Podcasting Power Tools

Having trouble coming up with new topics for your podcast? There are plenty of places to look if you are creative enough. Use the list below to supercharge your brainstorming:

RSS – There is no better way to skim large amounts of new and distributed information. Subscribe to blogs around your subject. See what other people are talking about and what is new. My personal favorite tool for this is Google Reader.

When building a computer for podcasting, there are some special considerations that most builders don’t have to consider:

• Noise levels
• Software and driver compatibility
• Audio interface hardware

This article will outline some of the decisions and options specific to building a computer for podcasting.

Noise levels

Most podcasters don’t have separate control and recording rooms.  The computer is often just a few feet or even inches from the microphone.  In such situations, it is important for the computer to be as quiet as possible.  Few people have put as much time and research into silencing computers as Mike Chin and the numerous contributors of the Silent PC Review website.  Mike has built an anechoic chamber to make detailed measurements of the sound emitted by different pieces of computer hardware.  The biggest noise offenders in most computers are fans and cooling devices. 

SPCR has done side-by-side comparisons and can make recommendations for:

• CPU Coolers
• Fans
• Power Supplies
• Hard Drives 

Software and Driver Compatibility

Most people considering building a computer specifically for podcasting are not just starting out.  Many of you may have software that you have become familiar with and don’t feel like changing.  Make sure that the hardware you are selecting to build your podcasting computer will work well with your go-to podcasting software.

Many of you also have audio interface hardware that you want to use with your new system.  Make sure that your motherboard or interface cards have the appropriate drivers for use with the hardware in your new system.

When in doubt or if the information on the websites is not clear, call the manufacturers.  Ask them about your specific intended hardware configuration.  They will be glad to answer your questions and a few minutes on the phone is better than having to alter your configuration after you have already purchased incompatible parts.

Audio Interface Hardware

Speaking of audio interface hardware…

The hardware that transitions your podcast audio into digital files is one of the most important pieces of your podcast system.  You should probably select this piece of equipment before you select your computer system hardware.  The TweakHeadz Lab website has some great reviews and information about selecting your audio interface.

Check out the Tweakheadz website for some great comparison charts for selecting:

• USB 2.0 Audio Interfaces
• Firewire Audio Interfaces
• PCI Soundcards and Audio Interfaces

When you have chosen the audio interface, make sure that your motherboard has the proper ports or connections to use it.

Generalities

When it comes to combining computer hardware at a price point, the PCPer.com leaderboard is very helpful.  When you select a budget, they recommend the specific pieces of hardware to get the most performance per dollar.  They currently list systems below $500, below $1000, as well as higher end systems.

The great thing about building your own system is the ability to make it exactly what you want.  Take you time, read reviews, do research, and you will come out with a computer that meets or exceeds your needs.

When it comes to podcasting and microphones, it’s easy to get stuck on equipment. Many podcasters are looking for the perfect microphone, the perfect amplifier, the perfect compressor to complement their voice when they would be better served improving the way they use the microphone.

This fixation is not unique to podcasting. In many sports, the beginner gets infatuated with the newest, shiniest piece of gear and doesn’t realize that it’s the software, not the hardware. It’s what you do with the equipment you have.

Here are a few simple, yet practical tips that will help improve your sound through improving  your microphone technique:

Don’t move the microphone
When you find the best position for the microphone, don’t move it. Don’t touch it. Leave it alone. It sounds obvious, but sometimes it happens unconsciously.

Point the microphone away from noise
Try to keep noisy devices like computers, fans, buzzing lights, etc outside of the microphones optimal pickup zone. Don’t stand with a fan or noisy computer directly behind you!

Don’t move your mouth in relation to the microphone(while talking)
Don’t lean side to side. Don’t turn your head back and forth. Feel free to wave your arms so long as you don’t hit the microphone arm.  Only your voice should be changing and fluctuating. Keep everything else as consistent as possible. Set up your desk or workstation so that you don’t need to constantly turn your head to look at the mixer or computer screen.

Maintain the proper distance to the microphone.
Experiment until you find the distance that provides the sound you are looking for, then maintain that distance at all costs. The distance will generally be 6-12″ from your lips. Closer means better bass, but can also cause a “muddy” sound. Too far away means that your microphone will pick up more room noise at the same voice levels.

Minimize popping
Aim the microphone toward your mouth from below or above, but not directly in front. In other words, don’t “aim” your mouth directly at the microphone. Also be careful not to over emphasize the plosive consonants(like “p” and “t”).

WARNING: I know this is an equipment tip, but it is inexpensive and important. Get a windscreen! Even if your microphone has one built in, get an external pop filter to serve as the first line of defense. Trust me, it will make a big difference.

What practices or techniques have you implemented? Share them in the comments:

These tips came from “Principles of Creating Powerful Radio”, but they most definitely apply to audio podcasting:

1.  Speak visually, in terms your listener can "picture."
2.  Start with, your best material.
3.  Tell the truth.
4.  Never be boring.
5.  Listen to your station.  (or your podcast)
6.  Make it matter.
7.  Address an individual, use "You," – talk to ONE listener at a time!  
8.  Do engaging transitions & handoffs
9.  Promote, brag about your stuff
10. Brag about other people’s stuff
11. Be who you are on the radio
12. Take risks. Dare to be great

Read the PDF Here