It’s easy to think that a good microphone will get you quality audio, and forget about things like environmental factors. So in today’s post I’d like to go through some of the problems I’ve had with my own sound due to my recording environment – and what I did about them.

1. High ceilings and floorboards

In my last rental house – my recording studio was in the second bedroom. As well as being my spare room, study, sons nursery, this room had enormously high ceilings, the kind that were so high that they created a mega echo (it was so bad I could have a conversation with myself!)

a bad sounding podcast can produce a response like this....

This echo effect was caused by the sound waves bouncing around off the high ceilings and floorboards. The end result sounded like I was in a cave.

Here’s what I did about it:

I bought a great big old rug and slapped it on the floor.It was the soft fibres of the rug that absorbed the sound and stopped it from bouncing off the floor and reverberating around the rest of the room.

TIP: The harder the surfaces and furnishings in the room – the more reverb or echo you’ll get. eg. wooden floors, tables, glass desks etc. 

pot plants can help reduce noise and soundproof a room (no joke!!)

I’ve also heard (and don’t laugh) that pot plants (the plants in the pot, not the pot plants that are illegal :)) can help absorb and deaden the sound.

Because it was only a rental property, there wasn’t much I could do about the high ceiling, but a technique that Jason Van Orden told me he used (and one I’ve done myself many years ago), was recording underneath a thick blanket.

Like the rug, the blanket acts as an absorber of the sound and prevents it from bouncing around. Although I did have to come up for air every 5 mins or so 🙂

If you have a bit more of a budget you may want to consider investing in something like acoustic tiles. I recently bought six tiles off ebay for around $45. I then just stuck them on the wall to help deaden the sound and they worked very well indeed.

You can get these from Ebay or a large musical store for quite a good price.

2. Windows

If you live next door to a 6 lane highway or just a neighbour who decides to crank out their chainsaw on the weekend for a garden blitz, then you’re probably wondering how to kill that noise coming in from outside.

Firstly, it’s important to understand how this noise gets to you.

Generally speaking windows are the biggest culprit. Glass is an incredibly good conduit for sound which makes recording in any room with big windows a real pain. Outside of boarding them up, here’s what you can do.

1. Consider getting your window double glazed. Double glazing means adding another pane of glass to an existing window and trapping still air in between those panes. It’s a technique that will help insulate your home from the cold / heat and excess noise. Watch this video to see what I’m talking about

However coming from Australia, I know that double glazing can be a very expensive option (more so than European countries) so here’s what you do….

2. Get some thick curtains and hang them over the window. And by thick, I mean “do yourself a back injury” thick. These will absorb the noise that’s getting through the window well and should reduce it dramatically before it reaches your microphone.

Or your other option is…

3. Get a room divider. You can get room dividers from second hand dealers or weekend markets.

room dividers help reduce external noise

In fact there used to be a second hand furniture shop just down the round from me in Melbourne. He had a bunch of old office dividers that he was trying to flog for about $50.

These things are perfect – just position in front of the window  and you’ll be amazed at how much it reduces external noise. For extra sound proofing you could throw a blanket or duvet over the top.

I’d love to know what you’ve done to help reduce that pesky noise in your recording environment — leave a comment below!

The post How to soundproof your podcast studio on a budget! appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

When I gave up my Radio career I felt as though I had the support of two very good friends, two friends who I’d never actually met.

Weird isn’t it?

That’s because these two guys are the hosts of The Internet Business Mastery podcast, Jay and Sterling.

And they felt like friends, because when I came home after a hard day at work and needed some inspiration, encouragement or a laugh, I knew I could dial them up on my iPhone and listen to their podcast.

This is the incredible influence of a real podcast at work, and illustrates the powerful engagement it can create.

Jason Van Orden :: pondering podcasting, "hmmmmm"

Both Jay and Sterling are entrepreneurs who make a living helping others escape the 9 to 5 with an online business.

