How to get great quality audio first time
There’s nothing worse than doing an interview only to find out that the recording quality is not as great as what you had anticipated.
And what you have got is not usable.
Whether it’s feedback, a microphone being knocked or being really echoey, there are some simple solutions to getting crisper audio.
This blog is going to give you some easy to implement solutions to ensure your podcast sounds as good as it can be.
Choose a quiet studio environment
Not everyone is going to have access to a state-of-the-art studio, or a space that was designed for this use.
But you can do a few modifications to give yourself a good chance of great audio.
I’ve heard a lot of people say they record in their closet and this is a great space if you can squeeze in.
Here’s what makes a good recording space:
No noise from outside - close your windows and doors.
No machines running except for your podcasting equipment. So if you’re running a fan to stay cool, be prepared to warm up while recording.
No other people in the room
No pets (a tricky one if you have a cat who will scratch at a door to be let in!)
Lots of soft materials to reduce reverb
Avoid recording too close to surfaces that can reflect sound, such as walls or hard furniture. This can lead to echoes and negatively impact audio quality.
Use the right equipment
The microphone you use will make a big difference, but first let me state that any microphone is better than no microphone so you don’t have to go and drop $200 on a mic today.
I recorded an interview with a guest whose microphone had just died, and we ended up doing it with no microphone at her end, just speaking into the computer.
The sound was terrible, and it got fixed as much as it could in the editing process but it was a headache I could have done without as I know it detracted from the listeners’ experience.
I use a Yeti, it comes with its own little stand. You can get other USB mics that fit into a separate stand.
Other things you can look into as your podcasting develops are:
Mixer
Pop filter or windscreen (a pop filter reduces plosive sounds, such as "p" and "b" sounds, and minimises the impact of breath noises.
Clean it regularly and check for any loose connections or issues that might affect audio quality.
Monitor with headphones
Wear headphones during recording to monitor the audio in real-time. This allows you to catch and address issues immediately, such as background noise or mic placement problems.
Again you don’t need to get the latest Beats, I tend to use the earbuds that came with my iPhone, or my son’s beat-up Sony headphones.
Plug into your microphone, not your computer, so you can monitor your microphone’s input.
Optimise mic placement
Position your microphone correctly. Experiment with distance and angles to find the sweet spot that captures your voice clearly without picking up excessive room noise or plosive sounds.
Open up Zoom (or whatever platform you will use to record) and record yourself, speak into the microphone describing its placement. When you playback you will hear which is the clearest.
Make sure you are consistent
Keep a consistent distance from the microphone and maintain a steady speaking pace. This helps ensure a consistent audio level and quality throughout the recording.
Try to remain stationary during recording to maintain a consistent sound. Excessive movement can introduce rustling noises or changes in distance from the microphone.
Use a windscreen outdoors
If recording outdoors, use a windscreen on your microphone to minimise wind noise. This is especially important if you're recording in open spaces.
Check Levels Before Recording
Test and set your microphone levels before starting to record to avoid distortion or clipping. Adjust levels as needed during the recording if you notice any issues.
I use Zoom and I test my microphone and speakers every single time.
If you do encounter technical issues during recording, such as interference or strange noises, address them promptly.
Ignoring technical issues can result in poor audio quality and make it harder to fix.
Let your guests know how they can help make the experience a great one for sound
If you use a scheduling system to book guests add recording tips to your automations. This way you’re showing your guest that you value their time and you want them to sound as good as possible.
You don’t need to send a long list, instead give them something like this:
Subject: Important Recording Guidelines for Our Podcast Session
Dear [Guest's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. We're excited to have you as a guest on our upcoming podcast episode, and we want to ensure that our time together results in the best possible audio quality for our audience.
To make the most of our recording session, kindly consider the following guidelines:
Quiet Environment:
Please choose a quiet and isolated room for our conversation. Minimize potential background noise by closing doors and windows, and ask others in your household to keep noise levels down during the recording.
No Running Equipment:
To ensure crystal-clear audio, please turn off any unnecessary equipment or appliances in the recording space. This includes fans, air conditioning units, or any other devices that may create background noise.
Use Earbuds with Inbuilt Microphone:
If you don't have access to an external microphone, using earbuds with an inbuilt microphone can provide better audio quality compared to relying solely on your device's built-in microphone. This will help capture your voice more clearly and reduce ambient noise.
Carpeted Room:
If possible, choose a carpeted room for the recording. Carpets can help absorb sound and reduce echoes, contributing to a more professional and polished audio recording.
We appreciate your co-operation in following these guidelines, as they will contribute significantly to the overall quality of our podcast episode.
If you have any questions or concerns or if you need assistance with technical aspects, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for being part of our podcast, and we look forward to our conversation!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Podcast Name]
[Contact Information]
