8 Essential Podcast Recording Tips

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Earlier than hitting “document,” it’s important to know some key podcast recording ideas to make sure a clean recording session.

This publish presents a fast rundown of the fundamentals—sensible steps that each podcaster ought to take, whether or not it’s their first or fiftieth episode.

No deep dives right here, simply simple ideas that lay the muse for a top quality recording.

From testing your gear and getting your microphone settings proper to contemplating your recording atmosphere, these easy but essential practices will assist you seize clear, skilled sound and keep away from frequent pitfalls.

It could appear redundant nevertheless it by no means surprises me how new and skilled podcasters neglect to do a few of these issues. It’s virtually comical.

However hey, I labored in skilled recording studios for years, so this stuff look like second nature to me.

In any case, let’s break down what you have to know earlier than you press “document.”

Podcast Recording Tip #1 – Take a look at Your Gear

Earlier than you even start to document your first episode, you’ll need to take a look at all of your tools.

It could sound apparent, however be sure your microphone is definitely turned on earlier than you begin recording.

Many podcasters have needed to scrap a recording as a result of the mic was off, resulting in misplaced effort and time.

At all times double-check that your mic is powered, unmuted, and correctly linked to keep away from that “oops” second afterward.

Podcast Recording Tip #2 – Put on Headphones

You’ll want to have an thought of the way you sound, within the room that you just’re in. Headphones are A MUST.

How the hell else are you going to listen to the way you sound?

Too many individuals simply plug their rattling mic’s in and hit document.

That is your time to play, and be taught, together with your setup.

In the event you take away only one tip from this web page, let it’s this: at all times put on your headphones when recording. Don’t begin recording an episode with out them.

You have to hear the way you sound so you’ll be able to modify your tone, vocal projection, and proximity to the mic successfully

Podcast Tip #3 – Do Some Vocal Warmups

Similar to an actor, singer, or particular person giving a speech, your voice is necessary.

It’s an instrument. Don’t be afraid to heat it up.

Be happy to make use of vocal workout routines. Loosen the muscle groups in your face and neck by performing head rolls, lip buzzing (like doing raspberries while you had been a child), and yawning.

You’ll be able to hum, and make nonsense noises, something that relaxes your facial muscle groups and vocalcords.

Podcast Tip #4 – Test Your Microphone Ranges

You need to seize a wholesome sign so your voice sounds clear. Getting a clear, full sign may even make editing your podcast a lot simpler.

When setting the “proper” degree, all of it will depend on the gear you’re utilizing, however a great rule of thumb is to start out together with your acquire at about 70% of its max after which modify from there. In case your system has color-coded metering, right here’s a trick:

Inexperienced: Go forward—crank the acquire a bit extra.
Yellow: Decelerate; you need your sign to the touch the yellow however not keep there.
Orange: The acquire is just too sizzling; dial it again barely.
Pink: That’s a wrap—your acquire is method too excessive and sure distorting. Pull it again!

Ideally, you need a principally inexperienced sign with peaks often reaching into the yellow.

Keep in mind, totally different mics require totally different quantities of acquire. In the event you’ve discovered something about podcasting to date, hopefully, you’re utilizing a dynamic microphone, which requires extra acquire.

However in case you’re utilizing a condenser mic (in opposition to my higher judgment), you received’t must crank the acquire as a lot—these mics are delicate.

Nonetheless confused about setting acquire and microphone ranges? I wrote an in depth article on the difference between gain and volume. Give it a learn ASAP to be taught 1) what acquire is, 2) what quantity is, and three) set the appropriate ranges for each.

Podcast Recording Tip #5 – Test Your Digicam Setup

Earlier than hitting document, double-check that your digicam is on and positioned accurately.

Ensure you’re properly framed within the shot with good lighting, and take a second to tidy up or creatively model your background—it units the tone on your recording.

A clear, participating background and well-framed shot can elevate your visible presence and make your podcast extra skilled.

Podcast Recording Tip #6 – Get rid of Background Noise and Distractions

Whereas checking your tools and listening on headphones, be conscious of any additional sounds that would intervene together with your audio high quality.

Pay attention carefully for issues like squeaky chairs, creaky desks, or background noises from air con or followers.

Even seemingly small distractions—just like the rustling of papers, clinking jewellery, or the sound of sure materials—can have an effect on your recording.

The purpose is to create a clean audio environment, so reduce any potential disruptions. Take away noisy equipment, go for quieter clothes, and guarantee your recording area is free from distracting sounds.

If one thing makes a noise while you transfer, modify, or breathe, it’s price addressing earlier than you begin recording.

Being conscious of your environment will assist produce clearer audio and a greater listener expertise.

A clear recording area equals a clear podcast!

Podcast Recording Tip #7 – Have Notes and Present Prep Prepared

Whilst you need to keep a pure circulate in your dialog, a little bit of construction is vital to staying on observe. Outlines and present prep are essential for guiding your dialogue, guaranteeing the episode flows easily, and serving to you regulate time.

Your prep doesn’t should be overly detailed—a easy listing of questions or bullet factors will do, particularly for interviews.

The purpose is to have a reference to information you with out sounding too scripted.

As you document, take fast notes or mark down time codes for any slip-ups, memorable moments, or sections you might need to edit later. This fast prep will make the recording course of smoother and the enhancing course of extra environment friendly.

Podcast Recording Tip #8 – Hydrate Early and Typically

I at all times neglect to do that for my podcast!

Be certain to have water obtainable to everybody within the session.

You’re speaking, your mouth goes to dry out. This may increasingly result in vocal clicks and pops that are annoying AF once they get baked into podcast recordings

What you’ll want to keep away from is liquids that may change your vocal tone, respiration sample, or make your saliva thick. Additionally, keep away from something with bubbles or dairy.

Podcast Recording Suggestions Wrap Up

With these podcast recording ideas, you’ll be able to hit document with confidence and produce high-quality episodes that sound nice.

Keep in mind to check your tools, be conscious of your atmosphere, and prep totally so you’ll be able to keep on observe and centered.

Repetition is vital—the extra you observe these habits, the extra pure they’ll grow to be, turning them into second nature for a clean recording session and a professional-sounding podcast your listeners will love.