The last few years have seen an explosion in the popularity of podcasts, and everyone from YouTubers to builders now seems to have their own podcast – so now is your chance to get in on the action!
To create a podcast, you’ll need a computer or smartphone, a microphone, and a way to record audio files- – and we have all you need to help you create your own quality podcasting studio.
How To Create A Podcasting Studio
If you want to create your own podcasts, the first thing you will need is studio space, and there are a few steps to bringing your studio to life.
Step 1: Choose Your Studio Space
The first step is choosing your space – and this is a decision that will require plenty of thought.
While it may be tempting to simply head for your garage or pick the closest empty space, this may not be the best option for a podcast – empty spaces can create a lot of reverb when you are recording, and this can make your voice sound muffled and unpleasant.
Instead, it is a good idea to choose a spot that is carpeted, and that has a lot of items in it to reduce the risk of reverb.
This means that you won’t have to worry about getting rid of things like old furniture, toys, etc., before setting up your studio, as they can actually improve your sound quality (see also ‘How To Make Your Mic Sound Better‘) (see also ‘How To Make Your Mic Sound Better‘).
It is also important to ensure that your chosen studio is not too affected by external noise, as this can cause problems when you are trying to record.
For example, if you live near a busy road, it would be wise to move your studio somewhere else in the house to avoid this noise.
Step 2: Soundproof Your Studio
Once you have chosen a suitable location, the next step is to soundproof your studio. There are many ways to do this, including using acoustic foam panels, double glazing, and even building walls around the area.
However, these methods take time and effort, and are not always practical – chances are that you will not be able to just start building work whenever the mood takes you.
A great alternative is to place blankets over hard surfaces to reduce reverb and improve soundproofing; this will work just as well at a fraction of the cost.
Step 3: Set Up The Audio Equipment
Now that you have soundproofed your studio, it is time to set up the audio equipment. Make sure that you have all the equipment you will need during the production of the podcast together in one place so that you don’t have to go back and forth between different locations.
To create your podcast, you will need specific equipment, and this includes;
Headphones
When choosing headphones for your podcast, try to find ones that have a flat frequency response, which will allow you to hear everything from high frequencies to low frequencies without any distortion.
Microphone
Your microphone is going to be used to capture sounds, and therefore needs to be sensitive enough to pick up small noises such as breathing, coughing, etc. An XLR or USB microphone are usually the recommended options.
Computer
You will need a computer to run the software that allows you to edit your podcast, and this may mean that you need to invest in greater memory and a quality processor to ensure that your machine can handle the editing.
Software
Another important piece of equipment needed is the editing software required to produce podcasts. You will need something that is capable of producing MP3 files, as well as being able to add effects, transitions, and music tracks.
Mixer
If you plan on having more than one person working on your podcast, then you will need a mixer (see also ‘Best Podcast Mixers‘) (see also ‘Best Podcast Mixers‘). This will allow you to control the volume levels of each individual track, and adjust them individually.
It is also useful to have a headphone output available so that you can listen to what you are doing while mixing.
Step 4: Record Your Voice
Finally, it is time to record your voice. You should use a tripod or similar device to hold the microphone above your head and then speak into the mic. As you speak, try to keep your face away from the mic (see also ‘Why Is My Mic Not Working?‘), as this will help to prevent feedback issues.
When you have finished speaking, pause for a second or two, and listen back through the headphones to check whether there are any problems. If there are, you will need to fix them before continuing.
Step 5: Edit And Post Production
After you have recorded your voice, it is time to edit it. This involves cutting out any background noises, such as traffic or other people talking, and replacing them with silence.
You will also want to adjust the volume levels on your voice track, making sure that it is loud enough to hear clearly, but not so loud that it becomes distorted (see also ‘How To Fix Mic Static‘) (see also ‘How To Fix Mic Static‘).
The final part of editing involves adding music, and you need to ensure that any music you use is royalty-free, or that you have the license for it; skipping this step could see you facing hefty fines.
Once you have added the music, you will need to make sure that everything sounds balanced and harmonious.
Step 6: Publish Your Podcast
The last step in creating a podcast is publishing it. This involves uploading the file onto a website where others can download it.
Final Thoughts
Creating a podcasting studio does not have to be an expensive process; with our top tips, you can set up any space as a studio, and start bringing your dream podcast to life.
What Is A Podcast?
A podcast is basically a series of short radio shows that can be listened to at any time, and are usually available for free online, though some creators will offer extra content and bonuses in exchange for a subscription.
Podcasts are similar to regular radio programs but instead of being broadcast live, they’re recorded as an MP3 file which can then be downloaded onto computers or smartphones.
Should I Start My Own Podcast?
Podcasts are great because they give people the opportunity to share their knowledge with others. They also provide an easy platform for new businesses to get started.
If you want to start a business, a podcast is a great idea – they are generally easier than starting up a website, and there’s no need to spend money on hosting costs.
Plus, if you’ve got something interesting to say, chances are other people will too.
