How to Record a Podcast Like a Pro (2023)
After you learn how to start a podcast, the next step is to learn how to record a podcast like a pro with the proper podcast editing software. Only then will you become a popular podcaster—podcast statistics say that there are over 2 million channels out there, so how will you rise against the rest?
The secret is the podcast recording process. Your USB mic, background noise, XLR microphones, and audio quality have something to do with your success. Today, I will help you set up your podcast recording studio and teach you some secrets to recording a podcast like a professional.
1. Decide on the Podcast Format
A podcast recording format is a way to organize your content, so your listeners know what to expect. Without structure, your show is going to be unpredictable, and the listeners will not like it.
Here are some examples of a podcast format:
- Remote interviews – here, you will call some people so you can interview them; it is like a news channel where you get to reach people and ask them about their opinions on things. It does not have to be remote. One good example of this is the Joe Rogan Experience, where he interviews people like boxers, fighters, and even physicists.
- Monologues – a type of podcast recording or show where you talk alone; that is the main content of the show.
- b– you speak with other people on the show. They are part of your show, or they can be guests. You talk about hot topics or any topic of interest in your niche.
- Panel discussion – you invite guests with different views on subjects; you let them argue with one another.
- Story-telling – you read a story and explain it; for example, you can read about the story of a murder and how it was solved.
Your podcast format will help you determine how to plan the activities surrounding recording podcasts. It would help if you had a script, a schedule of invitations, a list of guests, questions, etc. A format must be consistent. This way, your audience will know what to expect in the next episode.
2. Write An Outline
An outline is like a script. However, it is only made of points, not the exact words that you must say on the show. An outline is what you use for public speaking. Since a podcast recording is like public speaking—you do it live—you need an outline.
Here is an example of an outline:
- Play podcast intro
- Say hello to fans; greet them
- Discuss what to expect in this episode
- Play the first ad
- Introduce the guest and mention his achievements
- Say hello to the guest; ask the first question
- Play the second ad
- Thank the guest and fans
If you want, you can add more to this outline. Pretty much, the outline is the skeleton or framework of your show. It is like a script that you follow. Why is this important? It is important so you do not get lost. It allows you to control the sequences of the show, and it makes all your moves fluid.
3. Pick a Suitable Place
What is a suitable place for podcast recording? It has to be a quiet place where you do not get disturbances. You see, you will not be able to record peacefully even if you have the best recording software.
The best place to record is in a quiet room. Make sure that your room is set up for success. I mean, you must have a station, and the room is built for audio recording.
My suggestion is that you use acoustic panels on your walls. This way, something will absorb the sound—the sound will not vibrate back, giving you a fuller voice.
4. Recording Your Podcast
You need a podcast recording software program to record your voice. If you do not want to spend money, for now, I suggest that you use Audacity. Audacity is an editing software program for sound. It helps you achieve high-quality audio at zero cost.
Whatever you choose as your podcast editing software, make sure you practice how to use it. For example, use podcast recording software and read a short story. Record it.
Then, open the software and see how the editing software program works. Find out how you can adjust your tone, pitch, bass, treble, etc. From here, you will realize that there are some adjustments that you need to work on.
5. Other Nice to Have Equipment
The basic podcast equipment you need if you want to record a podcast are the following:
- Computer/laptop
- Podcast recording software
- USB Mic
- Audio editing software
You can buy some cool equipment, but these things are not completely necessary. Below are some examples:
- XLR microphones – this is an analog microphone; you connect it to a recording device like your computer.
- Audio interface – a device similar to what they use in recording studios for singers. They convert signals from your microphone into a format that your podcast editing software can recognize.
These two things can come later. You do not have to buy them now because they will only add to your costs. Some audio interfaces can be in the range of thousands of dollars.
6. Different Recording Methods & Software
So, what tools can you use to record our podcast? Do you really need a podcast recording software program? I have some recommendations below.
Record Using Software
The free podcast recording software that I recommend is Audacity, allowing you to record your media for free. However, if you will do an interview and the person is with you, you need a video recording tool, like Camtasia.
The problem with video editing software like Camtasia is that you do not have a lot of options to edit your audio file. When you record audio with Camtasia, you cannot make any advanced adjustments to the audio files. You will still need an audio track or audio clips editor.
Record Using Video Conferencing Tools
If your podcast episode or format is about a remote interview, you need video conferencing tools such as meeting platforms.
