Magic Mic: Your Guide to Recording a Podcast

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On its face, making a podcast seems simple: You talk into a mic with a couple of friends, covering a general theme. But while the beauty of podcasting is that almost anyone can do it, the process of actually recording one is a little more complicated. 

So, what goes into making a podcast that sounds professional and keeps a listener hooked? Here’s everything to know, from choosing a subject to polishing your audio.

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Do prerecording prep.

Starting a podcast requires a plan—even the loosest, most improvised show doesn’t come out of nowhere. Here are a few steps to check off before you hit record.

Choose a subject. First, decide what your podcast is about. Backstage’s In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast producer Jamie Muffett says you should ask yourself, “Would you listen to this podcast? It may be niche, and that's fine, but how will you reach those listeners?”

Countless podcasts already exist, so your idea should be unique—or, at the very least, have a fresh point of view that listeners aren’t going to find elsewhere.

Consider your own connection to a subject. You may have a great idea, but why should people listen to you on this topic?

Hone an approach. Podcasts come in many shapes and sizes. There are multihour interviews, scripted journalistic investigations, comedic conversations between friends…the list goes on. Decide which approach to take, since it will influence how you’ll record.

Refine your approach through the lens of your subject. If you’re planning on a deep dive into a cold case, script your series and set up interviews. If you’re creating a show where comedians riff on recent events, focus on reaching out to talent and finding funny news articles.

Plan your episodes. Now that you know the general conceit, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. Write your scripts (if you need them), reach out to guests, conduct research, come up with questions, and do whatever else your show requires.

Don’t forget about run time. If your research for an episode leads you down an interesting rabbit hole, make it its own episode, rather than trying to cram it in.

Gather podcasting equipment.

podcast equipment

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You’ve done your prep work; now it’s time for technical considerations. There are plenty of successful shows that had humble beginnings with less-than-desirable sound quality, but try to avoid subpar sound. Good audio is easier on the ears and lets the audience focus on what’s important: the content.

With this in mind, here’s what goes into a podcast recording starter kit.

Microphones: You can’t have a podcast without a microphone—and you’ll likely need more than one. As Muffett notes, “Each speaker on the podcast will need their own microphone.” So, keep that in mind when budgeting your podcast expenses.

There are lots of mic options out there, and if you’re new to the audio space, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some considerations when shopping around:

  • Where are you recording? If you’re going to be in the field a lot, you’ll want a directional mic that reduces background noise.
  • How many people are you recording? The more people, the more mics. This can inflate your budget, and it affects whether you go USB or XLR (more on that in a moment).
  • What is your skill level? If you’re new to audio recording, you’ll likely want to go with a mic that is easy to set up, rather than one which may sound better, but has the potential for technical headaches.

With this in mind, there are three different types of mics to choose from. We’ve ranked them in terms of sound quality (though there are exceptions):

  • Smartphone mic: This is ideal for someone who is recording on the run and in the field. A smartphone mic requires no setup time and takes up very little space, so you can grab a soundbite quickly and without hassle. The drawback is that the sound quality is just so-so, and you don’t have much control over background noise.
  • USB mic: USB mics are great for beginners who will be recording largely in one space. USB mics are easy to set up (you typically just plug them into your computer) and can deliver higher sound quality than a smartphone. The main drawback is that they are harder to use in the field, since they typically have to be plugged into a computer.
  • XLR mic: Most professional-level productions use XLR mics. They have the best sound quality and the widest variety of options, so you can buy one that perfectly suits your needs. XLR mics are typically more expensive, however, and they require a separate recorder (which also costs money).

Headphones: Headphones allow you to ensure you’re getting good sound as you record. You can use Bluetooth headphones, but wired headphones are recommended so that there’s no risk of audio interference. This guide to the best podcast headphones can help you choose. 

Recording devices: Recording devices are as necessary as microphones to podcasting, and also as consequential. Which device you go with depends on your mic: 

  • Built-in: If you’re using a smartphone, it obviously has its own built-in recorder. 
  • Computer: With a USB mic, your computer will be the recorder. Muffett notes that if you’re recording in person, software that allows for multitrack recording—such as Adobe Audition, Logic, Reaper, and Pro Tools—will give you greater control when you edit later. 
  • External: With XLR mics, things get more interesting. You’ll need to purchase an external recording device with jacks you can plug into. Probably the most popular podcast recorder brand is Zoom, which has a variety of products to fit your needs. If you’re recording with several mics at once, get a device with enough inputs.

