Everyone has a voice. Something to say. A message they’re dying to get out to the world. But with a population of over seven billion people, only around two million of them are actually capitalizing on the benefits of twenty-first century technology by hosting their own podcast. And while anyone can fire up their smartphone and start ranting, it’s execution that matters most.
Let’s begin with the assumption that you’re a host whose talent rivals that of Oprah. What good is it if your recording gear is the built-in mic and the episodes sound as if you’re interviewing Elon Musk in the bathroom?
As a retired broadcaster, I can assure you that sound quality is imperative when it comes to creating the kind of show that grows every week. But sound quality doesn’t have to break the bank.
When choosing the right mic, you can spend as much money as you want. If you’re on a budget, you can get a decent USB mic for around fifty bucks. Indeed, for the price of a dinner date, you can instantly upgrade the sound of your podcast and increase your brand’s credibility.
For those who have a few hundred to drop, my top three picks are:
3.) the bluebird SL (my first “real” mic for the home studio)
2.) RE-320 (the mic that virtually all broadcast stations use)
1.) Shure SM7B (my current mic, which you’ve seen on many podcasts)
But what good is a great mic if your room’s not treated with at least some sound proofing?
I recently dropped some money on treatments from GIK Acoustics. These four inch bad boys can silence Freddy Krueger’s loudest victim. A batch of their bass traps in my room with a window and awful acoustics gives me the sound of a professional grade studio—without the professional grade price.
Don’t let poor logistics kill your killer content.
Podcasters with a budget owe it to themselves, their brand, and their community to deliver the best quality. They may not understand how or why a show sounds so good, but they will appreciate it.
And it bears repeating, investing in quality gear doesn’t have to break you. All it takes is some homework, a click of the mouse and/or a trip to your nearest Guitar Center (or wherever).
If you need anything, please book a call. I’m always down for a chat.
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