The “I’m Not F-ing Around” Guide To Podcasting Equipment (like a pro)
Buying Podcast Gear?
If you’re looking for a cheap way to dip your toes into the growing podcast industry, find another place. If you’d like to compete with the big kids, this is the signal chain you need to create for pro-audio.
Table of Contents
What’s a signal chain?
A signal chain is the flow of audio from source (the person/instrument recording) to the end of the longest line (the listener).
This is the broad range of a signal chain (not getting too picky).
- Room
- Voice/Instrument
- Microphone
- Interface (converting from analog audio to digital for your computer)
- Computer + Recording Software
- Post-Production Team
- Podcast Hosting Platform
- Listener’s device + Headphones, Speakers, etc.
Depending on how you work, you have control on the first 6 bullets of the signal chain.
- The Room.
Things to consider in your recording space:
a. echo/reverberation
b. outside noise (planes, trains and automobiles)
c. inside noise (computer, HVAC, fans, dogs, birds, friends/family)
The solution:
Pick a good time to record. Add some absorption. Absorption reduces echo, hum, and does an incredible job of ensuring that your audio is captured very clean.
Capturing clean audio is important for anyone that wants absolute editing control. It’s amazing how much can be fixed with a clean recording.
2. The Voice or Instrument
How you talk changes everything! Don’t believe this is important? Just burn a couple thousand dollars and quit podcasting. Delivery is half the battle. Check out this book to get into the nitty gritty of speech:
This Is The Voice, John Colapinto
3. The Microphone
4. The Interface
5. The Computer + Recording Software (DAW)
6. Post-Production Team
7. Hosting Platform
8. Listener
