PodSchool Podcast | How to record a podcast

How do you get your dulcet tones down on tape?

Are you at the beginning of your podcasting journey and know nothing about how to get your idea from your head into people’s ears?

Well, here’s a little 101 on how to record a podcast…

Want help starting your podcast? Download my FREE ‘How To Start A Podcast’ guide.

The different ways to record a podcast

There are a few ways you can record a podcast depending on what the set-up of your show is, what your budget is and whether the people you’ll be speaking to are in the same room as you.

Your options include…

• Recording directly into audio editing software
• Recording via video conferencing software e.g. Zoom, Skype
• Recording via a remote recording platform designed to record podcast audio
• Recording using a portable recording device

Recording directly into audio editing software

If you’re hosting your show solo, this will be the easiest way to record your podcast.  Why? Because all you need is a USB mic and your favourite audio editing program.

Setting yourself up is as simple as plugging your microphone in, making sure it’s selected in your audio preferences and hitting record.

Although, it’s important to note that if you’re using more than one USB mic you’ll need to do a bit of configuring in the back end of your computer to get things working because it won’t automatically register two microphones in the same location (so annoying).

But if you’re only planning to record one voice where you are, this is often the cheapest and simplest set-up so it’s a good option for beginners.

Which software should you use to record your podcast?

There are a bunch of different programs you can use from Garage Band to Pro Tools so it all comes down to personal preference.

Here are a couple I’ve used and can recommend…

Audacity

This is a free program a lot of podcasters use. I don’t love the interface and find other programs much easier to use but if you’re starting out and don’t want to spend money on software it’s a great option.

There are lots of podcasters who’ve been using Audacity for years and love it so it’s really about choosing a program that works best for you.

Adobe Audition

A subscription program I use to edit all my podcasts and also the program most of my producing team use professionally in my role as Head of Podcasts.

It’s not as intimidating or difficult to navigate as a program like Pro Tools so you can easily get a handle on it if you’re a beginner.

It’s also got a lot of great tools that can help you clean audio when you’re editing (although ideally, you want to record the best quality audio possible so you don’t have to worry about fixing it later).

Recording via video conferencing software

You can use platforms like Skype and Zoom to record your podcast but these were designed for video conferencing rather than recording podcast audio so they often yield lower-quality audio.

If you’re recording using Skype you’ll need to purchase additional software that will give you more flexibility with the audio like Ecamm Call Recorder.

And if you’re using Zoom there are some settings in the back end that can help you get better quality audio.

Recording via a remote recording platform

The great thing about these platforms is they’ve been created specifically to record podcasts.

That means if everyone has a good microphone and they’re recording in a decent space you can get really high-quality audio.

A lot of the platforms like Zencastr, Squadcast and Riverside.fm also incorporate video which is really important when you’re remote recording because you need to be able to see who you’re talking to.

You can record the video in some remote recording platforms too which is great if you want to use footage of your show on YouTube or to promote it on social media.

Recording on a portable recording device

A portable recording device is a great option if you want to record people in person.

Devices like the Zoom H6 and the Zoom Podtrak are lightweight and reliable and you can also use them as an audio interface which means you can plug your XLR microphones into your computer.

This is a really versatile option if you want a portable podcasting kit that gives you the flexibility to record at home or on location.

Something to consider no matter which method of podcast recording you choose

Make sure you think about where you record.

If you’re setting up a home studio your recording space needs to be audio friendly.

That means avoiding rooms with reflective surfaces like tiles, windows or high ceilings.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money getting this right. In fact, a few thick curtains or couch cushions might be all you need.

But it’s important to put effort into improving the sound of your podcast if you want your show to be a success.