Podcast Recording Guide
Podcast Recording Cheat Sheet: How to Capture Pro-Grade Audio & Video for Your Podcast
The Golden Rule of Post-Production:
As your podcast post-production partner, I guarantee that we will maximize the potential of your raw material. Think of your raw recording as the blueprint for your final show. While we use every tool available to enhance clarity and fix imperfections, capturing a good sound simply gives us the strongest foundation to build a truly professional and engaging podcast together.
This cheat sheet gives you the essential knowledge to capture clean, professional source material, making post-production faster, more effective, and ensuring your message cuts through.
If you are ready to record but still have questions about your specific setup? Don't worry!
I offer a free Video Call Welcome Session where we can personally review your recording environment, discuss your current gear, and tailor these best practices to your unique podcast setup. Let's make sure you get the absolute best sound right from the first take. Free Production Strategy Meeting
Part 1: Essential Audio Recording Setup
1.1. Choose the Right Microphone
The type of microphone you choose profoundly impacts the final sound and your workflow.
USB Microphones (Recommended for Beginners): These are simple plug-and-play devices without the need of a audio interface.
XLR Microphones (Recommended for Professionals): These require an audio interface for power and connectivity but offer superior quality and flexibility.
Dynamic Microphones are ideal for untreated or noisy rooms, as they are less sensitive and focus narrowly on the speaker's voice, rejecting more background noise.
Condenser Microphones are still used in professional settings, primarily when capturing a lot of nuance or if the room is perfectly treated.
1.2. Manage Your Recording Environment
Your room is your most important piece of gear.
Kill the Echo: Avoid large, empty, square rooms. Record in spaces with soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, bookshelves, and couches. These items absorb sound and reduce echo (reverb).
Silence the Noise: Turn off air conditioning, fans, refrigerators, and silence all mobile phones. Place the microphone close to the talent. Around 12cm to 25cm from the mouth should sound great. This is the single most effective way to drown out distant room noise.
Use Pop Filters: Always use a pop filter or windscreen to prevent plosives (those harsh "P" and "B" sounds) from overloading the microphone.
1.3. Essential Recording Software Settings
Record Every Person Separately: If you have multiple hosts or guests, record each person's audio to a separate track. This allows me, in post-production, to individually remove noise, balance levels, and fix timing issues without affecting the other speakers.
Sample Rate & Bit Depth: Set your recording software to the industry standard for professional work:
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Set Input Levels (Gain): Aim for your speaking level to peak between -12 dB and -8 dB. Never let the audio peak above -3 dB or in the worst case your sound got digital distortion (clipping) and will need some extreme time in post production for audio restoration.
Part 2: Capturing Quality Video (If Applicable)
If you record a video podcast, these steps ensure your footage is editable and engaging:
2.1. Optimize Lighting
Use the Three-Point Lighting Rule: Even simple desk lamps can work. Position the brightest light (Key Light) in front of you, a softer light (Fill Light) on the opposite side, and a light (Back Light) behind you to separate you from the background.
Avoid Backlighting: Never sit directly in front of a bright window; it will silhouette you and hide your face.
2.2. Sync is King
The Clapper (or Hand Clap): When recording separate video and audio, always perform a single, sharp hand clap at the beginning of the recording. This creates a visible spike on the audio track and a visual cue on the video, allowing your editor to perfectly synchronize the files.
Resolution: Record in at least 1080p (Full HD) or, ideally, 4K for future-proofing and cropping flexibility.
2.3. Recording Setup
Eye Level: Position your camera or webcam at eye level to create a natural, engaging connection with the viewer.
Look at the Camera: While conversing with a guest, make sure to periodically look directly into the camera lens to connect with your audience.
Part 3: What to Send Your Post-Production Engineer
Once you’ve finished recording, organizing your files is the final professional touch:
Label Everything: Name your files clearly: [PodcastTitle]_[EpisodeNumber]_[SpeakerName]_[Date].wav.
Use Lossless Formats: Always export and send me the original, uncompressed WAV or AIFF files (24-bit/48 kHz is ideal). Never send compressed formats like MP3s, as quality is lost.
Provide the Video: Send the highest-resolution video file available.
Notes: Include any written notes about mistakes you want removed, background noise, or specific moments that need emphasis.
By following these simple steps, you drastically reduce time spent on revisions and guarantee a broadcast-ready sound that fully utilizes my post-production expertise!
Ready to turn your raw recording into a professional podcast?
