How to Podcast With a USB Microphone
Podcasting is a popular way for amateurs and professionals to record and distribute a radio-style program. Hosts record a program using a microphone that is connected to a computer. The recorded audio is edited and posted online for users to download and stream. A USB microphone is a good recording option for podcasters, as it produces a high-quality sound and doesn't need as much auxiliary equipment as a condenser microphone does.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Insert the USB microphone into the computer's USB slot. This is commonly on the back of desktops and the side of laptops.
-
2
Go into the system preferences to make sure the microphone is selected as the system's audio input device. On PCs running Windows, click "Start" > "Control Panel." In the control panel window, click the "Hardware and Sound" icon, then "Sound." Click the "Recording" tab in the pop-up window and right-click on the image of the USB microphone you've inserted. Select "Default Device." On Apple computers, click "System Preferences" in the dock, then "Sound." Click the "Input" tab and select the USB microphone.
-
-
3
Launch an audio-editing program. Audacity, a Mac- and PC-compatible program, is a popular freeware choice for creating podcasts.
-
4
Set up the microphone and press "Record." Begin speaking into the mic and look at the screen. The incoming audio will register as visualized sound waves.
-
5
Press "Stop" after making a short test recording and listen back through the audio to assess the audio quality. If it is too loud, or if it is distorted, then move away from the mic when speaking or turn down the input volume; if it is too soft, then move closer to the mic or turn up the input level.
-
6
Press "Record" again and record the entirety of the podcast. Be sure to mention the title and genre of the podcast at the outset.
-
7
Press "Stop" at the end of the podcast and listen through it. Consider adding elements like background music and sound effects. In Audacity, add another track for background music by clicking "File" > "Import," then browsing for the audio you wish to add. When you press "OK," it will appear as a track below your recorded audio. Remember to trim the imported audio and bring down the volume so your vocals are the centerpiece of the podcast.
-
8
Export the podcast when you've finished ("File" > "Export"). Name the file appropriately and choose MP3 as the output format, which is the most common format for podcasts. In order to export the file as an MP3, you'll need to download the LAME plug-in for Audacity (see Resources). Pay attention to the folder you install the files to. When you first use the LAME plug-in, Audacity will ask you to locate the installed files.
-
9
Upload your podcast online to distribute it. Popular online hosting sites are Podbean and Wizzard Media. A more permanent option would be to create your own website.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit mic image by Lia. photographies from Fotolia.com
