Podcast FAQ

how to make your podcast sound better

by Nelson Bruen Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

How To Make Your Podcasts Sound Better And More Professional?

  1. Do thorough research on the topic you want to share with the listeners through your podcast, whatever that topic may...
  2. Make sure your voice is loud and clear, not too loud, but clearly loud enough whenever you record for your podcasts.
  3. First, practice or rehearse your podcast content plainly without...

10 Ways To Improve Podcast Sound Quality
  1. Choose The Recording Environment. ...
  2. Record In A Closet Or A Small Space. ...
  3. Switch To A Condenser Mic. ...
  4. Use A Windscreen Or Pop Filter. ...
  5. Set Up With A Mic Stand. ...
  6. Set Up The Mic At A Distance. ...
  7. Get Soundproofing Equipment. ...
  8. Practice Your Plosives And Sibilance.
Jun 14, 2021

Full Answer

How can I improve the quality of my podcast vocals?

Improving the quality of your podcast vocals isn't rocket science, but it does require paying attention to some aspects of the recording process that you might be ignoring. After all, sound engineers and producers spend years honing their craft, and voice-over artists and radio personalities need to develop at least a modicum of mic technique.

How to make your podcast sound professional?

You have to have one if you want to make your podcast sound professionally. Just make sure to get only legal samples for your podcast to avoid any trouble. The force of habit is powerful. That’s why websites around the world have their logos on the left side (or maybe in the center, but definitely not on the right side).

How much should I boost the volume of my podcast mic?

For your podcast, you're presumably going for a natural sound that is fairly transparent and clean. If your mic is lacking in high-mids, by all means boost them a decibel or three.

How to make your podcast stand out from the crowd?

Mention people who have contributed to your field and whose ideas you are using. Clearly say what is your contribution so you will show value to your listener. It makes your podcast sound professionally and proves that you are up to date with the latest events. Influential people do this all the time.

image

How do I make my podcast sound more natural?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're speaking:Use emotion in your voice. Don't talk like a robot.Project your voice. Not too loud, but clear and full.If you mess up, stop, relax, and say the word or sentence over correctly. ... Don't rush. ... Speak clearly, make sure you say every word correctly (enunciate).

How do I EQ my podcast?

The following are the most relevant EQ effects for podcasters: Add warmth to a voice: If the voice sounds thin or weak. Add gain between 100 - 150 Hz. Remove boominess or small room resonance: Useful if the speaker recorded in a large room or an overly small room, like a closet.

How can I make my audio sound better?

How to record high-quality audioValue your listeners. Podcasts and blogs are similar. ... Invest in the right microphone. You knew this one was coming. ... Use a microphone stand. ... Find a great place to record. ... Speak near the microphone. ... Set up a pop filter. ... Select an audio interface. ... Record separate tracks.More items...•

What EQ is best for podcasts?

EQ for podcastBelow 80 Hz is of little use to podcasters. ... 80-120 Hz is where we get the full, rich timbre of voices. ... 200-240 Hz is where we start to get some boominess in voices. ... 300 Hz-1 kHz is where we'll hear the most reflections of our voice from the room. ... 2-3 kHz is the area that adds clarity to our voice.More items...•

What dB should my podcast be?

Generally, a peak level of -1.0 dB is good for podcasts, as this level will ensure your audio sounds good when it's converted to a lossy format like MP3 or AAC.

What effects make vocals sound better?

To make vocals sound better, start by editing – when editing, cut out background noise, use clip gain to balance dynamics, and even remove plosives or unwanted sibilance. Then you can introduce subtractive EQ, Compression, Additive EQ, Saturation, Exciters, and various forms of short and long reverb.

How can I make my voice clearer?

How to Make CLEAR VocalsHigh-Pass Filter and Gating.Subtract Low Mids.Saturate High Frequencies.Compress to Bring the Vocal Forward.Amplify High Frequencies.Use Bright Reverb.Limiting Your Vocal.

Is there an app to improve sound quality?

Top Android Apps Two high quality apps for improving the sound quality of music that is played on an android device are Equalizer+ and Poweramp. Both of these apps allow the user to take control of tuning with their EQ features. In addition, they feature bass boost and a number of audio tweaks.

How do you EQ for streaming?

0:572:43SOLVED: Live Stream Sounds Dull | Simple EQ Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind an available eq filter and change the type to a high shelving filter. Set the frequency toMoreFind an available eq filter and change the type to a high shelving filter. Set the frequency to around 12 kilohertz boost 6 db. And that's it this should brighten up your live stream mix.

How do I EQ a podcast in audacity?

2:585:06How to Edit a Podcast in Audacity - Compression & EQ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlright let's try it out highlight your audio then go to effect graphic eq don't forget you have theMoreAlright let's try it out highlight your audio then go to effect graphic eq don't forget you have the manage button in the bottom left where you can access presets.

