Podcast Production Resources

 Microphones

For the podcast we will be using a Rode NT1A microphone to record the episode. It is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. This type of microphone is appropriate as  it is suited to record studio vocals- as opposed to a handheld microphone which is most suited for vocals outside of the studio. Recording vocals on a diaphragm condenser microphone will make the vocals clearer on the track.

In our last podcast we used a dynamic microphone to record- there are a few differences between these two mics. The main difference is that a dynamic microphone is better for capturing loud sounds- such as drums or loud vocals, whereas a condenser microphone is used to capture more delicate sounds- like studio vocals. A condenser will be better suited for this recording as we will be recording the episode in a studio, and it will be able to pick up the vocals better than a dynamic microphone.

A cradle for the microphone is important- as it helps keep the mic stable. If we were to not place the microphone in a cradle and just held it- it might interfere with the vocals- as the microphone will not be as completely still as if we used a cradle. We also need a pop shield so that during recording to remove the 'p' sound that comes across in our voices when we talk.

Sound Card

An audio interface converts microphone and instrument signals into a format that the computer will recognise. The interface also routes audio from your computer to your headphones and studio monitors. Audio interfaces improve the sonic capabilities of a computer, and they also expand the inputs and outputs available. They give the option to record multiple vocals or instruments at once. Sound cards do not have these capabilities- as audio interfaces were designed specifically for audio production.

The gain increases the amplitude of the microphones signal, and it also boosts signal strength from the mic level to the line level. When the gain is set too high- it can distort another's sound- and it becomes difficult to comprehend. When the gain is set too low, the amplifier will not be able to reach full power- and it could allow the source to clip- which will result in a distorted signal.

Logic Pro X

To record and edit audio, we use Logic Pro. Logic is a Digital Audio Workstation- otherwise known as a DAW-which allows us to edit audio with ease. Logic Pro is quite easy to use once you get the hang of it- and it also has built in sounds and effects that we can add to our audio- such as sound effects and music. There are other DAW's we could use- but most of them are not as simple as Logic Pro.

It is better to record using a DAW in a controlled environment because that environment has been tailored for recordings- and there will be less background noise as if we recorded in a Teams or Zoom meeting- as in those meetings we do not use audio microphones rather than the built in mics in our computers or laptops.

Published Music

A common misconception about using published music in any format is that it is okay to use as long it is less than 30 seconds long. This is incorrect, as if you have not secured rights to use the published music from the producer you are unable to use it without receiving copyright claims about the music.