I receive a number of questions about how I make the Podcheck sound good. Sure, I was granted a less-than-offensive voice by our creator, but I also use some basic techniques to keep the Podcheck sounding full of “rich, creamy goodness.” Click HERE to see a list of equipment and software (at the bottom of that page) that we use at Podcheck Review.

Microphone
I use a large-diaphragm microphone (Audio-Technica 3035) and a small mixer/pre-amp (Behringer UB 1002) and an audio compressor/expander (Behringer Composer PR-XL 2600). The large-diaphram microphone is the single biggest contributor to the warm and subtle richness that you might hear if you listen to the show. The compressor/expander grants me a bit more crunchy power while also reducing the sound of ambient noise in the room.

Recording Device
I personally record directly to the computer (through my limiter/expander unit) using the built-in sound port on the computer, and I record using the Goldwave program. Some people prefer to use an external digital recorder. This choice doesn’t really impact the audio quality. However, if your computer is unstable and crashes in the middle of your recording, you might lose your recording! External digital recorders tend to be more reliable/stable, but I have never had my computer crash in the middle of a recording. Make your own choice!

Music, etc.
I use Sony’s ACID Music Studio to create music beds to use in the show. ACID ships with a whole bunch of ‘loops’ that you can use to create new podsafe music. I also use ACID to compose comedy bits, and to compose the final mult-track mix of the show.

Encoding MP3 files
The whole “encoding/bit rate” thing seems like a black science, but it’s just a delicate balance between bandwidth and quality. I splurge a little with the bandwidth and encode at:

• 44.1 KHz
• 96 kbs
• Joint Stereo (though sometimes I use mono if I don’t have a bunch of music, etc. in the show)

I use the LAME encoder (the windows application is called RazorLame) as I found it to be superior to the encoders used in my audio applications. It takes a small amount of futzing around to collect the pieces required to run the software, but I’ve found that its worth it.

http://www.dors.de/razorlame/docs.php - describes the process of acquiring and installing two pieces that you need for a Windows system (all free).

As Rob from Podcast 411 always says, “Expect your first four podcasts to suck.” So, here’s my recommendation: If you have done more than five podcasts and you are not satisfied with the sound that you are getting out of your $20 microphone plugged directly into your computer, AND you realize that you are spending money on a HOBBY, go ahead and upgrade for between $300 and $500. Click HERE to see a list of equipment and software (at the bottom of that page) that we use at Podcheck Review.

Ultimately we’ll all sound different, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Your humble host,
–Scott