Calling all content creators - you podcast hosts, guests, and audio information trailblazers.

Whether you are simply curious about the world of podcasts, a seasoned host, or currently prepping to be a podcast guest, this information is for you!

We know you have put a lot of time and thought into the podcast content you’re delivering, but what about your sound quality?

Although sound quality has an enormous effect on the overall production, it is often left to the last minute to sort out, or can be overlooked and neglected altogether. This is a huge mistake as the audio quality has a large influence on whether listeners continue to listen.

Just as a well-crafted recipe combines high-quality ingredients and culinary techniques to create an irresistible dish, with the right combination of environment and tools you can easily achieve the best quality audio.

Remember, the right tools will transform you from amateur to professional, and it is equally important whether you are the show host or interview guest.

Follow along as we guide you to be the best in the business with advice on

●     how to prepare

●     reduce background noise

●     find your best set up

●     USB microphone suggestions

 

Why is it Important

Poor audio can distract from your message, so it's well worth putting in the time to gather the right tools and select the best atmosphere for a clear recording.

In many ways, you want the listener to be so focused on your captivating content that they don't notice the audio quality. The goal is a stellar podcast that represents your thoughtful professionalism and expertise and allows you to voice your content in a clear manner.

 

Podcast Prep

The key to creating compelling content is found by first creating an environment where your voice will be crystal clear, resulting in a comfortable listen. Preparing beforehand is the best way to achieve the best end result.

Make sure that before you hit record, you think about your space and ambiance. If you are recording at home, certain rooms in your house may create an echo, while others may provide a much better environment for sound success.

 

For example, a room that has sound-absorbing materials like carpet or rugs and large furniture such as a couch will create much better acoustics when compared to a room with minimal furniture and hardwood.

 

Bye Bye Background Noise

Reduce effects of noise pollution by recanting seemingly “white noise” that can clutter your recording. For example, is there a time of day where traffic is going to be especially loud? Will a train or subway regularly rattle by? Do the kids take a nap in the afternoon, or watch their favorite show, giving you a quieter window of time? The idea is to think about when your surroundings are at their quietest and do your best to schedule recording time for then.

Another auditory enemy that may go undetected until you are recording, is the noise of your electronics themselves. A common culprit is your computer fan, a clicking computer mouse, or an unexpected text or phone call.

By thinking ahead, you can minimize disruptions and frustrations!

 

Set It Up

When setting up your recording space, remember that environment is everything.

The Room

As mentioned, choose a room with echo absorbing materials. Bookshelves serve as a great sound-absorbing tool! Ideally, if you are doing a lot of recording and have a designated space for it, then you might even want to think about sound-proofing that area, which doesn't have to be overly-complicated or expensive nowadays.

Whatever your situation, be kind to yourself - choose a space where you have comfortable seating and a wide desk space where you can easily see your notes. Try to set up an environment where you can feel relaxed and at ease.

The Equipment

When recording, place the microphone slightly to the side to avoid plosives, which is the air projected when we make the “B” or “P” sounds. These create pops and wind sounds in the microphone that you can minimize, or hopefully avoid altogether. The right microphone placement makes all the difference, but if you are still having trouble, use a windscreen or pop filter to give you some extra assistance. Make sure your microphone is placed at the correct distance and height from your mouth - this is different for each type of microphone, so check what’s the optimal recommended setup in your manual (or do a google or YouTube search).

Finally, do a test recording! Try a few different spots to compare acoustics, and play with your mic settings and positioning to see what sounds the most natural and gives the best results. You don’t always need an expensive microphone, as long as you have one that produces decent results (and NO! Those headphones with the built-in cable mic that you got included for free in your cell phone box, are probably not going to cut it). By taking the time to dial-in and tweak your setup, you can greatly improve the audio quality of your recordings without having to spend a lot of money.

You

Last, give attention to your posture and position when you’re recording. For example, standing or sitting up-right will facilitate optimal projection and vocal clarity.