So when I met Jay at a conference and he agreed to come on my show for a chat, I was really looking forward to it.

Jay is an expert at podcasting, and he shares a bunch of really cool stuff that’s helped him create a podcast that’s the foundation of a highly successful business (he built a six figure business from podcasting alone).

Click play to listen, and if you like what you hear I’d love a kind review in iTunes – thank you.

The post Interview With Jay from Internet Business Mastery appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

Listen to all the episodes of Podcast Like A Radio DJ, in iTunes by clicking here

Dave Jackson

Check out Dave’s podcast and website here

Recommended Resources:

Audio Technica ATR2100USB

The post The Top FAQ’s of podcasting answered! appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

 

Listen to all the episodes of Podcast Like A Radio DJ, in iTunes by clicking here

Mentioned Resources:

• PR Leap – good press release distribution service (they only distribute, you need to write it!)
• Blackberry Podcast directory app
• Email Rob to get into the Zune directory
• Stitcher podcast app
• Podbean
• Podcast Alley
• Slideshare
• Slidesix.com
• Authorstream.com
• Slideboom.com

The post 4 Ways To Promote Your Podcast To As Many Ears As Possible appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

Get new episodes automatically in your iTunes library as they’re released, just click here

Apples Podcast App

The post The 2012 Update On Podcasting appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

Leslie Samuel

The post Interview With Leslie Samuel From Become A Blogger appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

After arriving back in England after an intense week at Blog World New Media Expo in New York, I’ve been recovering from a vicious cold.

In fact it’s been more than a cold. If the cold and flu had a love child then that’s what I’ve got.

But while I’ve had a couple of corks up each nostril, I’ve had a chance to reflect on my first experience at Blog World & New Media Expo.

I had an absolute ball meeting new people from all over the world who are podcasting, keen to start, or don’t even know what the hell podcasting is!

And the best part, I was able to soak up plenty of podcast content and share my knowledge and experience with others.

Me (far right) at Blog World answering a question on podcasting

I was fortunate enough to be asked to sit on a panel with some other podcasting experts and we talked about podcasting 101 and 101 part 2. When I came out of the final session I jumped on twitter and noticed that someone had re-tweeted one of my “off the cuff” comments made during the panel.

Now sorry to disappoint, it was nothing even remotely controversial, but I do believe what I said is worth repeating. So if you weren’t at the session or you missed the re-tweet, here it is.

“If your target audience is out of focus, then your content will be out of focus…”

Why is that worth repeating you might ask? Well it’s one of the things that a lot of podcasters struggle with.

Before you start recording a podcast, you should know who your target audience is. Down to the finest point. I’m talking splitting hairs here. Here’s why…

If you don’t know who you are targeting, then how will you know if your content ever hits the mark?

Have I told you how much I love analogies?

Good, read on.

You need to know your target

If the archer fires his arrow at a target he can’t see, does he have a chance of making bullseye?

Not a chance in hell.

And if he can’t see the target then how can he adjust his stance, angle, power, resistance to give him the best chance of hitting it?

He can’t. It’s pointless and impossible.

You see, he needs to know the location of the target before he does ANYTHING.

In the same way, you need to know who your target audience is before you even think about hitting that record button.

And finding that out, isn’t that difficult.

Figuring out your target audience

Now here’s a reality check.  Your target audience doesn’t automatically materialize once you start recording and releasing podcasts.

The thing is, you create your target audience.

Best way to start is by asking, “Who do I want to reach?”

Then it’s just a case of adding the color to this very black and white picture.

Radio stations have always believed that the more defined their target audience is, the better chance they have of reaching it with content. The same goes for getting good podcast content. There’s a number of ways radio stations target.

1. Demographic

Age is a fantastic way to nail down your target. Are you targeting 20 – 30 year olds? If so then all the statistical data on that age group tell us they love to go out clubbing, drink on weekends, love holidays with friends and have a fairly disposable income.

