Entries from May 2007 ↓

Many beginners have a problem with speaking into the microphone. Your levels drop off exponentially as you increase the distance from the microphone to your mouth.

Get close to the microphone and use your normal voice level. You’ll want to monitor your levels via your headphones.

This is the easiest way to increase your recording quality.

Finding a good location to record your podcast can be a hassle. Or… not…

You can record your podcast in almost any location, including your spare bedroom, dining room, closet, or even in your car.  Automobiles offer a nice acoustical location, but it’s not the most convenient location for most.

Here is a link to a good article on building a quiet recording workspace.

http://www.tweakheadz.com/home_studio_construction.htm

A. Ok, I know I just said, “It’s the message, stupid”. But you do need to produce your show, so you will need some hardware. The products I mention in my tips are products I use, have used, or know are good products. Also, the products are not high-end products. The products are hardware items most of us can afford.
B. Microphones are the podcasters most important tool. Everyone has their own opinion about which microphone is the best podcasting microphone. However, there are some excellent low cost microphones that provide high-quality audio. Here are a few for your consideration
1. Samson CO3 USB Microphone

2.
R0DE Podcaster USB Microphone


3. Blue Snowball USB Microphone


4. MXL MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount


5. Audio-Technica AT3035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone


6. Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response

7. Heil Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone

Remember the Democrat’s ‘92 campaign motto, “It’s the economy stupid”. Well, with podcasting “It’s the message Stupid!”. Don’t forget it. Your listeners could care less what microphone or mixer you use. Your listeners are subscribed to your podcast for the message, not your hardware review. Stay focused on your message. Your listeners are expecting to hear a specific message from your podcast.

If you are totally new to podcasting you will want to listen to a variety of podcasts. By listening to other podcasts you will hear how other podcasters produce their podcast. With almost 100,000 podcasts online,  pick a few of the better ones.

The easiest way of finding new podcasts is browsing the podcasts at the iTunes Store. Using iTunes is not the best browsing experience, but you can find most of the popular podcasts online.

I subscribe to many podcasts. Here are few I like.
1.    GeekBrief TV
2.    SmallBusinessPodcast
3.   this Week in Tech (TWIT)
4.    The Tim Knox Show
5.    Internet Business Mastery with Jay and Sterling
6.   CommandN