Podcast Equipment, Software, and Process

I’ve learned a few things from recording and producing the Ruby on Rails Podcast. I could probably write a small book on the subject, but here are a few of the basics.

DISCLOSURE: Samson Audio sponsors the Rails Podcast and gives me some equipment and discounts.

Microphones

It’s nice to have a flexible setup. I use basically the same equipment at home and on the road. The main difference at home is a better stand and supporting accessories that are otherwise hard to carry.

Basic Equipment

On the road, the Zoom H4 is awesome. It looks like a taser but is actually a pair of microphones in a stereo pattern. It records to an SD card and can use two external mics if you want a different sound.

For an inexpensive USB mic, I like the Samson C01U (US$90). It plugs right into any computer without requiring any extra software. It does well sitting on a table with two or three people standing around it, or you can get even better sound with a pop filter if you speak directly into it, leaving 1” between your lips and the mic. It’s unidirectional, so you talk into the side, not the top.

There’s a new one coming out in a few months with an adjustable pattern (to pick up sounds on both sides of the mic instead of just one). The C01 is also available in an XLR version for use with a traditional mixing board.

You can use either with VOIP software or record straight into an audio program.

At home I have an adjustable mic stand, but I use a small portable one on the road (US$10). It weighs more than my laptop, but it’s better than holding the mic or putting it on a table where it could roll off.

Extra Equipment for Home

If you can afford it, get the spider mount (US$30). It will absorb the sound of fingers tapping on the table and other bumps.

Finally, get a pop filter (US$25) for top sound quality. It filters out the “P” and other percussive sounds. This won’t work with this small stand pictured, but it works with a larger boom-type stand. You can also make your own.

Other Equipment

You will need a Firewire interface or external mixing board if you want to have three or more mics at once. I used the Alesis MultiMix at ODEO and it works well for 4-6 mics.

Software

I use an Apple MacBook (US$1100) with the affordable GarageBand software (US$80).

It’s not as capable as more expensive packages, but it has several filters, EQ, and other effects. People recognize that podcasts are often unfunded, amateur productions, but a few hours of editing can make a recording sound much better.

Use a little compression, adjust the volume curve, and tweak the EQ. I like to keep it real, so I don’t edit out every single “umm” and “ahh,” but a little cutting can help.

Process

A few random tips:

• Write out questions beforehand so you aren’t fumbling for ideas when the interview is being recorded.
• Watch the audio levels. If you don’t see a little red meter jumping up and down, the audio probably isn’t loud enough. Go into System Preferences and adjust the audio input level (but not too much…it will distort).
• Listen to the final product. Critique yourself and make it better for the next episode.
• Have your podcast transcribed so the deaf and hard of hearing can benefit. I use the affordable Casting Words (US$15 for 30 minutes).