Planning Your Podcast or Other Audio Project

Creating any kind of multimedia project will always take longer than you expect, but taking time to plan your project out in advance will help the recording and editing steps take less time and be less stressful. This section assumes that you are working on a podcast, but the guide can be used for many types of audio projects. Follow these steps to prepare for your project.

1. Start now

Starting early and planning your project out will make it easier to keep on track and finish it with as little stress as possible. 

Giving yourself mini-deadlines will help you help you understand how to approach each step of your project and keep you on track. This is especially important if you plan on using any Studio equipment to record your podcast. The Studio has equipment that can be reserved in advance, so you can book your equipment up to a month before you need it and know that it will be available.

The Studio also has an audio recording suite that is available by reservation. The Audio Suite includes a Mac workstation, microphones, and headphones, so you don't need to bring in any of your own equipment or check out any Studio equipment to record.

If you aren't able to book the Audio Suite or the reservable equipment, don't worry! The Studio has lots of equipment that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We have microphones that you can plug directly into your computer and record using any audio editing software, as well as stand-alone audio recorders so you don't even need to use a computer to record. We also have specialized interfaces designed just for making podcasts and portable recording cubes so that you can get a great room tone anywhere.

If you are taking an online class or aren't able to come to campus to check out equipment, you can always use your phone or computer to record your podcast.

Whatever type of equipment you end up using, the most important thing is to have a plan. By planning ahead, you can get right to work recording your podcast or other project as soon as you have your equipment: writing a script and practicing will mean less time recording. The Library has an online workshop that can help you plan your project. Even though the workshop is about organizing a group project, the tips and tools will work for a solo project too.

2. Plan your project

If you get to choose the format of your podcast, this is the time to decide what kind of podcast you're making. If your professor has given you some example podcasts, listen to them and decide what you like and don't like about the format. You can also draw inspiration from podcasts that you listen to. Some podcast formats and examples include:

• Interview
  On an interview podcast, the host(s) invite a guest for an interview. They may feel very loose and unscripted, but most of the time the hosts have a set of questions to ask the guests and edit the recording to keep everything on topic.
• Panel or Round Table
  Panel and round table podcasts often feature a host who moderates a discussion between several guests. Like an interview podcast, the host generally begins with a set of questions that are directed to each panelist either individually or as a group. After the panel is recorded, the discussion may be edited to remove irrelevant side conversations.
• Narrative
  Narrative podcasts can be fiction or non-fiction, but are usually very tightly scripted. They tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end, but may also be part of a larger story arc. These kinds of podcasts frequently use background music and sound effects to create a sense of place or target the listener's emotions.
• Performance
  Performance podcasts usually feature live music, speeches, stories, improv comedy, or other types of live performances. The performance itself is usually unedited, but the performances may be edited together either other performances with narrative by a host.

Start by looking at what's out there and finding something that appeals to you. Take notes on what you like about it, and think about the pros and cons of the style. If you're not sure how they accomplished the things you liked, ask someone at the Studio! 

3. Write a Script

Start your script by outlining what you want your podcast to say. It's tempting to try to wing it, but using a script will help you make sure that you include everything you need, you haven't forgotten anything important, and all your facts are accurate. When you don't use a script, it is really easy to forget or misstate a fact. Using a script will also let you write out words phonetically, so you can be sure you're pronouncing words and names correctly. You can also include cues for background music, sound effects, or other editing notes. Using a script means fewer mistakes, which means recording and editing both get done faster.

4. Save Your Work

Saving your work might seem obvious, but this is more about how to save your work. Use these tips to save your work as you go and you can avoid a project meltdown:

• Know how to save while you edit
  Depending on what software you use to edit your podcast, you may need to manually save your work. While there are cloud-based tools you can use for audio editing, we recommend Audacity for beginners. Audacity is a free tool that you can download onto both Windows and Mac computers, but it's important to remember that Audacity does not save while you edit. Make sure to save frequently so that you don't lose any work.
• Keep everything in one place and save a backup
  Keeping everything in one place will help you keep track of all your recordings and found audio files as well as the editable project file. This is essential while you're editing. Save your files and your project to either your computer's hard drive or an external hard drive (you can get one from the Studio for 2 weeks), and keep a backup copy just in case.
• Use a naming convention
  A consistent naming convention will help you keep track of all the pieces of your project. If you use your phone or an audio recorder to record your project, the device will automatically generate a file name that probably won't make any sense to you. If you record using your computer and a program like Audacity, you will be prompted to give your project a name the first time you save it. Saving your files to your external hard drive and renaming your files will make it easier to keep track of all your recordings and keep your assets together.

Recording Your Podcast

When it's time to record your podcast, you will need to pick your tools. Some equipment recommendations are listed below.

Equipment

The Studio has lots of equipment that you can use to record your podcast or other audio projects. We have a variety of portable audio recorders that you can check out for three days at a time. Most Studio equipment is available without a reservation, like our Zoom H1 recorder, but we do offer reservations on some of our equipment (see the link below).

