What do you Need to produce a podcast?
(Insert an audio file or presentation here.)
Podcasting is not some complicated process that requires complex software or tools, you don't need an iPod to podcast. The reality is that an hour from now, you could be a podcaster. It's really straight forward and simple process. All you need to produce a podcast is a microphone, a computer, and a connection to the Internet. Below are some sample audio files recorded using a variety of equipment.
The $2 podcast - Sample $2 podcast
It doesn't take much to produce a podcast. This podcast was produced with a 15 year old cassette tape recorder purchased for $2 at a garage sale. The audio file was recorded on the cassette recorder and then played into the computer via the microphone jack where it was digitized in Audacity. The sound file was processed in Audacity using the effects tools including noise reduction, compression, and equalization. A music track was added and the file was then exported as an MP3 file and uploaded to the server. The total time from recording in the cassette to MP3 production was about 20 minutes.
The $40 podcast - Sample $40 podcast
This podcast was produced using a Logitech USB Headset Microphone (about $40). The USP mic was plugged into the computer and recorded using Audacity software. Using the Effects tools the audio file was processed using noise reduction, compression, normalization, and bass boost to increase the quality of the sound. A music track was added and the file was encoded as an MP3 file and uploaded to the server.
The $600 podcast - Sample $600 podcast
This podcast was produced using a Shure SM32 Cardioid Condenser microphone connected to the computer using a Lexicon Omega USB Audio Interface. It was recorded using Audacity and no sound processing was applied.
Podcast Microphones
You could use the internal microphone on your computer, but you'll get far better sound quality by purchasing one. You don't have to mortgage the house, however. You can achieve good results with a $15 to $40 microphone and some free audio editing software.
If you decide that you want to really get into podcasting, then you'll want to upgrade your recording equipment. The better quality microphone you can afford, the better will be the sound quality. You'll also get better results by using microphones that connect to the USB port on your computer rather than going through the sound card. For really high quality sound, you'll want to look into studio quality condenser microphones, a mixer, a compressor, and some good audio editing software, and headphones to monitor the sound.
Suggested Microphones for Podcasting
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are durable general purpose microphones. They have few moving parts and are good for travel or taking on the road. They generate their own current and need no external power source.
Cardioid Condenser microphones (capacitor mic) produces an audio signal when sound waves hit the diaphragm causing two plates to vibrate and create an electric current. Condenser mics need an external power source called phantom power that is usually supplied by a mixer or an external powersource. Condenser mics are very sensitive and responsive and will create a much stronger audio signal than dynamic mics. They are an ideal choice for studio work, but they are not as durable as the dynamic mics.
Microphones for podcasting
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Inexpensive Microphone It complements your PC´s sound card to deliver high-performance stereo sound from music, games, movies, and more. Its high-quality, noise-canceling microphone lets you get more from applications that use voice chat and voice command, such as multiplayer gaming, audio and video instant messaging. Inline volume and mute controls let you adjust or mute the sound, and you´ll enjoy maximum comfort thanks to soft foam earpads and a high-grip, premium rubberized headband. (www.logitech.com) About $19 |
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The Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 delivers a premium audio experience.
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A Dynamic Microphone The Shure SM58 unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement,
and studio recording. It has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard for singing or speech. A highly effective, built-in spherical
filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.
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USB Condenser Microphone The Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a direct USB output. For the first time ever, people who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances. Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps...just a USB cable! (www.samsontech.com) Cost: About $79
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Cardioid Condenser Microphone Audio-Technica breaks new ground in price and performance with the AT3035. This true large diaphragm studio cardioid condenser mic has exceptional detail and low noise, high maximum SPL, and wide dynamic range. Optimized output level and low self-noise (12 dB SPL) make it perfectly suited for today’s most sophisticated digital recording environment. Features: extended low-frequency response; a custom shock mount (included); low-cut switch (80 Hz, 12 dB/octave,) as well as a 10 dB pad. Requires phantom power.(Sold separately). |
Where to purchase audio equipment for podcasting
BSW USA (www.bswusa.com)
Full Compass (www.fullcompass.com)
Sweetwater Sound (www.sweetwater.com)
Additional Gear for a Professional Sound
If you're by yourself and are the only one recording, you can get by with a single microphone. As soon as decide to record with more than one microphone or to conduct an interview, for example, you'll need some additional equipment.
