Back in “the day”, and by that I mean when I started podcasting in 2005, podcasts were a bit rough ‘n ready. You recorded with whatever microphone or audio recorder you happened to already have, you maybe didn’t do a lot of post-production, and you uploaded the mp3 file to a hosting site like Libsyn and did all of the fancy stuff with your RSS feed*.

To be honest, more time was probably spent on uploading the mp3 and updating the RSS feed.

Fast forward to 2023, many people looking to jump aboard the podcasting ship don’t realise they need mp3 hosting and RSS feeds.

But they do realise that the quality of the audio - and video - are of huge importance.

In this Podcast Studio Glasgow guide we’ll cover:

1. tips to make your podcast sound better

2. understanding the type of microphone to use

3. audio interfaces

4. the space you record in

If that’s you, a question you’ll no doubt have pondered is “how can I make my podcast sound better?”.

That’s where we come in. At the Podcast Studio Glasgow, we have 18 years of experience in recording and producing podcasts, and there isn’t a problem with an audio recording that we haven’t encountered and overcome.

So, here are 5 straightforward tips to make your podcast sound better:

1. Use a good microphone: A high-quality microphone can make a big difference in the sound of your podcast. Look for a microphone that is designed specifically for podcasting or voiceover work, and that is within your budget.

2. Find a quiet space: Noise and distractions can ruin the sound quality of your podcast. Try to find a quiet space with minimal background noise to record in.

3. Use a pop filter: A pop filter is a device that attaches to your microphone and helps to reduce "plosive" sounds (such as the sound of the letter "p") that can cause distortion. These are especially required when using condenser mics (see below).

4. Edit your audio: Use audio editing software (such as Audacity) to remove any mistakes, dead air, or background noise from your recordings.

5. Invest in good headphones: Good headphones can help you to hear your voice and any flaws in your recording more clearly, making it easier to edit and improve the sound quality.

Let’s break some of those points down in more detail, starting with your choice of microphone.

Essentially, for recording your podcast, you want to choose either a dynamic or condenser mic. And here’s some technical info on what each is, or skip to my one-sentence summary below.

Should You Podcast Using a Dynamic Microphone?

A dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that uses a simple diaphragm and a coil of wire to convert sound into an electrical signal. It's called "dynamic" because it uses motion to generate the electrical signal, as opposed to other types of microphones that use other methods like a condenser microphone.

Dynamic microphones are known for being rugged and durable, they can handle high volume levels, and they're also relatively inexpensive. They're often used in live performances and in situations where there's a lot of background noise because they're able to reject background noise to some extent.

They're also a great choice for podcasting because they're easy to use and they don't require any external power source.

Another benefit of dynamic microphones is that they don't require a lot of maintenance and they're less likely to break than some other types of microphones. This makes them a great option for people who are just starting out with podcasting.

Overall, dynamic microphones are a versatile and cost-effective option for podcasting and other applications. They're also a great choice for people who want a simple, easy-to-use microphone that doesn't require a lot of technical know-how.

Here are some examples of dynamic mics:

• Shure SM7B (the “Joe Rogan mic”) is a popular dynamic microphone that is widely used for podcasting, radio, and home recording. It's known for its versatility and durability, and it's considered to be one of the best microphones for podcasting and voiceover work.

• Rode Procaster: is a professional dynamic microphone specifically designed for podcasting, voiceover work, and live broadcasting. It's known for its excellent sound quality and durability, and it's considered to be a popular choice among podcasters and radio professionals.

• Electro-Voice RE320: is a professional-grade dynamic microphone designed for a wide range of applications, including podcasting, live performances, and broadcasting. It's known for its excellent sound quality, versatility, and durability. It features a unique Variable-D design, which helps to reduce the proximity effect and off-axis colouration, resulting in a more consistent and accurate sound. It also has a switchable filter that helps to reduce wind noise, breath noise and plosives. The RE320 has a super-cardioid polar pattern, which means it primarily picks up sound from the front of the microphone, minimizing background noise and other unwanted sounds. It also has a wide frequency response and high sensitivity, which allows it to capture a lot of detail and produce a clear, accurate sound.

• AKG D5: is a professional-grade dynamic microphone designed for a wide range of applications, including live performances, podcasting, and broadcasting. It's known for its excellent sound quality, durability and robust construction.

It’s worth noting that for all of the mics listed above, adding a little “gain boost” (increasing the amount of power the signal from the mic delivers) is going to be essential. Many podcasters use a CloudLifter, which will add to the cost of purchasing your dynamic mic. In the Podcast Studio Glasgow, all of our dynamic mics have signal boosters fitted to them.

Should You Podcast Using a condenser Microphone?

A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a thin metal plate, called a diaphragm, which vibrates when it comes into contact with sound waves. This movement generates an electrical signal that can be amplified and recorded.