But let’s say you are targeting 35 – 45 year olds. There’s a massive priority shift. Folks in this demographic are fairly settled down, have jobs that they most likely loathe or complain about, and have kids that they are trying to raise as best they can.

Targeting people by age helps you have a general sense of knowing without ever actually meeting them.

All of the radio stations I worked at had very strict guidelines about generating content that was appealing to the demographic.

2. Sex

Statistically women live longer than men by 5 years. And men are more likely to drink, smoke and treat their bodies with disdain.

So let’s say for example if you have a podcast on playing poker and drinking high grade alcohol, then according to the stats, you will probably have more traction with a male skewed audience.

Think about how you talk to a member of the same sex. Is it different to how you talk to a member of the opposite sex? Yes? Ok good then you’re like the rest of us.

So the way we construct language and present ourselves (body language, tone etc) automatically adjusts to who (what sex)we are talking to, so that we are comfortable and create the most resonance with them.

So as a podcaster, knowing if you’re talking to females or males will have a significant impact on how your show sounds.

Other filters that could help you determine your target audience:

To drill down even further and understand your audience, ask yourself these targeting questions:

• Is the bulk of my audience employed or unemployed
• Are they at beginner, advanced or intermediate skill level in relation to the subject matter (if you are teaching yoga on your podcast, then are you teaching newbies or pro’s?)
• Do they have kids?
• Are they married?
• Are they single?
• Do they live by themselves?

**Hot Tip**

It’s a good idea to actually create a fictional member of your target audience so next time you create podcast content you can ask yourself if it’d be relevant to them. Work through the questions below to start creating your listener avatar.:

• What is their name?
• What do they do?
• Do they have kids?
• Where do they live?
• What is their income?
• What turns them on?
• What turns them off?

And now…the BIG secret

The big mistake many podcasters make is believing that their content will attract their target audience.

That’s wrong.

Deciding on who your audience is, based on the content you produce, is putting the cart before the horse!

No, what you need to do is decide on your audience first, then go after them with your targeted podcast content.

Identify the target and then suck them in with that tractor beam of yours.

Once you have a clear picture of your target audience, then you will know exactly what they want to hear.

That way you’re content will ALWAYS be in focus, because your target audience is!

The post How to create targeted podcast content appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

It’s been a week since my last post about podcast equipment. I went into detail about the “mixer method”, and why this approach to podcasting may or may not suit your needs.

Today I’d like to talk about the “minimalist method”.

The minimalist method is the most basic way to podcast (I call it minimalist because the equipment you need is minimal – I know, genius:)).

So without further a due, here’s what you need to get podcasting with the minimalist method:

1. USB Microphone

A USB microphone is a microphone that interfaces with your computer through the USB port (the same place you plug in your printer or mouse).

I’ve always been a big fan of USB microphones, simply because they are so-easy- to- use.

All you do is take the lead and plug it into your computer – no technical headaches. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not a technical boffin and have spent many an hour pulling my hair out, as well as multiple leads from many incorrect ports and sockets.

So if you’re like me, and hate a snake pit of leads then you’d love a USB microphone.

There are no technical hurdles.

But just like an XLR microphone, most USB microphones aren’t self powering.

In other words they rely on another source for their power, in this case your computer. So make sure it’s plugged in, otherwise it’s just a very effective paperweight.

You can go for the basic microphone and headphone USB headsets that start around $20, but I recommend the standalone microphones if you are serious about getting the best audio quality on a budget.

In fact I’d recommend you get something like the Blue Yeti that comes in at around $100.

Some other USB microphones are:

• Rode podcaster – $200 + (requires a mic stand though, so factor that in as an additional cost)
• Blue snowball – $75 + (the little cousin of the Yeti – not as mean but still good sound re-production, and comes with a stand)
• I’ve also heard some good things about the Audio Technica ATR 2500 – $70 + (you’ll need a mic stand)

*HOT TIP*

When you’re shopping around for a USB microphone, consider one that has multiple recording patterns.

