To show you the bare essentials when it comes to podcast recording software and other technology, we’ve compiled a list of items you will need to record and publish your podcast today.
While professional-grade solutions are available at a higher price point, getting started doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Podcasting equipment can be as simple as a computer, microphone and recording software.
In this article
- Using Your Computer
- Microphones to Record Your Voice
- Recording and Editing Software
- Professional Recording, Editing, Mixing and Mastering Software for Mac and PC
- Audio Routing Programs (Optional)
- Audio Conversion Programs (Optional)
- Hosting Your MP3 Files — A Home for Your Podcasts
- FTP Program for File Transfers
- In Conclusion — Some Key Points About Podcasting Technology
Using Your Computer
One of the biggest trends in recent audio production involves merging digital recording with computer technology. The recording of audio onto a computer’s 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 podcast using your personal computer, including:
- The ability to record long and uninterrupted podcasts,
- Digital editing: Quickly and easily remove unwanted background noise or embellish the audio track with music and sound effects,
- Digital Processing: You can add effects to your voice, such as reverb or echo and master your entire podcast for sonic clarity.
Minimum Podcasting Requirements for PC
According to Gartner Research, Windows-based PCs account for 90% of all computers worldwide (2005). If you’re running Windows XP, your system should be more than adequate for recording an audio file with a microphone and then saving the recording as an MP3 file.
- Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent Processor
- Windows Windows XP / Vista / 7
- iTunes 7+ for PC or equivalent software
- 5 GB of available disk space (more is better)
- 2 GB of RAM (more is better)
- Audio Line In and Audio Line Out
Minimum Podcasting Requirements for Mac
The launch of Apple’s iTunes 7.0 shows that Apple is committed to the digital revolution. Since most iPod owners are Mac owners, many great software programs are available on the Mac platform.
The misconception that the Mac is too expensive or only for students and artists is quickly being proven wrong. Apple has recently introduced the Mac Mini, a scaled-down version of the Mac that allows previous PC owners to switch to the Mac but keep their monitor, keyboard and mouse — all for just $499.
- Intel-based Mac
- Mac OS X 10.6+
- iTunes 7+ for Mac
- 5 GB of available disk space (more is better)
- 2 GB of RAM (more is better)
- Audio Line In and Audio Line Out
Microphones to Record Your Voice
Whether you are using a Mac or PC, you will need a microphone to record your voice on your computer. One option is to purchase a microphone (or you may already have one) with a 1/8th-inch jack, which refers to the jack size or audio line-in port on your personal computer.
Lapel Microphone — A Multipurpose Stereo Microphone
Lapel Mic offers the highest quality stereo or mono audio input for recording interviews, lectures and other events. Griffin Lapel Mic features quality stereo sound, a standard 3.5mm stereo mini-jack and a swivel clip for ease of use.
This multipurpose lapel microphone offers quality stereo audio input for recording interviews, lectures and other events. An iPod instantly becomes a mobile recording unit when used with the Griffin iTalk voice recorder. The addition of a Lapel Microphone adds flexibility and ease of use.
Dynamic Microphone by Marshall Electronics
The MXL2001-P is an excellent microphone capable of handling numerous recording tasks competently. It is a straight-ahead, plug-and-play instrument without any controls, yet it records with a nice, open sound that will cut through just about any mix. These characteristics make this microphone a good choice for a smaller studio focusing on recording popular music.
Without getting too caught up in the specs, the MXL2001-P has a single cardioid polar pattern and a frequency range of 30 to 20k Hz. The microphone is phantom-powered, so you’ll need a small mixer or audio interface with phantom power. There are no switches for pre-attenuation or bass cut. In terms of quality, these products have a look and feel that is the mark of well-made equipment.
Condenser Microphone — Neumann
The TLM 103 is the ideal large-diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications that require the highest sound quality on a limited budget.
Utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 features unattained low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.
Portable Recording Devices — Record on the Go
The 20 GB Archos Pocket Video Recorder AV420 is the ultimate handheld digital video recorder. It offers TV recording and a portable home entertainment center in one pocket-sized device. It plays MP3, WMA and WAV digital audio files (including protected files).
