Embedded Files
Recording Apps
Recording Apps
We'll talk more in the Editing section of the guide about how exactly to use these apps to record + edit, but once you have your equipment, you should be thinking about what program you're going to use to record. Here are some options:
SoundTrap
SoundTrap
A web-based sound recording and editing platform. This is our #1 recommendation for beginners looking to record podcasts! It's a great starting point. You can even record remote interviews, instead of having to record a Zoom call. You'll get better quality than recording a Zoom call.
For the free version, go to the SoundTrap pricing page and scroll down to the gray "Free" box to signup.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is Adobe's sound editing and recording program. There will be more information in later sections of this guide on how to work with Adobe Audition.
Voice Memos
Voice Memos
To record directly onto your phone, use the Voice Memos app on an iPhone. If you have an Android, we recommend Smart Voice Recorder, a free app that is extremely similar to Voice Memos. Open the app and press the large red circle button to start recording.
When you've finished recording, a new file called "New Recording" will appear in the Voice Memos screen. Click the three-dot icon in the bottom left of the recording file, and then Share to your Google Drive or email.
Zoom
Zoom
Many podcasters use Zoom or Skype to record their sessions if the co-host or interviewee is not in the same location. These apps let you have audio conversations with quality beyond what you'll find on a regular phone call and you can have calls with multiple people at once.
Record your Zoom call and save it to your computer. It'll save as an mp4 file, even if you've been running an audio-only call. You can convert this to an audio file by simply dragging it into your podcast editing software. At this time, Zoom is recording all calls as mono files so both sides of the conversation are meshed into one. That isn't always ideal as it reduces the flexibility you have to clear the call up and balance the volume levels during post-production.
Location: Where to record
Location: Where to record
When you're recording audio, location is one of the most important things to consider. What spaces do you have access to (classroom/apartment, inside/outside, on-campus/off-campus)? You should be intentional about where you choose to record.
Conditions of a good location:
Conditions of a good location:
Quiet: This perhaps goes without saying, but you want to record your podcast in a quiet location without background sounds. Somewhere already quiet, like a bedroom. Make sure to listen out for loud fan and air conditioner noises, appliance and machine noises, cars, etc in the background – these can all drown out the speakers’ voices if they are too loud.
Control: Maximum control over what sounds are in the space: For example, if you're at home, you can ask your roommate to turn down their music for a bit. But if you're outside, it's hard to ask the Clemson grounds crew to stop mowing or working on construction.
Soft, not hard surfaces: look around your living room. Cushions, blankets, fuzzy rug? Great! Fabric is great at absorbing unwanted sound.
Safe: Your safety is always a priority. It is not worth agreeing to a place/time/etc that makes you feel unsafe for the sake of the story
While you're recording, make sure you also stay still and quiet! Moving around, including touching the microphone or wiggling in a chair, or putting your hand on the desk, will be picked up by the microphone and can disturb the recording.
Microphone Position
Microphone Position
One of the most important pieces of getting good quality audio is correct positioning of your microphone. The general rule is that your microphone should be as close as possible to the person speaking, Often, beginners will position the microphone too far away and the audio will be too soft or blend into the background.
If you're using your phone, make sure you know where your phone's microphone is: on the bottom of the phone. Hold your phone with the bottom facing the interviewee because the microphones on the bottom of the iPhone are the most accessible.
The microphone/phone should be about one-fist-length away from their mouth. Hold the microphone/phone at a slight angle away from the center of the speaker's mouth (try aiming for the corner of the mouth). This helps prevent the recorder from capturing the speaker's breathing and "p-pops"
This may feel invasive to the interviewee. Make sure you tell them before the interview starts that you're going to hold the phone close to their face but that they should try to ignore it and speak to you like a normal conversation. When it's your turn to talk or answer a question, move the phone between yourself and the interviewee.
Levels
Levels
"Levels" records to how much sound the recorder is capturing. This is similar to volume but is more fundamental and important: if your recording levels are too low, it will be difficult to make them louder later without also amplifying the background sound. If your recording levels are too high, you'll get distortion and peaking. Your microphone levels should never peak into the red during your test. The optimal point for your microphone levels is just below the red. Most phone and computer apps will auto-level. Most specialized microphones and recorders will need to be monitored.
Header and tail
Header and tail
For both audio and video: record a little bit before and after the action you want to capture. (Makes editing easier). These are called the header and the tail of a recording.
Room tone
Room tone
Record 30 seconds of silence in your interview space before your leave. This is called "room tone" and is helpful in the editing process. Sometimes, you'll need to add pauses in your piece, but leaving fully blank space sounds weird. So does adding in silence recorded at a different space and time - subtle changes in background noise are noticeable.
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