What equalizer setting is best?

The best equalizer setting is one that is turned off or one that is set to “flat”, meaning that all dials are set to zero. Equalizers distort the sound of the original master recording. However, they can be useful as a last-resort when compensating for poor speakers or headphones.

What is a good EQ setting for vocals?

Best EQ Settings for VocalsRoll off the low-end starting around 90 Hz.Reduce the mud around 250 Hz.Add a high shelf around 9 kHz & a high roll off around 18 kHz.Add a presence boost around 5 kHz.Boost the core around 1 kHz to 2 kHz.Reduce sibilance around 5 kHz to 8 kHz.

How far away from mic is a speaker?

The difference between being eight inches away from the mic and four inches away will be pretty dramatic.

What does it mean when you hear audio closer to the mic?

Directly recorded audio will typically sound closer to the mic, and audio in the rejected areas of a mic's signal, or near them, will sound different; from these areas, you'll hear more reflections off of walls and other surfaces than direct signal into the capsule itself.

What does a pop filter do?

Sibilance. Pop filters will help less with sibilance, which is usually the result of too much EQ in the high-mids and highs. Too little sibilance in a recording is going to make it far less intelligible for the listener—you need a certain degree of it to understand language. Advertisement.

What does the P sound mean?

P sounds, along with F sounds and a variety of other consonant combinations, create a varying degree of air movement. The less experience a speaker is, the more their plosives will likely send an unwelcome breeze through the microphone. This can often cause distortion in a recording, but even if it doesn't, it almost never sounds good.

Does floor to ceiling carpet have dead sound?

A room covered floor-to-ceiling in carpet and sound-absorption materials will have a dead sound, and although this may be advantageous, the most natural sound will likely be somewhere in between, leaning toward the dead-sounding end of the spectrum. Advertisement.

Can you record multiple speakers with a USB mic?

Since USB mics aren't really made for multi-mic scenarios ( most recording systems can only use one USB mic at a time), this is a way to record multiple speakers via USB. It may not be ideal, but it's your best typical mic pattern for a single mic scenario if you have a group of people talking.

What is double endering in DAW?

You can also use the “double ender” approach; where you give your guest a series of questions beforehand and ask him/her to do a recorded response to it. You then key in that file on your DAW and edit it in.

What is equalization in music?

Technically, equalization is referred to as the modification of sound frequencies for the purpose of correcting unnatural signals or frequency. In layman’s term, it means “making sure that it sounds ok”.

Why is holding the mic so annoying?

For example, holding the mic creates a rubbing sound that can be quite irritating for many listeners. Also, talking way too close to the mic and not using a pop filter will not only screw up your sound levels, it will also create pops that can be quite distracting.

What are the two types of noise in a recording?

Now there are two types of noise within a recording: Environmental noise – which pertains to the ambient noise within a recording space. Equipment noise – Which pertains to the hiss made when an instrument is plugged in, or faint electrical signals that come out as a buzz or hiss during playback of a recording.

What is acoustic recording?

Acoustics is how sound travels to, from and around any given space. Not just that, it also takes into consideration the surroundings outside of said space. Unless you have an underground bunker and lined its walls with soundproofing foam, your recording space is something you need to take into consideration.

Why is my live call recording bad?

There are a lot of factors that could ruin your live call recording. From bad internet connection to your guest using bad equipment – there are a lot of things that can make your record sound really bad. Now to be fair, some of these things are beyond your control.

Is equalization necessary for podcasts?

So as you can see, equalization is something that requires a lot of experience. And if it isn’t obvious enough, the question of how to make your podcast sound better is not just a matter of having the tools, but the experience as well.

What is the best software for recording podcasts?

Zencastr isn’t super well-known. But it’s the best software for recording podcasts, largely for one reason: it records each speaker individually. Other conferencing software records a single audio file,with everyone on top of one another. With Zencastr, one person’s background noise doesn’t get picked up in another’s recording, and cross-talk is a non-issue. Zencastr has some other neat features, too, like recording in .mp3 or .wav, and automatic cloud backups to ensure your files don’t get accidentally lost or ruined.

Does Krisp have a clear recording?

What if I told you you didn’t need a professional setup to get clear recordings? Krisp’s HD voice feature replaces the hours you’d spend editing out background noises by removing these automatically and enhancing your sound. Krisp will also prevent room and acoustic echoes from being captured by your microphone so you’ll end up with perfectly clear audio right after recording it. This is a great way to cut down on production costs, resources, and time.

Does Zencastr support more than 3 speakers?

Zencastr supports more than three speakers, but the feature is still in beta. Until the technical glitches are smoothed over, your best bet is Zoom. Zoom can reliably record as many people as you can imagine recording at one time.

Why is it important to keep your podcast clear?