Endeavor to speak at a normal volume, and maintain proper enunciation. Talk at a normal speed (not too fast, not too slow), be clear and natural. Even if you are a little nervous and self-conscious (which is completely normal, especially when new to interviewing), try to relax. Smile when you speak! That will not only help relax you but the warmth will be heard in your voice. Try not to be too monotone, but instead be lively and enthusiastic in what you're saying as that will make for a more entertaining listening experience.

Also, it will help you to keep in mind that podcast interviews, are generally a more relaxed conversation type format, so if you are going to be a guest, don’t over-stress about the interview content. Try to go with the flow a little, allowing the host to direct the conversation so that their specific listeners can learn from you, but from an angle that will be of most interest to them. Be generous with your knowledge, experience, and stories, and just enjoy the process of chatting and having a two-way conversation with the host. One of the best things about podcast interviews is that 99.9% of the time they are pre-recorded, meaning they are not live and can be edited by the host if needed.

 

Microphones

What is the best microphone for you and your personal set up arrangement?

The search results can be overwhelming, to say the least, with a large range of price, and quality. Since the answers depend on what you want to record, let’s learn a bit more about USB Microphones and why they work so well for home and office recording which is common with podcast interviews.

Generally sporting a lower cost, a USB mic can be easy on the wallet as well as super simple to use. All that's needed is to plug the microphone into the USB port on your computer, and you're in business. Because the microphone is using your computer's power source, this eliminates the need for additional cables and cuts down on the amount of gear you will need. With so many of us creating home offices during the pandemic, we are sure you will agree that minimizing desktop clutter is a huge pro!

Check out these five USB microphones that we have selected for recording podcasts and interviews with great sound:

 

Top Five USB Microphones

Blue Microphones Yeti is the beast to beat. Its features are remarkably easy to use, coupled with extreme versatility due to its four pickup patterns, the Yeti is a fan favorite for a reason. This is the model to use if portability is not a high priority for you, as its solid build is not created for mobility.

Rhode Podcaster sports superb quality and a fantastic reputation as one of the better-known microphone brands in the broadcast scene. Although at a slightly higher price point than others on this list, you are really getting what you pay for in this model. With features such as an internal pop filter and low-cut filter, the Podcaster has been designed to meet and exceed the requirements of podcast pros and amateurs alike.

Rhode NT-USB keeps it in the Rhode brand family with this great value model. Exhibiting a smaller frame and low-profile tripod, the Rhode NT-USB is ideal for speech applications, making it a great tool for podcasters and guests!

Mackie EM-USB is an American brand that brings some handy features to the table in this model. We're a big fan of the mute button, a simple feature that can quickly save the professionalism of a recording! We're thinking of all you home recording podcasters with kids, pets, and any other surprise sounds that are just better left out! Another handy option is the USB-C connection that is included, as well as a tripod and mic stand clip.

IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 offers a classic design at an accessible price. The mobility factor is emphasized in this portable microphone, but it also includes a tripod for hands-free desktop usage. It boasts “high-quality 24-bit converters with sample rates up to 96kHz, a low noise preamp, a high quality, gold-sputtered electric condenser capsule, and an onboard dedicated headphone output with volume control for direct monitoring.”

While there is definitely an argument to be made that other options such as an XLR microphone and a digital audio interface also work, a well-selected USB microphone can certainly deliver high-quality results without breaking the bank. If you are a podcast host doing a lot of episodes, or someone looking to step up your recordings game even more, then you might also want to check out other microphone options available.

 

Now you are ready to hit the record button! We hope you enjoyed these field-tested tips and that you will use them to achieve great sounding recordings from here on out.

By using the right tools, in the right environment, you should be able to get great audio results again and again. Great quality sound, means great interviews, where listeners can concentrate on your informative and inspirational message that is easy on the ears.

To prepare for your interview, click here to download our free ebook How To Be A Successful Podcast Guest.