Standalone Audio Recorders

These are portable tools that will save your recordings to the included SD card. They can be great for recording on the go or at home, but may not have any editing functions. In that case, you will need to save the recordings to a computer and edit them in Audacity or another audio editor.

• Rodecaster Pro
  The Rodecaster Pro is a portable, all-in-one audio interface designed specifically for podcasting. It comes with four microphone inputs, and you can also connect your phone and other devices through USB and Bluetooth connections. You can control each of the 8 total inputs individually using its soundboard and record directly to the SD card included in the kit. The kit also comes with one Rode condenser microphone; we have additional first-come, first-served microphones that you can ask about when you check out the kit.
  The Rodecaster Pro can be reserved and is available first-come, first-served.
• Zoom H1 Recorder
  The Zoom H1 recorder is a very portable audio recorder that requires no real setup to use. The H1 is very beginner-friendly and easy to use, with a single button to start and stop recordings, and can record high-quality audio in both MP3 and WAV formats. It also comes with a micro SD card to save your files! The H1 is a great way to record interviews, voiceovers, or podcasts with 1-2 hosts. 
  The Zoom H1 recorder is only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Zoom H6 Recorder (Audio Kit)
  The Zoom H6 recorder is similar to the Zoom H1, but it has 6 inputs instead of 1. The kit comes with three different microphone attachments: an XY microphone and a midside microphone that are both suitable for recording individually or in small groups, and a shotgun microphone that can be used for recording at a distance. There are four additional inputs that can connect to microphones, making the Zoom H6 a strong choice for recording podcasts with multiple hosts or guests.
  The Zoom H6 audio kit can be reserved and is available first-come, first-served.

Microphones

These microphones do not have any built-in recording functions, but you can plug them into a computer or an audio recorder to record your podcast tracks.

• Yeti Microphone
  The Yeti microphone has become an old standby for podcasters because it is so easy to use and delivers quality results. The Yeti plugs into your computer using a USB cable and requires no additional setup. You may need to select the Yeti as your input when you open Audacity or another audio editor, but that's it. Yetis are very flexible, with 4 different capture patterns for recording alone, with one other person, or an entire room.
  The Yeti microphone can be reserved and is available first-come, first-served.
   
• Rode Condenser Microphone
  The Rode Condenser Microphone is a pretty simple microphone that comes with a microphone stand, a shock mount, pop filter, and an XLR cable to connect it to an audio recorder. It can be used with a computer, but requires an audio interface to connect it to the computer (Studio also has audio interfaces available for check out). The Rode Condenser Microphone can also be used with standalone audio recorders like the Rodecaster Pro or the Zoom H6 if you need an additional microphone when recording.
  The Rode Condenser Microphone can be reserved and is available first-come, first-served.

Your Phone

You can also always use your phone to record! Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, your phone likely has a recorder app that you can use to record a podcast. We even have several microphones that work directly with your phone to make your recording even better. If you are recording with your phone, take a moment to check the format of the audio files your phone makes. The built-in voice notes app for iOS saves recordings as .M4A files; Audacity requires a plug-in called "FFmpeg library" to import .M4A files.

Editing Your Podcast

When it's time to edit your podcast, it can be hard to know which editor to use. For this guide, we will focus on using Audacity because it is a free download that works on both Windows and Mac computers. It is a great option whether you want to edit on your computer or on a Studio computer, and is pretty beginner-friendly. However, Studio computers have other audio editors including Adobe Audition and GarageBand, as well as software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live for music production.

If you would like to download Audacity onto your own computer, use the link below. Please note that Audacity is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, but does not support the Chrome OS on Chromebooks. If you have a Chromebook, you can use a Studio computer to record and edit your project.

Create a New Project

To get started on your audio project, install Audacity on your computer. If you are using a computer in the Studio, Audacity is already on all of the computers so there is no need to download anything.

Once Audacity is installed on your computer, open it. A new project file will automatically open. Before you do anything else, take a few moments to get to know the interface. The tools you will need are all in the menu bar at the top of the window.

The Audacity pathfinder below goes into more detail about the toolbar, but the buttons you are most likely to use are:

• Play. The Play button is the second from the left button, and is how you listen to your project while you work on it. When you first open Audacity, the Play button will be grayed out. Once you add an audio track to your project it will turn green.
• Stop. The Stop button is the third from the left button, and is necessary for editing. Audacity treats Stop differently than Pause, so if you want to make any cuts or other types of edits to your tracks, you need to stop the playback first.
• Record. The Record button is the sixth button from the left. You use it to record directly into Audacity.
• Multitool. The Multitool is in the second section of the toolbar and looks like an asterisk. Audacity has different tools you can use to select parts of your project, adjust the volume, and perform other editing tasks. The Multitool combines these tools into one.