Here are some examples:
- Google Meet
- GoTo Meet
- BlueJeans
- Zoho
These video conferencing software platforms may not offer the best audio quality, so you still need to make some edits in an audio editor to improve the sound quality.
In addition, not all of these have a recording tool. As such, you will still need a video screen capture recorder or a program like Audacity if you only want to record quality audio.
Record Using Zoom
Zoom is an online meeting software program; it is probably the most popular today. The good news about Zoom is that you can record both video and audio from the tool itself as the host.
I want to mention here that Zoom has limitations. While it is free to use, the free plans have several limitations that you cannot use in the long term. If the format of your podcast is remote interviews, you must upgrade to a paid plan.
How to Record a Podcast Offline
To record a podcast offline, you need a separate portable recording device. Prior to the internet and smart mobile devices, people used a tape recorder. But this technology is now obsolete.
What you can use to record a podcast is your phone. It has a built-in microphone, and it can store audio files. Most phones come with an audio recording app; some don’t. If you do not have one, find an app that saves an audio file.
You may also want to buy a microphone that you can attach to the phone via USB. This way, you can pass the microphone from one speaker to another.
How to Record a Podcast on the Phone
To record a podcast on the phone, download an app. Below are my recommendations.
- Spreaker Studio
- Anchor
- Podbean
- SoundCloud
How to Record a Double Ender
A double-ender recording refers to a process in which the host and the remote guest are recording their voices from their own devices.
Then, the files sync up in post-production. It only works if the guest and the host have their own microphone and audio recording tool on their PC.
You and the guest will record your audio to record a double-ender. The guest will send you the audio files, ad then you merge them together in the final output.
7. Exporting Your Audio File
Once you know how to record a podcast and edit it, the last step is to export it. It is easy. In almost all tools, the steps are almost similar.
Generally speaking, here is what you should do:
- Click FILE
- Click EXPORT
From here, choose the file type, the destination folder, and then click EXPORT. Wait until it is done, and you should be ready.
8. Uploading Your Podcast Audio
Uploading your podcast audio is also easy. However, different podcast hosting platforms have different interfaces on how you can upload. Just follow their instructions, and you should be ready. Make sure that you upload the edited file, not the raw file!
My Best Podcast Recording Tips
Here are some tips that will help you record your podcast like a pro:
- Use the right equipment – do not spend a fortune, but take the time to watch reviews about microphones. Buy one that you can afford—not an expensive one. Learn how to use
- Experiment – use your audio editor before recording a real show; practice and experiment with different setups. Check the audio track and audio quality and learn how to edit. Find out if you can use the mic outdoors or indoors, if it needs a pop filter, etc.
- Record in a quiet room – you must be in a quiet room with no car noises or crying children. Keep distractions away. If there is noise, pause the recording. Resume only when the noise is gone.
A podcast is a show. And since you are making a show, you need to plan ahead. Try to picture in your mind what the show will sound like or look like.
Today there are many popular radio shows already on YouTube, like Howard Stern. Watch videos like this, and then try to see what lessons you can learn.
Take the time to create your podcast format. It is ill-advised to just get started without a plan. My recommendation is that you list down your episodes—up to ten episodes.
Plan the content of these ten episodes. Create a script or outline for all of them. If you have an interview format podcast, list down your questions.
Organizing your content and planning ahead will reduce the chances of making mistakes. The last thing you want is to get stumped when you are already recording, especially if you have a guest.
FAQs – Podcast Recording
1. How can I record a podcast at home?
First, set up a recording studio. You need a microphone, audio and video recorder or editing software, and a computer.
2. How do I record a podcast with two 3.5mm microphones?
You must have a splitter that you can connect to your computer. You insert the 3.5 mm mic into the splitter, and then you enter the splitter to either your computer or mobile device.
3. How long does it take to record a podcast?
It varies. It is your show, so you are in control. If it is an interview, I recommend 30 minutes to an hour to provide as much value to the listener at the same time not give them boredom.
4. Can you record a podcast with AirPods?
Possible, but not ideal. The Apple AirPods are built for listening, not for microphone recording.
5. Where can I record a podcast for free?
You can record a podcast for free with software programs like Audacity. Here’s my guide on the free podcast software.
Wrap Up
What is podcasting, anyway? It is nothing more than the online version of a radio show. I am sure you have great ideas. But then, if you do your podcast hosting and recording wrong, the final output will be below people’s expectations.
Now that you know how to record a podcast, the next step is to get your gears, set up your room to be able to produce studio-quality audio, and start recording your first episode with the best options available for podcast software!
