Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing streaming markets in the 2020s. In fact, the industry is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2023. Yes, billions; in podcasting. This may be why so many companies now host their own podcast. Build your brand, improve engagement – for how much? It’s almost a no-brainer. And chances are, it’s why you’re thinking of using Podbean to host your next startup podcast.
But how can you get the most bang for your buck using Podbean?
Understand the gear you’re working with on Podbean
Understanding your gear means having a solid feel and working knowledge of your tools. For example, if you’re using a microphone that tends to sound heavy, you may need to adjust the microphone input or the sound card settings.
The type of connection you’re using is also important. USB connections tend to be less expensive but reliable regarding audio quality, while a traditional studio setup provides more flexibility but comes out on the higher end cost-wise.
At the same time, you don’t need to break the bank to produce a quality podcast.
Headphones
The first thing you need to know about headphones is that this is a piece of gear that only needs to accomplish one thing; reduce the bleed in your audio. Yes, having a quality set of headphones is great if you can afford to drop $300 on the bossiest of all headphones, but if you’re balling on a budget, all you need is a pair of headphones that don’t bleed into your microphone. This means you’re looking for a set that doesn’t create feedback.
In lay terms, if you can hear the audio bleeding from the headphones when they are worn, you probably need to invest in a better pair for your Podbean podcast.
Microphone
Unfortunately, while you can skimp on headphones, a quality microphone is a must. But it’s essential to understand the difference between the two types of microphones; dynamic and condenser.
According to Neumann, a dynamic microphone is a microphone “that converts sound into an electrical signal by means of electromagnetism. They fall into two categories, moving coil and ribbon microphones. A moving coil capsule: At the back of the transparent membrane you can see the wire coil, which is surrounded by a permanent magnet.”
A condenser microphone is one of the most popular microphones for studio recording because of the device’s sensitivity and fidelity. However, while condenser microphones provide a broader frequency response, they have weaker sensitivity to input.
So which one should you use? Honestly, it depends.
Condenser mics typically have a more flat and consistent sound, good for the lows and the highs. However, they are much more sensitive. This means they’re great in settings where you control the room but are much more likely to pick up the most random clicks, vibrations, and other unexplained sounds around you. In other words: if you’ve got a squeaky chair, everyone will know it.
Dynamic microphones are much less sensitive. That noisy chair or TV in the other room isn’t likely to pop into your podcast. Still, because they’re less sensitive, they’re not as useful for interviews or microphone configurations that take advantage of settings you’ve built to record in (like reverb, if applicable).
Using a dynamic mic ensures your voice is the focus. Dynamic mics produce that radio-quality voice you’re accustomed to hearing. But again, they aren’t for sharing; you won’t pick up your guest’s voice, and if you do, it’ll be a very low frequency.
If you’re planning on scheduling live interviews but want to maintain that radio-quality voice overall, it may be worthwhile to invest in both. Most Podbean podcasters have made investments in their mic quality.
Interface
Ultimately, an interface is intended to get sound in and out of your device. However, an interface is crucial for quality studio sound on Podbean.
Using an interface (or a mixer) allows you to control things like gain and import external sounds from other devices. Using a mixer, you can also manage other output attributes like treble and base.
This means you can also control input audio from video and audio clips and adjust your microphone’s output. Think of it as a control panel for your audio. Simple as that.
Software
Having owned a recording studio in the 2000s, I can tell you that studio recording today is really only for big money. Twenty years ago, having a ProTools license was rare for startups. Because using the software required specialized skills and additional hardware, smaller studios stayed afloat by recording upstart artists and radio commercials – studios were still profitable because they needed specialization. Today, however, recording software is dirt cheap (like free). So unless you’re planning on broadcasting on NPR, chances are you can build your configurations and learn to record like a pro with some practice.
But which software is best?
ProTools
ProTools is a powerful recording application that gives users nearly unmatchable industry features and capabilities. However, most of these features are geared toward professional recordings that require collaboration and professional operation. Honestly, it may be overkill for your podcast. And given the software is $39.95 monthly, we recommend foregoing this investment until you’re in, like really in.
Audacity
Audacity got a bad rap a few years back, after rumors circulated that the software had been infiltrated by foreign hackers who intended to use the download to collect user information. However, nothing seemed to ever come of it. And today, Audacity is still going strong as a powerful open-source and free recording software suite. Audacity is easy to use as well. After downloading the software, you’ll be directed to its studio interface, where getting started is as easy as hitting record.
However, ease of use has costs. The open-source application is a bit more limited than ProTools, but in terms of podcasting, you’re virtually years from noticing the difference if you’re just getting started.
Garage Band
Of course, if you’re nervous about using open-source software like Audacity, you can’t go wrong with Garage Band. And almost everyone has access to a copy of it. Macs, iPads, and iPhones all come with a copy of Garage Band. Using the software is easy, though again, ease of use has costs. Garage Band isn’t as powerful as Audacity, but it will do the trick, especially for beginners.
Prepping for your Podbean cast
Do you know how long you’re going to talk? What’s the show’s format will be? Where will your microphone be? What type of sound effects are you going to use? As arbitrary as it may seem, planning your podcast ahead of time is crucial for boosting engagement. As golden as your voice may be, no one wants to listen to rambling. And if you’ve ever heard your favorite DJ ramble, chances are it was planned, believe it or not.
Most podcasters recommend planning your show ahead of time using some structure. Even a loose layout using SMART goals is better than nothing. At least (just) having a goal will keep you on track, but a plan will make your show sound professional.
Final words
Of course, a lot of magic can happen in the editing room (or, in many cases, the desk you use for something else from 8 – 5). But having the right equipment, understanding your gear (and picking the best tools for your objective), using an interface and software that meet your needs, and preparing for your podcast ahead of time will put you on the right track (pun intended).
Related: The 602 Club Host Matt Rushing On Podcasting And More