How do I record a podcast?! This checklist is very helpful to make sure you're not wasting time when interviewing a guest.
As an experienced podcaster and voice actor this is the checklist I use before every session!
These tips may be pretty straight forward, but it doesn’t hurt to have a checklist on hand for when you’re about to hit record on your new podcast episode.
Obviously some things may depend on how you’re recording your podcast - is it over Zoom? Are you in a studio? Are you recording each person’s audio separately? Take a look at the following checklist to give yourself an idea of the route to go.
BASICS
Check for distractions
Is it quiet enough? A bit of background noise may be fine and be able to be removed but make sure there's no loud noises like sirens, babies crying, a blender or a cement truck outside.
Check this blog post out for top tips for better recording environments!
Phones on silent - a bit like you’re going to the theatre.
I record in a vocal booth, but as long as it's a quiet space with minimal reverb, you're good to go.
AUDIO SET UP
Check microphone 🎤
Do you need a pop shield for those pesky plosives?
Are you plugged in properly? (XLR leads or USB connected correctly)
If recording through a Digital Audio Workstation: Is it connected to your DAW properly? Check that the input is correctly aligned with where you're plugged into.
If you're using earphones with a microphone, the audio quality isn't the greatest. You could invest in a USB microphone to improve this, like this one.
There are some great podcasting sets online, do some searching! (Blog post also coming soon 👀)
Check headphones 🎧
Are they plugged in? Can you hear audio through them? Can you hear your guest if you're on a call? These are the headphones I use: But these are also great for editing, so if you don't have to worry about that, any
Check your call with your guest is stable
No one wants glitchy audio! If it's not very stable, make sure nothing else is using your internet connection. Moving closer to the router can also help this. Or an ethernet cable to ensure the best connection possible.
VOLUME
If it’s clipping, adjust the gain.
If it’s too quiet, adjust the gain.
We want to aim for around 12 to 20db to get a good quality recording. Too quiet and you'll be boosting your audio a lot in production to make up for it. Too loud and you risk that gross clipping sound which is hard to come back from.
Check everything is recording properly before you start interviewing/ getting into the episode - check the waveforms!
Ooh, look at these Waveforms! 🤩
VOICE 📖
As a podcaster and voice actor, it would be wrong of me to not mention the voice!
Do you need a script?
Some questions to keep you on the right track? Make sure you have easy access to them! I always put my words on an iPad and secure it to another mic stand. This is the iPad clip I use.
Hydration ☕
This is super important to make sure you're not making as many lip smacks! Of course they can be edited out in production, but why not improve your audio quality and be hydrated at the same time! Water, tea, anything that hasn't got too much dairy in it. Always keep a drink on hand when you're recording too!
Warming up
Try some warm ups to get ready for talking into a microphone for half an hour (or however long your episodes are). Warm ups will help with less stumbling over words, less anxiety and more relaxation which all leads to a better flow in conversation.
Check out Nic Redman for a quick podcaster warm up: https://nicolaredman.com/podcaster-warm-up/
(She's amazing!)
Quick checklist:
Hydration
Warm ups
Words
Distractions
Audio set up
Headphones
Microphone
Call is stable
Volume
12-20db
Recording
Waveforms looking ok?
Editing - hire an editor or do it yourself!
You're ready!
Any questions? Let's chat!
Email me at megantuckaudio@gmail.com