Podcasting has grown exponentially in recent years, with more and more people trying their hand at creating engaging and informative content. As with any creative endeavor, there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding podcasting, particularly when it comes to audio quality and equipment. In this article, we’ll look at five common podcast audio myths to help you make informed decisions for your podcast production.
1. XLR Mics are Better Than USB
There is a common belief that XLR microphones are inherently superior to USB microphones. While XLR mics do offer some advantages, such as the ability to connect to a variety of audio interfaces, recorders, and mixers, USB microphones have come a long way in recent years and can deliver excellent audio quality.
USB microphones are often more convenient for podcasters, as they can be plugged directly into a computer, eliminating the need for additional equipment. Additionally, higher-quality USB microphones are now available, offering comparable sound quality to their XLR counterparts.
Ultimately, the choice between XLR and USB microphones should be based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget rather than a blanket assumption that one type is always better than the other.
I have a few videos about this topic:
2. The Blue Yeti is a Good Mic for Podcasting
The Blue Yeti microphone has become popular with new podcasters due to it being one of the first USB microphones nearly 20 years ago. For a long time, it was the best available option. While it’s true that the Blue Yeti can produce good audio quality when used in the right space, it’s not the best choice for most podcasting situations.
The Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone. Condenser mics are more sensitive to sound and act as a magnifying glass, amplifying all the imperfections in your space. These imperfections tend to include the poor acoustics of an untreated recording space and background sounds and noises inside and outside your space. This can be a disadvantage in less-than-ideal recording environments, where dynamic microphones perform better.
Condenser Microphones: Pros and Cons
Condenser microphones are known for their sensitivity and ability to capture a wide range of frequencies, making them a popular choice for professional studio recordings. However, their sensitivity can also be a drawback in less controlled environments, as they can easily pick up background noise and room echo.
Dynamic Microphones: A Better Choice for Most Situations
Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are generally more robust and better suited for podcasting in less controlled environments. They are less sensitive to background noise and often provide a more focused and natural sound for speech applications. For many podcasters, a good-quality dynamic microphone will be a better fit than a condenser microphone.
These are my recommended USB microphones:
3. Editing Removes Authenticity and Realness
There is a misconception that editing a podcast detracts from its authenticity and realness of it. Bad editing is what people think of when they think about editing. Skillful editing is invisible to the listener and improves the overall quality of the podcast.
Good editing helps eliminate distracting noises, long pauses, and awkward moments, creating a smoother and more enjoyable listening experience without sacrificing the genuine and engaging aspects of the conversation.
While there are text-based editing tools out there, they don’t produce the invisible edits like a skilled editor can produce. Descript and Riverside make it easier to edit without knowing how to edit, but they contribute to this misconception because of all the bad cuts they produce. My advice is to take some time to learn how to identify and fix the mistakes that text-based editors produce or learn how to do the work yourself in a DAW.
4. Audio Quality Doesn’t Matter If Your Content is Great
While compelling content is undoubtedly essential for a successful podcast, poor audio quality can be a significant barrier to listener enjoyment and engagement. Listeners won’t stick around long enough to hear how great your content is if the audio quality isn’t good enough. They are less likely to stick around for an entire episode or subscribe to your podcast if the episode is noisy or they struggle to hear and understand what is being said.
Investing in decent audio equipment and taking the time to learn how to use it can greatly enhance the overall quality of your podcast and make it more accessible and enjoyable for your audience.
It’s also worth noting that there is research that shows audio quality influences the believability and credibility of the presenter. This article summarizes the joint study between USC and Australian National University that tested this idea.
5. You Need Expensive Equipment to Have Good Sounding Audio
Many aspiring podcasters believe that they need to invest in expensive equipment to achieve professional-quality audio. While it’s true that higher-end equipment can deliver exceptional sound quality, it’s also important to remember that great-sounding audio can be achieved with more budget-friendly gear.
In podcasting, understanding how to use your equipment effectively and optimizing your recording environment can often make a more significant difference in audio quality than simply investing in expensive gear. A good-quality microphone, paired with proper microphone technique can yield good results in imperfect sounding spaces without breaking the bank.
I work with clients who record remotely in their homes with nothing but a USB mic, and we are able to get great sounding recordings, but it’s not going to happen using your cell phone or laptop’s built-in mic. This video covers mic technique along with other advice for getting the best from remote recordings.
Tips for Achieving Good Audio Quality on a Budget
- Choose the right microphone for your needs: As mentioned earlier, dynamic microphones are generally a better fit for most podcasting situations due to their lower sensitivity to background noise. Research and select a microphone that suits your recording environment and budget.
- Treat your recording space: Minimize background noise and room echo by treating your recording space with sound-absorbing materials. This can be as simple as hanging moving blankets or curtains on the walls or investing in more specialized acoustic panels.
- Learn proper microphone technique: Understanding how to use your microphone effectively can greatly impact the quality of your audio. Experiment with different microphone positions and distances to find the sweet spot for your voice and setup.
- Use quality headphones: Investing in a pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones can help you monitor your recording more accurately and make better editing decisions.
- Invest in editing software: While some digital audio workstations (DAWs) can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable or even free options available that can help you edit and polish your podcast episodes.
- Reach out to us at Tansyasteracademy.com/contact if you need some guidance in choosing the right equipment, setting up your space, or anything else. We are here to help you because we know it can be overwhelming to
In conclusion, understanding and debunking common podcast audio myths can help you make more informed decisions about your podcast production process. By focusing on the right equipment and techniques for your needs and prioritizing audio quality, you can create a more professional and engaging podcast that keeps your listeners coming back for more.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
