EQUIPMENT FAQ

WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT GEAR FOR YOUR DIY PODCAST RECORING STUDIO

You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.  Is it really expensive to get into podcasting? Can my laptop or phone be used to record my show? 

Here are some Frequently Asked  (and Answered) Questions from our gear department.  If you don’t see your questions here, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions

Q. Do I have to use a professional studio to record my show?

While you may want to use a professional  studio to record your show, it is not necessary.  Budget will determine if you go the Po Studio route or ou DIY it.

Q. Can my iPhone work as my main recorder?

Yes,  your iPhone or any mobile device (i.e. tablets and other mobie phones) can by used to record your show.  Quality may be compromised, especially if you are trying to control the quality of any co-hosts or guests.

 

Q. What kind of microphone should I use?

This is perhaps the most asked questions with a bunch of different answers.  We suggest you take the following in consideration before running out and ordering a microphone:

Will I be the only person on my podcast?

If so you can use any microphone that sounds decent (including a good set of earbuds with a microphone or headset).

I have a co-host and /or want to have in-studio guests.  Do I need separate microphones for each?

Yes, ideally, and all of these microphones will need to be mixed together using some sort of multi-channel mixer.

Can I use a USB connection microphone that simply plugs into my laptop or desktop computer?

Yes, but the USB microphone set up is really for a single host-no guest situation unless your co-hosts/guests are joining you virtually via internet.

Can a USB microphone be used with an external multi-channel mixer?

Technically no.  USB signals cannot be synced on the same bus as the output of your competer.  Multiple microphone setups require XLR connection microphones which require a USB mixer or other interface to plug into your computer.

Wow, some of these micrphones are almost $1000 each, I can’t afford that, are less expensive microphones good enough?

In our opinion, yes.  We suggest you read up on the latest reviews on XLR microphones for podcasting in the $100-$300 range.  You will find a lot of microphones, developed for the podcast market and hovering around $100, that receive very good reviews and do a nice job.

Q. What sort of room or space is best for my podcast recording?

Even with today’s consumer grade equipment, there is little room prepartion that is necessary.  Some shows record in basements, garages, backyard patios, you name it.

The sound treatment that requires the most consideration is the clarity of the speaker/host, and the amount of background and reflective noise surrounding them.

The misconception that a studio needs to be soundproof is pretty much a thing of the past, otherwise Taylor Swift wouldn’t be able to record an entire ablum in her bedroom.

Reflection (the reaction of an audio wave bouncing off of nearby surfaces and reflecting as almost an echo back into the microphone) is the most common offender of bad audio.

Good news is that soft surfaces can absorb reflective waves (even towels and blankets) and help to curb those “live” sounds.

A big offender of outdoor recording is wind.  There are lots of products available to abate wind noises while recording that you can find on the internet.

Obviously if a 747 flies overhead while you are recording, the best advice is to stop recording, wait for the plane to leave and start up again.

Q. Why do I need headphones or earbuds to record my show?

It is not possible to listen live to your show while reocrding via loudspeaker as the audio will feedback into your microphone.

That is why you see show hosts wearing headphones or earbuds while they are recording their shows.  The audio of all sources, including the host’s own speaking, is mixed together in the headphones and typically will allow the host to make corrections in mic position, volume gain and control of guest microphones or interent feeds.

Q. What editing software will I need?

This is dependent on what sort of editing computer/device you are using.

PCs and Macs have access to the freeware multi-track editing app Audacity.  The software is robust and remarkably well-built for a freeware tool.

There are any number of audio editing apps for sale. Depending on your editing device, some can be very expensive.

Multitrack editing software is sometimes bundled with a USB audio interface which you will need if you intend to record multiple sources.

Mobile devices have editing apps of differing features, check out reviews of the best ones for podcast editing.

Q. Where can I find information about how to record a podcast, treat my studio acoustically?

YouTube creators have recorded hundreds of hours of how to produce your own podcast, to how to make your studio less reflective, and even how to address your microphone for maximum quality.

Our member clients receive free basic one-on-one techinal advice (remotely).

Ready to tell your story? Let’s get started!