In audio podcasts, the quality of the sound is what matters most. Apart from the podcast content, the quality of the audio is also important for greater audience acceptance. As the visual element is absent in audio podcasts, you should give much emphasis on the sound for audio podcasting. Here are some tips for recording audio podcasts.
Choose a spacious room for recording audio podcasts
If you record audio podcasts inside a confined room, you will never get the best results. Even if the room is quiet, the surfaces reflect sound. You should find a space that is away from windows and walls. Make sure the room is carpeted. When recording, you should try to get rid of all the noise, like the sound of fans, AC, or cars on the road.
Get the right equipment for audio podcasts
Even though you can use the built-in microphone of your laptop to record your podcast, you won’t get a good result. You should buy some specialized equipment for recording your audio podcast like a USB microphone, mixer, pop filter, microphone stand, noise-removing headphones, and recording and editing software.
Get a high-resolution audio file
The audio file must be of top quality. So, record a WAV or AIFF file of 24-bit or 48 kHz. You will find it easy to edit such files. Avoid recording in MP3, M4A, or other files that cut off the natural element of sound and add compression artifacts that may build up over time disrupting the audio quality.
Ensure good remote recording
In your podcasts, you may not always invite guests to your studio. You may have to take interviews in Zoom or other apps over the Internet. It’s very difficult to ensure good quality audio in this situation. Increase your bandwidth so that you have a strong Internet connection throughout your entire recording time. Some organizations provide high-quality audio during remote recording using the Internet. You can get support from these organizations.
Allocate enough time for editing and mixing
You should carefully edit your audio file before exposing it to the audience. You must get rid of duplicate topics, words like ‘um’, ‘ah’, and other mistakes. After editing, you should mix the podcast, that is, process the vocal tracks to balance the levels.
Use microphone properly for recording audio podcasts
When you speak, make sure the microphone is kept even with your mouth. You can have a pop filter in between the microphone and your mouth for better sound. You should sit steady when recording to prevent external interference. The microphone should just pick up your voice; not any other sound.
You must be well-hydrated before recording audio podcasts. Otherwise, your voice won’t sound best and you may feel uncomfortable throughout the session. Switch off your mobile and ask other people not to enter the room where you are recording. With good equipment and a noise-free environment, you can create a top-quality audio podcasts.
