The Foundations of a High-Quality Podcast Studio

There’s no denying that the world of podcasting is a fiercely competitive landscape. Attention is scarce, and those who want it need to earn it. While many starting out may pour hours into coming up with the right ideas, it pays to focus just as much on sonic professionalism.

Remember that audiences may forgive minor fumbles here and there, they aren’t likely to stay if the show comes with consistently poor audio. Therefore, it is not a hot take to say that audio quality is a brand’s first filter of credibility. It signals to the audience that those behind the podcast are not only competent at what they do, but that they also care about their listener’s time.

So, how can anyone starting out achieve sonic professionalism? By investing time, effort, and, of course, enough resources into building up a high-quality podcast studio.

A Look at Microphones

Before a podcast editor or a podcast engineer can even begin to think about diving into the finer aspects of their work, the studio needs its foundational gear: the microphone. To simplify things, there are two types to really consider: a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone. Both have their pros and cons, which are important to weigh and mull over before making a purchase.

Option 1: Dynamic Microphones

These are the standard for podcasts and are excellent at rejecting ambient noises. Choosing this means choosing the more durable option. It can also provide what’s described as a “broadcast” sound: deep, rich, and warm. Lastly, they don’t require any phantom power whatsoever. Concerning its disadvantages, dynamic microphones come with lower sensitivity. It’s also not likely to capture the condenser mic’s high-frequency detail.

If this is sounding good to you, some popular examples include the Shure SM7B, the Rode PodMic, and the Samson Q2U, which comes highly recommended for beginners.

Option 2: Condenser Microphones

Now we turn to the alternative option. One of the best things that can be said about this type of microphone is that it comes with higher sensitivity compared to its dynamic counterpart. It also has a greater capacity for clarity and has higher output levels. Regarding disadvantages, it can be too sensitive for some users, to the point of picking up far more background noise. It is also less durable compared to its dynamic mics, so users will have to handle it more delicately.

Those who are interested may want to consider examples like the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT1.

What is a Signal Chain?

As great as it is to have the best microphone to keep your daily podcast production at a high level, it is also crucial to understand the signal chain. Often referred to as the signal flow or the audio signal chain, this is the path an electric audio signal travels through from its source. Understanding this is crucial since this is what affects any high quality podcast studio’s integrity, clarity, and overall sound quality.

The Audio Interface

Understanding the signal chain means understanding the importance of an audio interface. This is the hardware type that bridges analog audio hardware (aka the microphones and speakers) and the more digital types.

The interface’s most critical job is taking a continuous electrical signal and converting it into a digital data stream that a computer can read and process. It also has an inverse conversion, when you play back recorded or processed audio from a computer; with digital data converted back into analog signals.

Microphones often produce weak signals that converters can’t handle effectively. An interface’s preamp boost is therefore crucial to have, since it amps up the weak signal into a stronger, more standard, operating level without any excessive noise.

When it comes to quick recommendations, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt 276, and Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD are all good choices for home studios. For more professional setups, models like the Audient iD4 MKII and the PreSonus Quantum 2626 would do nicely.

Any professional podcast editor will be able to tell you that poor audio quality can undercut any message a show may have. Looking into microphones and audio interfaces are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building up a high-quality podcast studio. It will also pay to consider the acoustics of your studio and mastering the art of the remote interview.

If reading about the first entry of this three-part series has been interesting and insightful for you, and you want to skip ahead to learn more, know that you can always book a call with the good folks at Podcast Engineers.

They’ve got the insight to share, drawn from a wealth of experience. With their help, you can stay one step ahead of the competition! So, do yourself a favor and take advantage of your free discovery call today!