Podcasting should be simple and easy to do. The technology involved is not much more than blogging used to require. For a long time, there was no easy way to record a podcast on the go, at least until smart phones became the popular go to item in adapting podcasting technology!
There could be times where a smartphone is all you will have with you for recording! Especially if you are into “live and on the scene” type of recordings (similar to a news reporter). Some podcasters niche is to record in a live setting (restaurant, ball park, etc.). Smart phone just fill that special void where someone does not want to be stuck in studio or room behind a microphone and computer.
Need to have a live interaction recorded? Just use a smartphone. Need any audio to accompany the creation of a video? With your smart phone, you can record what you need. Typically, you have your cell phone with you and the cell phone companies have made the effort to accommodate recording quality sound through your phone.
Warning: The microphone on your cell phone will pick up a lot of ambient noise. You will need to hold the mic closer to you to ensure good quality. If you are doing an interview type of recording, you can shift the mic end of the phone between you and your guest while talking (like a news report would shift their microphone back and forth). OR, if in a calm environment, place it on the table (not more than 1 foot from each person).
It used to be fairly standard for a podcast to be recorded inside only (a quite room or studio). But, with the upgraded features on modern smart phones, you can actually “hit the road” for your podcast recordings and still have a great quality podcast!
All you will need is:
Your Smartphone
Although a USB microphone and headset can come in handy, the basic device is sufficient. But which application will you use to record your podcast, edit it, and publish it?
Anchor is one of the apps you can use to make a podcast. I do not personally use Anchor but I know several people who do. Anchor began with its own “ecosystem” of brief audio as a popular platform. But a simplified process for recording, processing, and publishing podcasts is now what they are known for.
Anchor takes you straight to the recording page when you open the app (once you have established a login, of course). Tap one button to record, raise your phone and start speaking into the microphone. You can record on the go or while sitting at your desk. It’s up to you. You can merge background music, etc. for that special effect.
Anchor also adds a feature that many people find extremely useful. You can have other people call into your podcast via phone as well. You can then merge both calls into your podcast recording! It provides you a way to do an interview on the fly!
I have used my Apple smart phone to record audio which I later converted to a podcast. I simply downloaded it to my computer and made the necessary edits (like intro and outro, etc.). Then used that recording in my podcast.
Record Your Podcast Using Headphones
Remember, if the audio offends the eardrums of listeners immediately, they won’t hang around for very long to hear your awesome podcast! The guest you’re talking to may not have the best microphone, but as long as you (the host) sound sharp and clear, viewers will be able to overlook bad audio on the guest part.
Part of creating a great recording is by eliminating distracting noise during the recording. To help with this, I definitely recommend using a set of headphones. Whether you are recording on your smart phone or in the studio, in my opinion, headphones are a must. It helps to eliminate any feedback from your phone or computer speakers during the recording. Using headphones, even with your smart phone, will make you sound a lot more professional with minimal effort or cost.
If you are using a smart phone “on location,” try to select an area that will cut down on a lot of background noise that could be distracting to your listening audience. When you’re recording at home, you may want to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid anyone inadvertently coming in during your recording (although we can’t guarantee that young children will pay any attention)! We suggest purchasing a reflection filter if you want to get a better quality audio at home. To remove echoes, these can be fitted directly behind your microphone, giving a studio-quality sound to your recordings.
Some people will record inside a closet. The sound quality is greatly improved because the clothes prevent a lot of echo from flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I’ve placed sound tiles on the walls to eliminate the echo effect (but I record every single day and this room is only used for recordings).
Some people will record their podcasts while sitting inside of a closet. The sound quality is greatly improved over recording in an open room. The clothes hanging in the closet prevent a lot of echo from flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I’ve placed sound tiles on the walls to eliminate the echo effect (but I record almost every single day and this room is only used for recordings).
Bottom line, your smart phone has an entire recording studio worth of technology inside already! These features can help you to obtain that professional sound without the need for a high-tech studio setup!