Recording and Importing Files

Start working on your podcast by adding recordings to your Audacity project. There are two ways to add audio files to the project: record them directly into Audacity, or record them using another device and import them into Audacity.

Recording Audio

Recording with Audacity is very simple, and you can record a voiceover or podcast as long as you have a microphone attached to your computer. In general, webcams (including the ones built into some computers) have a microphone, but we suggest using a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti for higher-quality audio. Yeti microphones are available in the Studio for three-day checkouts, and only need to be plugged into the computer with the included USB cable.

Whether you are using an external microphone or the microphone built into your computer, check your audio settings before you start recording. Open the Audio Setup menu in the toolbar and select the microphone you plan to use. You can select your microphone from the Recording Device section of the Audio Setup menu.

After checking that you are using the correct microphone, simply click the Record button to start recording. While you're recording, try to keep an eye on your audio levels in the "Record Meter" in the toolbar. You want your levels to mostly be between -12 and 0 on the meter. If they go lower than -12, your recording will be hard to hear, and if they go higher than +6 your audio will be distorted and unpleasant to listen to. On the meter, your levels will display as a bouncing line. As the line goes higher, it changes color from green to yellow to orange to red. Try to avoid the line turning red.

When you have finished recording, click the Stop button to end the recording. 

Importing Audio

If you recorded your voiceover or podcast using a standalone audio recorder like the Zoom H1, make sure you put the files on your computer or on an external hard drive so you can import them into Audacity. You can also import other audio files, like music or sound effects, that can make your podcast more dynamic.

Import files by opening the File menu and selecting Audio from the Import section. Find your recordings or found audio on your computer, then click Open. You can select more than one file at a time, and each file will be added to your project on separate tracks.

Editing on the Timeline

Once you have all your recordings finished and in your project, you can start editing them. This section will go over some basic steps of editing. If you'd like help with more advanced editing techniques, you can schedule a consultation with a member of the Studio team.

Splitting clips

Splitting a clip cuts the file on the selected track into two pieces. You can cut the beginning or end off of your recording, or remove a section in the middle. To cut off the beginning or end of the recording, click on the track where you would like to make your cut. For this step, you can use either the Multitool or the Selection tool. Just make sure that your mouse looks like the cursor in Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

Right-click on the track and select "Split Clip." Now your recording is in two pieces, and you can simply select the part you don't want and use the delete or backspace key on your keyboard to remove it.

To remove part of your recording from the middle, click on the track where you want your cut to begin and drag your mouse to where you want the cut to end, highlighting your selection. Use the delete or backspace key to remove the highlighted portion of the recording while keeping the rest of the file intact. This is most useful for deleting long pauses in the recording or loud sounds like sneezes or coughs. 

Rearranging clips

If you are using multiple audio clips, such as the main track for your podcast and a track of background music, you will probably need to rearrange the files on the tracks. Each recording on each track has a label with the file name on it, and when you hover your mouse over it the cursor turns into a hand. You can click and drag your recordings to the left and right on its track, and even move it to another track.

Changing the volume of a clip

There are a lot of reasons you might want to change the volume of a clip. If the overall recording is too quiet or too loud, you will need to adjust the volume of the whole file so that people can comfortably listen to it. When you're using the multitool, you may notice that all of your recordings have a thick line at the top and bottom of the tracks. Click and drag on this thick line towards the center of the track to make it quieter, or drag it away from the center to make it louder.

If you have music at the beginning or end of your podcast, you can make it sound a little bit nicer by fading the music out as the speaking parts begin. You can use the multitool to create your own fades, but Audacity also has fading effects. Select the clip you want to fade in or out, open the Effects menu, then choose the fade style of your choice from the Fading section. If the music is at the beginning, choose fade out so that it gets quieter as the speaking starts, and if the music is at the end choose fade in. Having the music overlap a bit with your recording will make it all sound seamless.

Saving and Finishing Your Podcast

It is important to remember a couple of things about Audacity and Audacity projects. First, Audacity is not cloud-based and it does not autosave for you. When working on an Audacity project you will need to save it periodically, or you risk losing your work. If you are working on your project in the Studio, we recommend using an external hard drive (available to check out for 14 days) so that you can keep all of your files together.

The second thing to remember is that the project you save is an Audacity project, and it cannot be opened by a media player. When it's time to submit your project, make sure you export your podcast as an audio file like a .mp3 or .wav. If you submit the Audacity project, your professor will not be able to listen to your hard work.

To export your finished podcast, open the File menu and select Export Audio. Depending on the version of Audacity you're using, you may get a window asking where you would like to export. Select "export to computer" if you get this window. In the next window, give your final project a name, select the folder where you want the final podcast, choose your file type, then click Export. When Audacity is finished exporting your project, the file will be in the folder you chose.

Other Helpful Links

Here are some links that you may find helpful while working on your podcast or any other multimodal assignment.