Getting Started in Podcasting

Here are some more miscellaneous tips I learned about getting started podcasting. 

These tips mostly come from sessions and conversations while at New Media Expo 2008.  But I’m also including some facts I’ve gained in my research over the last few weeks.

Microphone/Hardware

When you are just getting started, just go get a USB microphone.  Most everyone starts this way and it’s easy and quick.  It sounds “good enough”. 

Most everyone starts with a Plantronics DSP-400 and they say it worked great, especially if you are doing phone interviews.

Editing

Use Audacity to edit your program.  Note:  Close Audacity whenever you make audio settings adjustments in your operating system (Win XP, Mac, etc.) 

Use Soundsoap 2 to remove any background white noise.  (Record 5–10 secconds of blank air time before and after talking for this purpose.)

Use Levelator to even out the volume of your entire program.

Filing

Be sure to setup a good file system for all files you use in creating your podcast.  Save all your original recordings.  Don’t change your folder system.  Backup all files periodically.

Recording Interviews

Use Skype.  It now works as good as being in person. 

Ideally, the participant will use Skype and a USB headset.  In fact, I recently read that Leo LaPorte (long time popular podcaster) asks his other participants (on TWIT) to use Skype and a Plantronics headset ($40) and will even mail them one if they don’t have one.

If your participant just wants to use the phone, that will work too.  Just use SkypeOut.  It is very inexpensive.  This sounds good, but not as good.

Note:  Brandon Uttley recently pointed me at a great video to watch if you really want to get into the absolute best setup for Skype.  It involves setting router settings for optimum results.

You can use CallBurner to record Skype calls.

You should have your participants review a waiver/release.  Here’s a good example.

Other configurations

As you get more advanced with podcasting, it is advantageous to have a slightly more complex setup. 

The SM-58 microphone is highly recommended by many for quality and durability.  Several other styles and varieties of microphones are available.  But don’t bother spending the money until you are sure you want to do this long-term.

Recorders, such as the Marantz PMD-600 will allow you to record without being worried about having your computer crash.

Edirol makes some nice portable digital recorders.

Resources

Some great resources for podcasters include Podcast Academy, the Podcast Answer Man and Podcast 411.

The new Podcasting for Dummies was highly recommended as well.

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