcomes for your audio content. It also offers you a creative and technical partner who can walk you through all of the steps of production, edit your recordings, and prepare your podcast for distribution with the best sound possible.
Are you ready to go pro with your audio?