How to Achieve the Best Audio on Your Podcast
New podcasts are popping up every day. With more than a million podcasts out there, it seems like there's a show for every topic under the sun! If you want your podcast to hold up in the saturated market, one of the first things you should focus on is audio. Podcast audio quality is one of the big things that often separates amateurs from professional podcasters.
These steps will help any podcaster improve their audio quality.
Wear Headphones
This is the easiest step you can take to ensure that your audio is solid. Wearing high-quality headphones will eliminate the feedback in your microphone. Feedback is super distracting and an almost guaranteed way to lose listeners. If you have remote guests on your podcast, you want to make sure that they have acceptable headphones and equipment, too. Listening to a conversation where one person is clear and the other person is garbled is the worst!
Buy Microphone Accessories
Investing in some microphone accessories will help improve the quality of the audio on your podcast. A weighted microphone stand works great for placing on a desk while you record. The mic won’t move and make noise because it's locked in place. Adding a microphone filter to your mic helps a podcast’s audio, too. A pop filter reduces the popping sounds made when a guest or host is speaking. No more avoiding those “perturbing” words with Ps and Bs!
Get Rid of Hard Walls
Purchasing acoustic foam for the walls of your recording room is a great solution for improving audio. However, there are cheaper ways to cover hard surfaces if you’re on a budget. Try hanging tapestries, curtains or blankets. Cover the hardwood floor with a blanket or rug—anything that will trap the soundwaves. This will help prevent an echo and minimize room noise. You could even record in a closet if needed. All of your clothes will absorb the noise.
Speak Clearly
One of the most forgotten and looked-over ways to improve podcast audio is to improve your speech. Before you (and your guest) record, do some oral exercises. Try tongue twisters, blow bubbles, and make funny faces to stretch those facial muscles. Plus, don’t forget to practice any words relevant to the episode that may be tough to pronounce. You may want to conduct a test before you go live to see how you sound. And keep water handy to lubricate your throat!
Taking these steps will help your podcast’s audio be loud and clear. Don’t forget to check out the latest episode of the Elevate Your Brand podcast!
Eryn Pendergast, Executive Assistant
Elevate My Brand