Learning how to record a podcast is essential if you’ve decided to start one. With a simple toolkit, you can transform any setting into a recording space and explore new creative possibilities for your brand. And if you’re thinking of adding video to your podcast (highly recommended!), it’s easier than you think to pull off a professional look.
This guide shares our insider tips, the tools we love, and suggestions for every budget!
Step 1: Prep Your Space
Let’s start with the basics: your recording space. A well-prepped space can make all the difference when learning how to record a podcast—impacting both your sound and the visual appeal of your video.
Audio setup:
- For beginners: A quiet room works fine. Add a rug, cushions, or a blanket to reduce echo.
- For pros: Invest in acoustic panels or foam tiles to control sound reflections. Brands like Auralex or ATS Acoustics are industry favorites.
Video setup:
- Lighting matters! Natural light is ideal. Face a window during the day for soft, even lighting.
- For a more professional look, try Ring Lights. We use 10.5 inch desk ring lights and consciot desk lamps at Proclaim to ensure consistent lighting in our studio and our lighting has never been better!
- A clean, clutter-free backdrop is your best bet. But if your podcast has a specific theme, then feel free to get creative and add posters / accessories that reflect that!
Step 2: Choose the Right Gear
Selecting the right equipment is a key step in mastering how to record a podcast. With the right tools, you can elevate your audio and video quality, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Audio Setup:
- For beginners: A USB mic like the Samson Q2U or Blue Snowball iCE is affordable and easy to set up.
- For pros: Go for an XLR mic like the Shure SM7B (a podcasting legend) or PodMic, paired with an audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for more control over sound.
Video Setup:
- For beginners: Your smartphone is more than enough: just use a tripod for stability. Apps like FiLMiC Pro give you manual control for a polished look.
- For pros: Upgrade to cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 or Canon EOS M50 for sharp visuals. Pair them with external mics for synced audio.
Other Essentials:
- Pop filters: These help reduce harsh “P” and “S” sounds (Pop filters are devices used in audio recording to reduce harsh sounds and minimize sharp and explosive sounds from certain consonants like “P” and “S”.
- Stands or boom arms: Keep your mic steady and adjustable. We use Blue Compass for flexibility in positioning.
- Headphones: Monitor your audio in real-time. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is a great option.
Step 3: Set Up Your Recording Station
Once your space and gear are ready, setting up your station is the next step in how to record a podcast. A comfortable and efficient setup ensures you can focus on creating great content.
For Video:
- Position the mic about 6-8 inches from your mouth. Tilt it slightly to reduce plosive sounds (those harsh bursts of air on “P” sounds).
- Use software like Audacity or GarageBand to record and monitor your sound levels.
- Keep your camera at eye level for a natural, flattering angle. Use a tripod or stack some books if needed.
- We recommend software like OBS Studio for live recording or multi-camera setups.
Pro tip: Add branding to your backdrop (like a logo or thematic props) to create a consistent visual identity.
Step 4: Recording Tips and Tricks
When learning how to record a podcast, practice makes perfect. These tips will help ensure a smooth recording session:
Audio Tips:
- Speak naturally, but stay close to the mic.
- Pause between thoughts to make editing easier later.
- If you’re recording remotely, platforms like Zencastr, Riverside.fm, or SquadCast ensure high-quality sound and video.
Video Tips:
- Look at the camera occasionally to keep your audience engaged (this is true mostly for the host)
- Check your framing (your face should be centered) with a bit of space above your head.
- Record video in 1080p for a crisp, professional look.
Step 5: Editing Like a Pro
Editing is where good podcasts become great. A big part of how to record a podcast includes learning how to refine your raw content.
Video & Audio:
- Beginners can try iMovie or Descript, which also offers transcription tools. For advanced editing, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro are excellent choices. You can also use this directly if you know in advance that you’ll be doing advanced editing
- Add intros, outros, and sound effects to give your podcast some personality.
- Use tools like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition for noise reduction and leveling.
- Sync your audio and video seamlessly using DaVinci Resolve.
- After completing your video edits, export a high-quality audio file separately for platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Pro tip: Don’t over-edit and keep the natural flow of your conversation intact.
And that’s it! Once your final edits are done, create a title and description (optimize the hashtags for SEO!) and publish your podcast on the internet!
Too Difficult to Learn How to Record a Podcast? Contact Us!
Starting a podcast is exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. So if all these tips seem a bit overwhelming for you, or if you want enterprise grade solutions and professional podcasts – that’s where we come in! At Proclaim we help companies amplify their digital presence by creating high-quality, professional podcasts.
We’ve worked with top brands like Dell, US Department of Defense (sub-contract), NASA, Texas A&M, Rice University and dozens more to boost their online visibility, increase audience engagement, and reach new markets!
So if this sounds good, reach out to us here and let’s get started!