A recording pattern is the way the microphone picks up sound. Most microphones have a cardioid pattern only. This means that pick-up is to the front of the microphone, less to the sides and not much from the back.

However with multiple pattern microphones you can set them to a “room recording” mode. This means the microphone will pick up all the noise in the room. Great if you are recording round table discussions!

The Blue Yeti has this ability which gives you excellent flexibility down the track.

2. A Computer

In part 1, I talked about recording audio using a digital recorder, but today I want to talk about using your computer record your audio.

To record yourself on your computer you need some basic software. There’s some good free and paid options out there that all do the job pretty well. Here’s a list:

• Audacity for PC and MAC(free)
  

  Adobe Audition Recording Software

• Garageband for MAC (free with most Mac’s)
• Audition for Mac and PC ($$)
• Pro Tools for Mac and PC ($$)

The difference in price range here is down to features and interface.

Obviously the pricey ones have more “bells and whistles”, but if you just need software to record your voice then go for the free option.

Podcasters the world over use Audacity. As far as the interface goes I think it’s been beaten by the ugly stick several times over, but it’s fairly easy to use.

Conclusion

As I did at the end ofpart 1, I’ll now summarize the pros and cons of the minimalist method so you can make an informed choice about what equipment set-up right for you.

Pros

• Cheap (a set-up using a USB microphone can start at around $20)
• Portable (Less equipment means less hassle if you’re traveling to record an interview / show etc.)
• You don’t need to purchase any separate recording device or software.
• Very easy to set-up (low entry barrier)
• Similar audio quality to mixer method can be achieved with the right microphone.

Cons

• You are restricted when it comes to adding additional input channels. To play things like openers and music beds “live” (this means your intro / outro music will be added in after recording using your software).
• Can feel like a temporary set-up.
• Some say using a computer as a recording device can be unstable and crash often (always, ALWAYS save!)
• Still potential for a small amount of noise in recording.

To be honest, the minimalist method is what I recommend to a lot of newbie podcasters. Simply because their eyes glaze over when I mention mixers and XLR microphones. I would rather folks get podcasting and feel confident with the basics rather than be scared off my a more complex set-up..

However, and let me be clear, BOTH the mixer method and minimalist are legitimate and effective forms of podcasting. I enjoy using both to record my own podcasts.

Let me know what you think!

Dan

The post Podcasting Equipment : Does Size Really Matter- Part 2. appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

I’ve been invited to be a panelist at Blog World New Media Expo in June to talk about podcasting. And in the last few weeks my other panelists and I have been catching up over Skype deciding what to talk about.

Yesterday we spoke about podcasting equipment. Specifically the two main approaches one could take when starting a podcast.

So I decided I’d write a quick post and explore each method, pointing out the pro’s and con’s over this two part series.

I’ll try and keep this as simple as possible, staying away from the geek speak where I can.

First off let’s talk about the “mixer method”. This is an approach that a lot of podcast coaches recommend.

1. Mixer:

A mixer is what you plug your microphone into. It interfaces with your recording device and often has 2 or more “channels”.

A typical podcast mixer - Behringer XENYX 1002.

A channel is just another way of saying microphone input (or any other audio input for that matter).

The mixer is NOT the thing that records your audio, we’ll get to that later.

There’s a few reasons why the mixer method is good.

• It offers scope to grow your show and add more guests using the multiple inputs (allowing for more microphones to be added).
• Some mixers also have basic EQ settings. This means that you can tweak the “top end” or “bass” in your sound as it is being recorded. Once you have these settings configured, it can save a bit of time in post production because there’s no need to run your audio through an EQ filter once recorded.
• More expensive mixers have built in compressors. This means you can compress your signal as it’s being recorded. To be honest I’ve played around with mixers with built in compressors and have noticed that they add a lot of noise and have decided not to use them.

