Podcasters: Equipment set up recommendations

I forgot to mention that currently, the only equipment I'm using is my Galaxy Tab and a phone microphone

So far, it's been good enough to get thousands of engagements and lots of shares on FB but my recent stats have shown a plateau

I think I've hit my ceiling with this equipment set up.

I'd appreciate any recommendations re microphone, video cam, etc. Also, does it make sense to put some barrier (I've seen pantyhose used in the past) in front of the mic to avoid 'pops'?

Thanks in advance

A good mic is the most important thing you'll need..

I use Blue Yeti.. but there are other options.

A professional mic will eliminate most of the background noise.

For video, I use a Canon 700D DSLR Camera, Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro, Softbox Lighting Kit, Camtasia Screen Capture Software and Sony Vegas.

You won't need most of that stuff, but good lighting is important.

Like MM said a good mike is essential. There are some very good USB mics available and the BY is a perennial favorite.

With a USB mic you can record to your pc directly using a DAW (digital audio workstation) And a good choice is Audacity and its free.

BUT.....

Every podacaster will agree that a dynamic xlr mic is the best way to go. A dynamic mic cuts out a lot of the background noise and is best for "home studios".
An xlr mic does require a bigger budget because you would also need a usb interface or small usb mixer to plug into your pc but its well worth it in the long run.

The most popular entry level dynamic xlr is probably the Audio Technica 2100/2005 excellent sound for only about $60...
A decent usb interface will run you about $80...
And again Audacity is free or garage band if you use a MAC...

This is only the tip of the iceberg, There is much more info you can find on Google and Youtube .....

Good Luck

I use a Tascam DR-05 which is portable and can record anytime anywhere without setting up. It beats having to carry my Yeti and laptop around. The audio quality isn't far off either.

For video I recommend getting a DJI Osmo mobile and an iPhone 6 with at least 64gb.

I'm on a Mac.

Shure SM7B

Rogue Amoeba's Audio Hijack Pro

Behringer XENYX 1202 Mixer

Off-site: Tascam DR-44WL

Frank

I've got everything under the sun to use to record with, spent a lot of money, and in the end what sounds best is $50 usb mics I got off amazon and I use audacity to edit. Turned out simple and cheap actually sounds better. In the future you may look into getting something elaborate, but i'd hold off.

No argument here. My comments were aimed at the post-recording process and the software used for it.

Now that I'm aware of your psychic limitations, I'll be more specific in the future...

Static is nearly always a signal chain issue, bad mic, bad cables, bad a/d converters, or bad settings.

The rest of the issues are technique.

I use a AKG Perception 420 microphone feeding into a Yamaha MG102c mixer that connects to my computer. This setup cost me around $400 if memory serves, but it is not necessarily better than others recommended already. I just prefer it.

I've never been a fan of USB mics. The connector doesn't lock and they are not very flexible if you do any recording besides a single input direct to a computer. Mine gets used in other contexts. Plus, the mixer allows me to add compression and basic EQ during the recording which saves a step later.

As far as technique is concerned:

1) Quiet the room. Turn off fans, close doors and windows, hang blankets over walls and hard surfaces to absorb echos (some people build a mini sound booth around their mic.)
2) Get the mic as close as possible so the desired sound (your voice) is the most powerful sound.
3) Use a pop screen or foam wind cover to plosive sounds from sending a burst of air directly into the mic.
4) Set your recording levels properly. The weaker the signal you record, the more noise you get later when you try to boost it during editing. Set the levels as high as possible while leaving a little headroom so that a loud sound doesn't peak and cause distortion (the compressor on my mixer helps with this.) The displays on most recorders shows green, yellow, and red as the sounds hitting the mic get louder. You want to set your inputs so that the loudest sounds just hit the red.

If you use a setup like mine you will have a couple places to adjust the levels. There is the input gain, the the volume setting on the input channel, and the master volume for the mixer. Once the sound signal hits the computer, you have one more level setting in your recording software.

You want the strongest signal without distortion at every stage to get the best sound out of your gear.

If you use a USB mic, you usually just have to set levels in your recording software.

That should be enough to get you the results you are looking for.

Andrew

I highly suggest you go watch youtube videos.

I don't know what your budget is.

A blue yeti should work well. Maybe your not using it or setting it up right.

I currently have a blue yeti but thinking of upgrading to XLR.

My tentative plan is...

DBX 286S (Mic Preamp / Processor)

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Generation) USB interface

For a mic, I'm leaning toward an Electrovoice RE320 Package (save like $140)
Which you get the Mic w/Pop Filter, Broadcast Microphone cable & Shockmount

All together it's about $700.