The main difference between a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone is that condenser microphones require an external power source, usually in the form of Phantom power. This is because they use a small electrical charge to create the electrical signal which can be amplified and recorded.

Condenser microphones are known for being very sensitive and for having a wide frequency response. This means that they can pick up a wide range of sounds and they can capture a lot of detail. They're often used in recording studios and for podcasting because they can capture a lot of detail and can be adjusted to suit different recording environments.

One of the benefits of condenser microphones is that they can be used for a wide range of different applications, from podcasting to music recording, and they're also good for capturing speech. They're also good for recording in a noisy environment because they can be adjusted to reject background noise.

Overall, condenser microphones are a great choice for people who want a high-quality, detailed recording and who are willing to spend a bit more money on their microphones. They're also a great choice for podcasting because they can capture a lot of detail and they can be adjusted to suit different recording environments.

I’m not going to list different condenser mics here as I don’t personally recommend them for podcasting. This is partly personal preference and partly because it can be tricky to “tune in” to your voice while rejecting room ambience. This is particularly important if you’re recording in a room with a bit of echo or where it’s likely some background noise may be present.

Which Microphones Do We Use in the Podcast Studio Glasgow and Why?

My one-sentence answer is as follows:

Quite simply, we only use dynamic mics in the Podcast Studio Glasgow. And this is because it’s our experience that they’ll ensure each client and guest will get the best possible recording of their voice. As mentioned above, they’re great at rejecting “off-axis” noise, such as from other people speaking and also any background noise.

When you record at the Podcast Studio Glasgow you get the choice of 2 Electro-Voice RE320 mics, 4 AKG D5 and 4 Rode Procasters (see details listed above). Each mic, as mentioned, is run into a gain booster to improve the strength of the signal, which reducing the risk of “gain noise” (that annoying slight buzz often heard when a mic’s turned up too loud on the mixer).

What About Audio Interfaces?

This topic can get complicated, but try to find the quickest route from the microphone to your computer. Sometimes that means recording the audio onto an SD card, then copying the files onto your computer for editing, or recording directly into your computer.

To do the latter, a device like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can be ideal as you can plug 2 XLR devices, ie microphones, into it, and then it plugs into a USB port on your computer.

It’s also possible to run your microphone into a recording device such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and record onto an SD card.

And of course, you can bypass any external recording device and opt for a USB microphone, which can be an ideal solution if you record on your own, ie you don’t have any guests.

What Audio Recording Devices Do We Use in the Podcast Studio Glasgow?

We use the tried, trusted, and much-loved Rodecaster Pro. It handles pretty much anything you can throw at it and it includes handy sound profiles for the 2 main microphones we use, the RE320 and the Procasters. It has lots of in-built audio features, such as a compressor (more on that in a future blog post), noise gate, high-pass filter and more. It also records each microphone - or input - onto a separate track so that when you come to edit your podcast in software like Adobe Audition (which we use in the studio), you can fine-tune each podcast participant’s audio precisely, ensuring the final podcast file sounds incredible.

Do You Need Headphones When Recording Your Podcast?

It’s always a good idea, where possible, to monitor how your recording is sounding using headphones. And if your guests are wearing “cans” also, then everyone can hear how they sound. Of course, if you’re using video with your podcast, then you might not want to have headphones on. That’s an aesthetic choice. Some love the look, some aren’t so keen.

In the Podcast Studio Glasgow, we have 4 pairs of studio-grade headphones which are plugged into a headphone amp to ensure everyone can hear themselves and the conversation. Not everyone chooses to wear them but that’s ok as we’re monitoring the sound being captured on the Rodecaster Pro for you.

How Quiet Should the Room You’re Podcasting in Be?

Obviously, as quiet as possible. But there are some exceptions. I’ve recorded and produced dozens of podcast episodes from conferences. In cases like this, some ambient background noise is fine, as it helps provide context to the podcast.

But if you’re recording a roundtable discussion, you’ll want the room to be quiet. That means turning off air conditioner units, for example.

To be honest, creating a nice, quiet environment to record in can be a challenge.

At the Podcast Studio Glasgow, you can be assured that the environment we’ve created is quiet, zero-echo (or reverb), and coupled with the dynamic mics, headphones and Rodecaster Pro, your podcast is going to sound professional and polished.

Hopefully, you’ve found this guide to making your podcast sound better useful. Of course, we’re here to help you truly take the production of your podcast to the next level, both in terms of audio production and in overall quality. Whether you want to add a 3-camera video set up, or just need a quiet, professional space to record in, we’re here to help you, so get in touch using the button below.

*An RSS feed is a way for websites to send new content to subscribers automatically. It stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and it's used by many websites and podcasts to make it easy for people to stay up-to-date with new content.