Its features include a TV cradle with audio/video connections, a remote control with 2 AA batteries, a protective case, a USB 2.0 cable, stereo headphones, a manual and an AC adapter/charger with US/UK/EU plug.
Recording and Editing Software
Audacity
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. It can Record live audio, convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs, edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3 and WAV sound files, cut, copy, splice and mix sounds, change the speed or pitch of a recording and more.
Cubase
Great technology at a great price: that’s Cubase Elements 14. Based on Steinberg’s renowned Cubase Pro 14, Cubase Elements 14 is ideal for anyone who keeps a sharp eye on their finances but doesn’t want to do without professional technologies in their home recording, project or pre-production studios.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is designed for demanding audio and video professionals and offers advanced audio mixing, editing and effects-processing capabilities. Its flexible workflow, exceptional ease of use and precise tools give you the power to create rich, nuanced audio of the highest possible quality.
Cool Edit Pro
Cool Edit PRO is the software solution for your demanding needs, whether you are an audio engineer, multimedia creator, web developer or musician.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is designed for demanding audio and video professionals and offers advanced audio mixing, editing and effects-processing capabilities. Its flexible workflow, exceptional ease of use and precise tools give you the power to create rich, nuanced audio of the highest possible quality.
Recording Software for the Mac
GarageBand
GarageBand lets you efficiently perform, record and create your music whether you’re an experienced or aspiring musician or want to feel — and sound — like a rock star. With the new version of GarageBand, you can even record multiple tracks simultaneously.
Professional Recording, Editing, Mixing and Mastering Software for Mac and PC
ProTools
ProTools offers HD for professional-grade studios and LE editions. Digidesign Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered Systems With options to suit any budget, These systems provide everything you need to create and produce music with professional results. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one audio/MIDI solution with an integrated control surface or simply a highly portable Pro Tools system, there’s a powerful solution designed to satisfy your creative needs.
Audio Routing Programs (Optional)
Virtual Audio Cable
Virtual Audio Cable is a Windows multimedia driver that allows you to transfer audio (wave) streams from one application to another. It creates a pair of Wave In/Out devices for each cable. Any application can send an audio stream to the Out device; any other application can receive this stream from the In device. All transfers are made digitally, ensuring no sound quality loss.
Audio Conversion Programs (Optional)
iTunes
iTunes is available for the Mac and PC. You will need an audio conversion program if your audio recording program only exports a WAV file. The easiest way to convert files into an MP3 is using iTunes. You can find tutorials online that cover how to convert audio on a CD into an MP3 and convert from a WAV file to an MP3 file.
Hosting Your MP3 Files — A Home for Your Podcasts
When hosting your podcast’s MP3 files, you must decide whether to use an all-in-one service or host the files on your web server.
FTP Program for File Transfers
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is an Internet protocol and one of the most valuable services on the Internet. It refers to the transfer of data and program files between two computers connected to the Internet. Access can be restricted to a local or selected group of users who have been granted a username and password to access a web server. When an FTP server has an access restriction, a username and password are required before accessing its files.
Your web hosting service will provide FTP access to your web server. FTP is the means of copying a file, in this case, an MP3, from your personal computer to your web hosting service, making your podcast available on the Internet.
In Conclusion — Some Key Points About Podcasting Technology
Basic Home Recording Studio
- Personal Computer
- USB microphone or portable voice recorder
- Recording and editing software
- Web hosting service to host your MP3
- FTP software to transfer your MP3 to the Internet
Professional Podcasting Studio
- Powerful personal computer
- Dynamic or Condenser vocal microphone
- Audio interface such as Avid’s Mbox Pro
- Industry-standard ProTools recording software
- Dedicated web server from a web hosting service
- FTP software to transfer your web server MP3s and distribute them on the Internet
After reviewing the different tools that can help you record your podcast, it’s clear that a podcasting studio can be set up using free tools from the Internet and your existing computer system. Alternatively, you can build a professional-grade recording studio for a modest financial investment. No matter your goals, there is an option that will fit your production goals and budget.
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