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Audio Mixer It's strongly suggested that if you can afford it, use a mixer to produce your podcasts. If you're using a condenser microphone, the mixer will provide the phantom power. It also allows you to record from multiple inputs, adjust the volume level of each source, and mix the channels into one sound. A mixer allows you to have independent control over each of the various inputs making it a necessity when using multiple microphones or when conducting an interview, for example. You can adjust each channel based upon the characteristics and dynamic range of the person using each mic. About $139
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Digital Audio Interface Lexicon's Omega Studio is an integrated computer recording system that includes the Omega 8x4x2 USB I/O mixer, Cubase LE multi track recording software for the Mac and PC, and the high-quality Lexicon Pantheon reverb plug-in. The Omega Studio contains everything you need to transform your computer into a professional 24-bit recording studio with tons of flexibility. Cost: About $299
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Compressor A microphone compressor helps to "compress" the loud and soft voices on a recording. It helps to maintain consistent loudness. It may not sound important, but it can make a big difference in the quality of your audio. Cost: About $150
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Pop Filter A pop filter is a windscreen that helps reduce popping noises created by breath or speech. It's especially useful for reducing popping noises created by "plosives" like "p" or "b". A plosive is a consonant sound that sometimes results in pops when you record. Cost: About $25
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Headphones Besides a quality microphone, the next most important piece of gear is a good set of headphones. You'll use these to monitor the incoming sound when you are recording and to listen to changes you are making in the editing process. Sony headphones are some of the most popular in the world, and at this price the MDR-7506 is a great choice! This headphone delivers a wide frequency response of 10 Hz-20 kHz in a comfortable, sealed-ear design which provides maximum isolation from external sound. You should always where headphones to monitor the audio levels that are being recorded in the system. About $49 - $99
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USB Audio Interface A USB audio interface acts as a bridge between your recording equipment and your computer. You can connect your mixer or audio interface to the USB interface and then into the USB port on your computer. Edirol UA1 EX - About $80
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Audio Recording and Editing Software
Audio editing tools enable you to record and edit sound as if you're using a word processor. You can cut, copy, paste, delete and arrange sound clips any way you want. Many of these applications allow you do edit on multiple tracks which makes if very easy to add background music and sound effects to produce a truly professional quality sound. After you've edited each track, you can mix the tracks down to a single MP3 file for your podcast.
Audacity Recording Software
Audacity
is a free, easy to use multi-track audio editor recorder. When you download Audacity, you should also grab the LAME MP3 encoder which you will need to export the Audacity wav file to an MP3 format.
Sound Forge 8 Recording & Editing Software is a powerful two track audio recording and editing program.
Sound Forge Audio Studio is the light version of Sound Forge 8.
Garage Band 2 is an excellent audio recording and editing program from the Apple that comes bundled with the iLife series. Garage Band is good for both recording and mixing sound, but you'll need something more for serious editing.
iLife ’06 Multimedia Tutorials: GarageBand - Apple web site provides a tutorial for using GarageBand.
Pro Tools Free from Digidesign - a light version of a professional quality audio editing program known as Pro Tools. Pro Tools is a high-end professional quality audio editing program.
BIAS Peak 5 - a premiere but expensive audio editing program
DSP-Quattro 2 - another high end audio editing program for the Mac.
Audition - Formerly known as Cool Edit Pro, Audition is a powerful multi track recording and mixing program from Adobe for the Windows platform.
n-Track Studio - n-Track Studio is an inexpensive multi track recording and mixing program for Windows. Cost only $49 for the limited edition and about $75 for the full version.
Royalty Free Music Resources - Sometimes you'll want some background music to use for the opening or closing seconds of your podcast.
Partners in Rhyme Web site provides free sound effects and royalty free sound effect to use in your podcast.
The Free sound Project Web site has free searchable audio loops. http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/
Shockwave-Sound - source for royalty free music, sound effects, loops, and sound tracks.
Royalty Free Pro Background Theme Music - Advertised as professional music you can afford to use. Includes music for broadcast, film, video production, multimedia and more, and offers some free music sound files.
Sounddogs - Provides thousands of sound effects and royalty free music tracks.
Music Bakery - A Great Resource! Been around since before MP3 files, includes a large collection of royalty free music tracks for download or purchase on CD-ROM. Makes for good listening just to have their web site open in your browser.
Podsafe Audio This site aims to provide a location where musicians can upload music under the Creative Commons License for use in Podcasts, Mashups, Shoutcasts, Webcasts and every other kind of 'casting' that exists on the 'net...
A Place to Host Your Podcasts
The last thing you'll need is access to a web server to upload your podcast files so that others can find them online.
Podomatic - Offers free web hosting and tools for Podcasting.
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