Software: Finally, all those recordings have to go somewhere. Here’s some of the most popular audio recording software, ranked from beginner to professional:

  • GarageBand: If you have a Mac, GarageBand is a great software option. It’s free, easy to use, and filled with pro-level editing capabilities.
  • Adobe Audition: Audition gives you a bit more control over sound mixing, but is still simple to use (though not as easy as GarageBand).
  • Pro Tools: The professional-level option with a professional-level price tag, Pro Tools has everything you need—but if you’re not an audio engineer, it can be difficult.

Record your podcast.

podcasters

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How to record an interview in person

The interview is a staple in the podcast medium, so learn how to do it right. You want your interviewee to have trust in you and your podcast. This means being prepared—there’s nothing worse than interrupting a guest because of a technical issue. Here’s how to avoid hiccups. 

Find a quiet space. This can be easier said than done, particularly if you’re meeting your subject in their own environment. Once you find a spot, test it through your microphone. Mics can pick up noises that naked ears may not.

Also consider the reverb in a space. “The ideal space to record in is a quiet, acoustically dead space,” Muffett explains. “It's not crucial for the space to sound dead, as podcast listeners are more forgiving of less-than-ideal acoustics…but if you want to give your podcast listeners the best possible listening experience, the deader, the better.” 

If you’re in a large room with bare walls and a hard floor, your audio may be drenched in unwanted reverb. Look for carpets, curtains, or anything soft to absorb sound. You may want to bring your own blankets just to be safe.

Set up your equipment. Typically, you’ll want the mic positioned 6 inches from the speaker’s mouth. If you don’t have a stand, make this clear to your subject when they hold the mic. Place your recording equipment in a spot that won’t pick up any movement; keep handling noise to a minimum.

Test it out. Testing should take all of five seconds, but it can save you a lifetime of hurt. Hit record, talk into each mic, and listen back. Speak at a range of volumes so you can figure out the best volume for recording.

“When recording, give yourself tons of headroom by adjusting the input gain of the microphone/interface,” Muffett says. “People tend to be very dynamic—they can be talking normally one minute and yelling or laughing the next. Giving yourself headroom allows you space for the loud parts without them distorting.”

How to record a podcast remotely

These days, in-person interviews are becoming rare. Podcasters often opt for remote interviews, which have a lot of perks: No one has to travel, your recording setup can stay in your studio, and your subject can be in a space that’s comfortable for them.

But a remote recording also comes with extra steps.

Check your Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can be the Achilles’ heel of a remote interview. Ideally, you’ll each be recording your audio locally, meaning glitches won’t be caught on tape—but they can still disrupt the flow of conversation. So, test your internet speed (most experts recommend at least 15–20 Mbps), disconnect any unnecessary electronics that could impact the signal, and situate yourself as close to your router as possible.

Set up a call. This sounds simpler than it is. Setting up a call with Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet is easy, but these options aren’t designed for podcast recording. They can still be used, but make sure your interviewee is recording audio on their end while you record audio on yours. Then you’ll have to sync things up in post.

Alternatively, you can use a platform that does this for you. Services like Riverside or Zencastr will record your call locally so that lags and glitches aren’t caught. That way, you don’t have to worry about syncing after the fact.

Communicate clearly. Before you meet with your interviewee, lay out the specific parameters they need to follow for your interview. Kindly give them explicit directions as to how to set up their mic (if they have one), how to join the call, and what they need to do once they join.

They’re donating their time for your project, so be respectful and avoid any surprises. “A general rule is that people are more inclined to connect with someone being genuine,” Muffett notes. He suggests “an interview format where you truly connect with the interviewee and have a conversation rather than firing question after question at them.”

Publish your podcast.

Finally, it’s time to publish the show you’ve worked so hard on. Give your episode a snappy title and an intriguing description to tease what potential listeners will hear. Create a legible, eye-catching cover that aligns with your content.

Then, put your podcast onto a hosting software, which will store your episodes and provide access to services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others. Up next? Episode two.