Improve Podcast School – episode #15 Ohh, the promise. Podcasting is hailed as the next breakthrough communication and marketing channel. It grows fast. Listeners love it. Marketers rave about it, and by the time most people even heard about it, big production companies started signing deals with celebrities of all sorts. From what industry publications say about podcasting, you may think this is a new gold rush for content that …
Do Dynamic Microphones Need Pop Filters and How to Use Them
When buying your first recording gear, it is natural to wonder do dynamic microphones need pop filters? Generally, they do, with some exceptions, but we will also answer the “why? question. Dynamic microphones need pop filters to block plosives and sibilance, as you can’t easily edit them. Some mics come with a built-in filter, so you don’t need to put anything on top of the mic’s capsule. Premium dynamic mics …
TOP 10 Podcasting Success Factors #14
Improve Podcast School – episode #14 How often have you heard that podcasting requires practice, patience, and a lot of hard work to succeed? Those are such trivial tips that they can be given in any circumstances. They don’t bring any real value. Those are not true podcasting success factors. I was tired of hearing this constantly, so I’ve run an extensive survey of podcasters, trying to find out what …
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Scarlett Solo – Which is Better?
Scarlett 2i2 is an amazing audio interface I use to record e.g. Improve Podcast School. But when buying it I initially hesitated between Scarlett 2i2 vs Scarlett Solo. In general, Scarlett Solo can record only 1 mic and only 1 audio input, so it is only good for one person to record. Scarlett 2i2 will allow you to record 2 mics on separate audio tracks allowing for easy editing. 2i2 …
Recording Fully Scripted Episodes vs. Working with Outlines #13
Improve Podcast School – episode #13 Many people think that recording a podcast is just hitting a record button and then trying to “do their best” and get stuff off their chests. The sooner you start recording scripted podcasts or even recording podcasts with outlines, the faster your podcast will reach a new level of quality, unlock new opportunities and be on a path towards a successful monetization. The study …
Why is Your Condenser Microphone Too Quiet?
Many people have a common complaint about their condenser mics. They find that occasionally, their condenser microphone is too quiet. Most of us struggle with this at some point. The most common reasons why your condenser microphone is too quiet include incorrectly set gain, lack of phantom power, issues with input, or cable, mic positioning, or incorrect direct monitoring settings. All of those can be tested in 15 minutes to …
How to Plan Podcast Episode Structure #12
Improve Podcast School – episode #12 Think about your favorite TV or radio talk show. I’m sure that you can vividly remember the opening sequence, music theme, text appearing on the screen in the case of TV. They were followed by the host greeting the audience. Always in virtually the same way. Why do I talk about radio and TV when this is a show about podcasting? Simple, podcasting as …
How Much Does an Audio Interface Cost? Best Gear Examples
Wondering how much does an audio interface cost doesn’t need to be frustrating. After you have picked your mic, and the rest of your gear, and you understand your recording needs it is quite simple. The cost of an audio interface depends on your needs. For beginner setup, you can find an interface below $200. An interface with advanced functions costs between $200 to $500. A premium interface, for complex …
How Fast Should You Talk on a Podcast? (Words Per Minute) #11
Improve Podcast School – episode #11 I remember really well multiple presentations I had to give when I took my sweet time for the first 70% of the time, not even reaching half of my material, just to rush through the remainder of the material in hopes of getting to my final point. It taught me that I could speak really fast for sure. But it also taught me that …
15 Best Budget Microphones for Podcasting & Streaming 2023
Being on a budget with an urgent need to start a podcast is not a comfortable place. Everybody talks about Shure SM7B, but you are only looking for the best budget microphone for podcasting. I know! Looking at all the available mics on the market, the best budget microphone for podcasting for under $80 is Samson Q2U. If you can spend $100, then you should pick Rode PodMic. The best …