Tutorial

Podcast Audio Recording: Professional Quality Guide

Master audio recording for podcasts. Learn about microphone setup, recording techniques, and audio processing for broadcast-quality podcast sound.

Audio quality is the foundation of any successful podcast. Listeners will forgive mediocre video, but poor audio causes immediate abandonment. Here’s how to achieve professional podcast audio.

Microphone Selection

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic mics are forgiving and reject background noise.

Recommended:

  • Shure SM7B: Industry standard for podcasting
  • Electro-Voice RE20: Broadcast classic
  • Rode PodMic: Budget-friendly broadcast quality
  • Shure MV7: Hybrid USB/XLR option

Pros:

  • Reject room noise
  • Handle loud sources well
  • Don’t require as much room treatment

Condenser Microphones

Condensers capture more detail but pick up more room noise.

Recommended:

  • Audio-Technica AT2020: Affordable quality
  • Rode NT1: Ultra-low noise floor
  • Neumann TLM 103: Broadcast standard

Pros:

  • More detailed sound
  • Better high-frequency response
  • Professional vocal quality

USB vs XLR

USB Microphones:

  • Plug directly into computer
  • Less flexibility
  • Good for beginners
  • Examples: Blue Yeti, Samson Q2U, Shure MV7

XLR Microphones:

  • Require audio interface
  • More control and quality
  • Professional standard
  • Better for multiple hosts

Audio Interface Selection

For XLR microphones, you need an audio interface:

Recommended Interfaces:

  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Two inputs, excellent preamps
  • Rodecaster Pro II: All-in-one podcast solution
  • MOTU M2: Excellent converters
  • Universal Audio Volt: Vintage preamp models

Key Features:

  • Enough inputs for all hosts
  • Quality preamps
  • Low-latency monitoring
  • USB-C connectivity

Recording Setup

Microphone Technique

Distance: 4-8 inches from mouth Angle: Slightly off-axis to reduce plosives Position: Consistent throughout recording Pop Filter: Always use one

Gain Staging

Set levels properly for clean recording:

  1. Speak at normal volume
  2. Adjust gain until peaks hit -12dB to -6dB
  3. Leave headroom for peaks
  4. Never let levels hit 0dB (clipping)

Monitoring

Always monitor while recording:

  • Use closed-back headphones
  • Listen for background noise
  • Check for clipping
  • Hear what you’re actually recording

Room Treatment

Your room affects audio quality significantly.

Common Problems

  • Echo/Reverb: Sound bouncing off hard surfaces
  • Standing Waves: Bass buildup in corners
  • Flutter Echo: Quick reflections between parallel walls
  • External Noise: Traffic, HVAC, neighbors

Solutions

Acoustic Panels: Absorb mid/high frequencies Bass Traps: Control low frequency buildup Diffusers: Scatter sound for natural feel Isolation: Separate from external noise

Budget Options

  • Heavy blankets on walls
  • Recording in a closet
  • Portable vocal booth
  • Books and soft furnishings

Multi-Track Recording

For podcasts with multiple hosts, record each voice separately.

Benefits

  • Independent level control
  • Individual noise reduction
  • Fix one track without affecting others
  • Professional mixing options

Setup

With PixelRecorder:

  1. Configure each microphone as a separate stream
  2. All streams receive embedded timecode
  3. Record video sources simultaneously
  4. Everything syncs automatically in post

Recording Best Practices

Pre-Recording

  1. Test all equipment
  2. Check levels
  3. Verify recording is working
  4. Clear unnecessary background apps
  5. Silence phone notifications

During Recording

  1. Maintain consistent mic distance
  2. Don’t touch the mic or table
  3. Speak naturally
  4. Take notes of problems for editing
  5. Record room tone for editing

Post-Recording

  1. Back up immediately
  2. Listen to a sample for issues
  3. Note any problems for editor
  4. Organize files consistently

Audio Processing

Light processing improves quality:

Noise Reduction

Remove constant background noise:

  • AC hum
  • Computer fans
  • Room tone

Use sparingly to avoid artifacts.

EQ (Equalization)

Enhance voice clarity:

  • High-pass filter (remove rumble below 80Hz)
  • Presence boost (2-5kHz for clarity)
  • Cut problem frequencies

Compression

Even out volume levels:

  • Ratio: 3:1 to 4:1
  • Threshold: Set to catch peaks
  • Attack: 10-20ms
  • Release: 100-200ms

Limiting

Prevent clipping:

  • Set ceiling at -1dB
  • Catch any peaks that slip through

Timecode and Sync

When recording audio separate from video, sync is critical.

With Timecode

PixelRecorder embeds SMPTE timecode in BWF audio files:

  • Frame-accurate sync
  • Works in all major NLEs
  • No manual alignment needed
  • Consistent across all sources

Without Timecode

Manual sync requires:

  • Finding common audio spike
  • Aligning waveforms visually
  • More time and potential errors

Conclusion

Professional podcast audio comes from:

  1. Quality microphone choice
  2. Proper recording technique
  3. Room treatment
  4. Multi-track recording
  5. Consistent workflow

With PixelRecorder’s BWF audio recording and SMPTE timecode, your audio syncs perfectly with video every time.

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