Introduction to Recording

In this next module of Lesson 2, you will submit a short podcast recording for your peers to review and provide feedback, using the rubric provided at the end of this module. As you may not know how to approach recording a podcast prior to this lesson, you will learn about the microphone you will be using, the Audacity software installation process and setup, how to record at a consistent speed, and voice modulation.

After you have written your script for recording during this lesson in Module 1, you will move on to the next steps of setting up your computer with the right software and equipment. One of the first things you will need will be the Blue Yeti Pro microphone; this microphone has been used consistently by professionals, from YouTube influencers to voice bloggers. The microphone has professional sound quality and can be used on the stand or held in hand while you record. The Blue Yeti Pro is one of the most straightforward microphones on the market as it is plug-and-play with just a USB hookup. Please consider using the step-by-step guide to using the Blue Yeti Pro, and viewing the introductory video below on the setup and usage of the Blue Yeti Pro. 

Audacity is a free, open-source software program that can be installed and used on either Windows or Mac. A short tutorial video is provided below for beginners, and an advanced beginner's tutorial provided below shows different options within Audacity. You will need to download the Audacity software to your computer to record your audio. Once Audacity is downloaded, it will detect which platform you are using. You should watch these videos in their entirety to ensure you understand the software you will be using moving forward.

You may also benefit from the following tutorial, to test your software installation for a short, simple video with a recording.

While the software and microphone are two of the most important elements for beginning the recording process, another important aspect is the location where you will be recording your podcasts. You may be on campus in your office, and able to schedule quiet time to avoid extra sounds in the background. If you cannot soundproof your office, you can record at your home in a room you can soundproof. You can find some inexpensive tips and tricks to soundproof anything from a closet to an extra bedroom in your home. If these suggestions are not an option, you can purchase an isolation shield and a pop filter to help block recording background noises.

When recording podcasts, you should remember to be mindful of the speed in reading the script. According to Improve Podcast, the average rate of speed when recording a podcast is between 150 to 160 words per minute. Audacity does have editing capabilities for changing voice speed, and editing the podcast will be discussed further in Module 3.