Planning Your Podcast
Before you start recording a podcast, it helps to plan it carefully. Choose a topic you are passionate about and think about who will listen and what they want to hear. Decide on the format, such as solo, co-hosted, or interviews.
Equipment
For recording a podcast, you can use your phone, but you may also choose a dedicated microphone for higher quality. You’ll also need headphones to monitor sound, an audio interface if using an XLR mic, accessories like pop filters and mic stands, and a modern computer for recording and managing your audio files.
Depending on your course, you may be eligible to borrow equipment from the TORS Creative Media Centre.
Top Tips to Capture Audio
- Choose a Quiet Space: Minimise background noise from traffic, appliances, or other electronics.
- Use Acoustic Treatment: Soft surfaces like rugs, curtains, or foam panels can help reduce echo.
- Keep a Consistent Setup: Position your microphone and seating the same way for each recording.
- Maintain Proper Distance: Stay about 15 to 30 centimetres from the microphone for consistent sound.
- Mind the Angle: Speak slightly off to the side of the mic to reduce popping sounds.
- Speak Clearly and Steadily: A calm, consistent pace helps your voice sound natural.
- Monitor Audio Levels: Use headphones to check your volume, keeping it mostly in the mid-range and avoiding peaks that cause distortion.
Free Software
Audacity is a free, open-source app you can download to your computer or use on apps anywhere. It lets you record, edit, and enhance audio files, making it easy to create podcasts, music, or other sound projects.
Advanced Software
Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing and mixing software. It provides tools for recording, editing, and enhancing audio, suitable for both beginners and experienced users. You will need your own Adobe licence or be enrolled on a specific course at Hallam to have access.