Those are not perfect listening conditions and are full of noises. For this reason, you should keep your audio crystal clear to guarantee you make your podcast sound professional. Improving acoustic conditions is extremely important. You can start simply by picking the best sounding room at your home or office.

How long should a podcast be?

In this case, a podcast lasting an hour or 2 hours looks appropriate. When your podcast is educational, and you are delivering a lot of facts may be a shorter show is more appropriate. 10-15 minutes might be enough to provide a list of facts and actionable items for your listeners.

What makes a podcast sound professional?

Nothing makes a podcast sound professionally more than showing you can present information interestingly and engagingly. If your podcast is a marketing channel for selling products, you absolutely need to pay attention to experience. Be attractive to your customers, and they will pay more for your products.

Why do people listen to podcasts?

According to the Podcast Consumer market analysis, 59% of people say they listen to podcasts because “ they make you feel smart. ”. If you are strategic about your podcast and use it to educate, then this % is for sure hire.

Why do radio shows stick to the intro and outro formula?

It simply works! It is a clear sign that the show is about to start and that listeners should focus attention presenter’s voice.

How to record in a better condition?

Another easy way to record in a better condition simply is to observe patterns in the neighborhood you are recording. In most places, it is the quietest between 10 pm and 6 am. Finally, if a room sounds poorly on the recording you need to soundproof your home studio . 6.

Do you need an intro and outro for a podcast?

So it doesn’t matter if you think that intro and outro are not necessary. Your clients will subconsciously look for it. You have to have one if you want to make your podcast sound professionally. Just make sure to get only legal samples for your podcast to avoid any trouble. The force of habit is powerful.

What is the best way to reduce noise during recording?

A good stand and shock mount will greatly reduce extra noise during recording. These pieces of equipment make a huge difference so you won’t pick up unwanted sounds, like a microphone sliding across the table.

What is a pop filter?

A pop filter reduces unwanted noise in your recording. It prevents unwanted pops and crackles caused by bursts of air that reach the mic when you speak. This type of filter usually clips to your mic stand and creates a physical barrier to reduce the amount of background sound that reaches the mic. Many mics have built-in pop filters, so pay attention to this feature when shopping around for a microphone.

What type of microphone is used for podcasts?

Dynamic microphones usually use cardioid polar patterns, making them great for recording podcasts. They mainly pick up sound directly in front of them and block out most sound coming from other directions.

Why are headphones good?

A good pair of headphones allows you to hear exactly what you sound like so you can make adjustments that improve audio quality. While shopping around for headphones, pay attention to how users rate their comfortability and also the amount of noise bleed (noise that leaks out of the side). If headphones produce too much noise bleed, your microphone may pick it up, which decreases your recording quality.

How to find out your mic's sensitivity?

Some mics pick up lower frequencies, some to higher, and others can record midrange frequencies. Trying both on-axis and off-axis positioning techniques will help you determine how to angle your mic to get the best quality.

What is the difference between XLR and USB mics?

The difference between XLR mics and USB mics lies in how they connect to other recording equipment: USB mics can connect to any device with a USB port. Meanwhile, XLR mics use an XLR cord, and you have to use additional recording equipment in order to record with them.

Why is my mic hissing?

It's easy to get poor audio quality if your mic's input levels are not set correctly: with too much gain, you can clip your recording and with too little, you can introduce a hissing sound into your audio when you're trying to adjust your gain levels.

2. The Microphone

There are a plethora of microphones on the market, but it’s less complicated than you might think. It’s important not to overthink this too much, and simply decide on what you’d like to invest. A good middle of the range microphone will be more than up to the task.

3. Audio File Format

With so many different file formats out there, it’s often difficult to know which one to use. Well here’s an easy explanation of the 3 best file formats you can use. The most common format is MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3), due to its small size.

4. Post-Production Process

Everything you’ve done up to now has been to prevent any unnecessary recording issues. But every now and then everyone has a mishap, and that is where post-production plays an important role. Editing after recording can be the difference between a great podcast and a mediocre one.

5. Preparing Your Guest

As you might have noticed, there are many variables when it comes to recording good audio quality. So implementing the before-mentioned tips will contribute to you having the best audio quality you can. Unfortunately, this is not always true for your guests. It is therefore important to brief them well in advance.

What does normalization mean in audio?

Normalization is modifying the overall amplitude of a sequence based on the level of its highest peak. So, if I normalize it up to 100%, my sequence’s volume will be increased so its peak reaches 0 dB.

What to do before editing sound?

Before editing your sound, make sure you can hear it properly. To have a good overview of the outcome, you should work with quality speakers or earphones. You will then be more efficient and make the right postproduction choices.

Does denoiser work on noise?

However, it is not (at all) effective on crowd sounds, schoolyard noises, your neighbor’s washing machine racket or a fire truck siren.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9