A good quality mixer can be picked up for around $70. A good mixer I use is the Behringer XENYX 1002.

2. XLR Microphone

A microphone is a VERY important part of your equipment, and an XLR microphone refers to the type of plug the microphone has.The XLR plug is most commonly used in professional and broadcast audio. Three pin XLR connectors are used for balanced audio signals.

The Heil PR-40 - A Brilliant XLR mic

In basic terms the XLR microphone means that it CAN’T plug straight into your computer or (in most cases) recording device. Generally speaking for an XLR microphone to work you have to plug it through a mixer.

A decent XLR microphone can cost around $100. I recommend the Heil PR-40 which costs a bit more but delivers on quality.

3. Microphone stand

Most XLR microphones need some kind of stand. You don’t want to hold the microphone as you record because any movement can create awful noises that will be picked up in the recording.

A microphone stand is another expense that can start from $30 and go right up to the $300 mark.

A typical microphone arm - not portable!

Having a boom or mic arm stand can also take up a bit of space in your recording area and also stops your studio from being overly portable.

4. Leads

If you have a mixer then you’re going to need leads and lot’s of them. Personally I hate leads, and in times gone by have felt my studio resembled the Borg mothership (Trekkies will appreciate the reference:)).

As an example…

You’ll need a lead running from the mic to your mixer, a lead running from your mixer to your computer, a lead running to the power socket, a lead running from your headphones to the mixer. And then there’s the other microphone lead….arghhhhh!

You might have to spend $20 or so on leads.

5. External recorder

Generally supporters of the mixer method also suggest to record your audio using an external (often digital) recording device. An example of this might be the Zoom H2 or an Edirol recording device.

The Edirol R-09 Digital Recoder

Some say that using a device like this reduces the noise that can sometimes be heard when you record directly into a computer. But to be honest, with the advancement of audio editors and sound cards, this “computer noise” is rarely a problem these days.

Another advantage of recording using this method is that there is less of a chance of a device like this crashing compared to software on a computer.

To be fair, I haven’t ever faced a situation where my computer has crashed mid way through a recording, but I imagine it would be devastating. But it’s also worth having a balanced perspective about this. All mainstream media record onto digital software. In fact I did 100% of audio recording in my Radio career into Adobe Audition and never had a big drama.

The tip here is most major media organisations are just smart enough to capture the content on more than one bit of software (lesson here is always have multiple recording software).

Also – the other thing I love about digital recorders is how portable they are. You can take them with you “on the go” and  take advantage of the excellent in built microphone.

You can pick up a decent digital recorder for around $400 mark.

6. Other bits

To complete this set up you may need to purchase a 1/4 phone jack adapter if you need to jack up your headphone plug so it’s compatible with the mixer. Not much at around $2 a pop but everything adds up huh?

Conclusion

The mixer method is one that I really like and sometimes recommend to clients. But it is not for everyone.

So, just to re-cap, let’s take a look at the overall pros and cons of the mixer method.

Pros 

• Some would argue better sound (this does depend on what type of mixer, mic you have)
• Better room for growth (a multiple channel mixer makes more microphones possible)
• Build in EQ and compression in mixers allow for live signal processing

Cons

• Less portable
• Takes up more space (if you’re precious about your Feng Shui, buying all this equipment could kill it!!!!)
• Lot’s and lot’s of leads
• Potentially more expensive for decent mixer, microphone etc
• Can be technically challenging

See you in Part 2 when we go into detail about the “minimalist method” of podcasting!

The post Podcasting Equipment: Does size really matter? – Part 1. appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.

Resources:

• iTunes specifications including new artwork specs, can be found here
• Get my FREE podcasting report here
• Example of a pop shield (filter)
• Example of a boom mic stand

The post How to renovate your podcast to add value and attract new listeners appeared first on Podcast Like a Pro with Dan Lyons :: Podcast Production :: How To Make Podcasts ::: Podcast Consulting :: Podcast Consultant ::.