Microphones
Audio is one area where you won’t want to cut corners, however, you do not need to spend a lot. Your audience will overlook a number of issues with your show, but poor audio isn’t one of them. You should avoid the mic that comes built into your computer and, instead, consider one of the following:
Pro Tip (Cold & Flu Season)
Rolls A-B Box Blue (MM11PRO). The MM11 Pro will pass phantom power, with no popping on the outputs when switched. Simply press the switch for muting (or talking) and release to hear the signal again (or to mute). The MM11 has a large actuator switch which may be used by hand, or on the floor with your foot.
Headphones
Your headphones don’t have to be top of the line, but you will want a set that’s up to the task especially if you are editing. You’ll need to hear what both you and your guests are saying if you are using a skype or SquadCast, so choose some good, on-ear headphones, like:
Web Cam
Avaya Huddle Web Camera HC020: Creates a face-to-face experience on a personal desktop or for up to 6 participants; Wireless HD video for professional conferencing; USB support; All-in-one design is reliable, easy to use; Works with existing technologies; Agnostic platform support.
Pop filter
When talking into a microphone, your p’s and b’s will sound amplified or cause what we call a plosive, a burst of air into the mic. To avoid this speak to the side of your mic, rather than directly into it, or get yourself a pop filter.
A boom arm
A suspension boom arm is used to hold the mic and is necessary if you want to up your game. A boom helps the sound quality, reducing mic drift, holding it steady for you as you speak into it.
Shock mount
A shock mount attaches to the end of your boom suspending your mic, so table bumps and vibrations from setting your water down are not translated into sound as much. Be sure to verify that your microphone will fit in the mount that you choose.
Audio Interface or Mixer
An audio interface offers the necessary connectors you need to add microphones for recording into your computer as well as speakers and headphones for listening to what is being recorded. If you are using microphones that are XLR or XLR only you or you want to add more than 1 microphone, say for a guest you will need an interface.
Interview software
If you’re going to be doing interviews on your show you’ll want to use third-party software to bring in the audio. We outline two options, one for live shows and the other for recordings.
- Streamyard Video so you can see non-verbal Q’s, Stream Live, and Record Audio, and or Video.
- Riverside Audio & Video recording, each connected computer generates a separate file.
Recording and editing software
You’ll need some software to edit your audio. You can start with a free program like Audacity, but we recommend the following:
- Hindenburg is what we use and is built for broadcasters.
- Adobe Audition is an outstanding tool that gives you a lot of options for post-production.
- Descript edit Transcript, Audio, and video with ease just by editing the text! I said it!
A podcast hosting account
There are a number of extremely affordable media hosts that you can use and we recommend Spreaker for a couple of reasons. Great hosting, easy to distribute your show to iTunes, Google, iHeart, and many more podcast players, and you can broadcast LIVE.
Licensed Music
Adding effects and music to your show is one of the easiest ways to increase production value. We use and recommend Soundstripe