How To Set Up a Podcasting Recording Studio

Avoid The Cheap Route

Experimenting with recording your podcast can be done with your existing computer, some free software and online tools. Experimental is the key word here, as you do get what you pay for.

Bear in mind that this set-up won’t give you or your audience a good indication of your vocal
quality and may reflect poorly on your business. Yikes! For this reason, I’d strongly recommend
investing a modest amount ( less than $500.00 ) in some basic recording equipment, specifically a microphone and a book about audio recording.

Doing It Right
One of the biggest trends in recent audio production involves merging digital recording with
computer technology. The recording of audio onto a computers’ hard drive allows you to edit
and manipulate your sound files. This data can be stored as a sound file such as .wav or .aiff.

There are multiple advantages to recording and editing your voice-overs using your personal
computer.

•The ability to record long and uninterrupted narration.
•Digital editing. Quickly and easily remove unwanted background noise or embellish the
audio track with music and sound effects.
•Digital Processing. Add effects to your voice, such as reverb, or echo, and master your
entire demo for sonic clarity.

Minimum Voice-over Requirements for PC
According to Gartner Research, Windows-based PC’s account for 90% of all computers world-
wide. If you have purchased your personal computer in the last three years and you’re running
Windows XP, your system should be more than adequate to record an audio file with a micro-
phone, and then save the recording as an MP3 file.

•Personal Computer
•Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent Processor
•Windows 2000 / Windows XP
•iTunes for PC
•1 GB of available disk space
•512 MB of RAM
•Audio Line In and Audio Line Out

Minimum Voice-over Requirements for Mac
Recently with the launch of Apple’s iTunes, it shows that Apple is committed to the digital revo-
lution. Since most iPod owners are also Mac owners there is also a lot of great software avail-
able for the Mac platform.

The misconception that the Mac is simply too expensive or that they are only for students and
artists is quickly being proven wrong. Apple has also offers the Mac Mini, a scaled down ver-
sion of the Mac that allows previous PC owners to make the switch but still keep their monitor,
keyboard and mouse - all for just $499.

•Mac G3 or better
•Mac OS X
•iTunes for Mac
•1 GB of available disk space
•512 MB of RAM
•Audio Line In and Audio Line Out

Microphones - Amplify Your Voice
Whether you are using a Mac or PC, you will need a microphone to record your voice into your
computer. One option is to purchase a microphone ( or you may already have one ) with a 1/
8th inch jack. This is the size of the jack or audio line in port on your personal computer. The
other option is to purchase a USB microphone, which have made significant advancements in
their quality over the past few years.

Related Articles

• Two Options for Hosting Your Podcast Audio
• Tips for Editing, Mixing and Exporting a Podcast
• Stop Monkeying Around, Start a Podcast For Your Business