Once you have adequately planned out your script for your first podcast it becomes time to assemble and test the recording equipment and make the actual recording itself. Follow this simple progression of events to make sure you produce the best possible recording:
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Set up in a very comfortable place with adequate desktop area to spread out all of your ideas and notes.
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If using a headset mounted microphone make sure that the boom is in a comfortable position that is not too close to your lips. Hard consonant sounds like P and K will pop out more if the microphone is not in the right place.
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If using a microphone with a stand place it at the distance that provides the best sound without overdriving the microphone. Check the owners manual to see if there is a recommendation.
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Start up the recording software and do a few tests. Play around with the microphone levels and see how things sound. It is often best to listen using a set of headphones rather than speakers as headphones will be the way most people will listen to your show.
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Make sure that your computers sound card is not adding any acoustic properties to the output of the recording. Some sound cards add reverb to make a recording sound like it was done in an auditorium or other venue. Turn all of these settings off during the initial recording session and base your decisions on this pure, unaltered sound output.
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If you have a choice of recording options record at the highest bitrate possible while maintaining the best possible sound. MP3 Bitrates are commonly set at up to 192K per second. These create very large files but with fairly high quality sound. Lower bit rates often produce audio artifacts and distortions that detract from the listening experience.
Next: Getting People To Listen To Your Podcast
