DON'T Hit Record UNTIL You've Heard THIS

Aug 4, 2025

Discover essential equipment for your first podcast setup, like the Samsung Q2U microphone and Zoom PodTrak P4. Learn tips on microphone positioning and the significance of monitoring your audio levels with headphones. Gain insights into managing gain settings to avoid distortion while recording. This practical guide ensures that your recording sounds great and engages your audience effectively. Don't hit record until you're prepared for high-quality results!

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ADVICE

Essential Podcast Equipment

Use a Samsung Q2U microphone and Zoom PodTrak P4 recorder for affordable, quality audio recording.
Don't forget essentials like batteries, an SD card, microphone stand, and headphones for setup.

ADVICE

Microphone Positioning Tips

Position your microphone about 3-5 inches from your mouth for clear audio.
Angle it slightly to the side to reduce plosives like hard P and B sounds.

ADVICE

Use Headphones and Set Gain Right

Always wear headphones while recording to monitor sound quality.
Adjust the microphone gain so audio peaks no more than three-quarters up to avoid distortion.

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Louie shares how to set up your first recording for your podcast. He gives a step by step guide on what you need to do and how to get a great podcast recording, whether that’s a solo episode or you are interviewing.

Want to get into podcasting but need a little push? Join our 3-day Podcasting event in Peterborough! – Get in touch for details! podcast@disruptivemedia.co.uk

Episode Takeaways

• Suggested Equipment You Will Need: Samsung Q2U microphone, a recorder like the Zoom PodTrak P4, Batteries, SD Card, 4GB SanDisk, XLR cable if using multiple microphones, Microphone stand and Headphones. For more detail on equipment head to episode ‘PODCAST EQUIPMENT 101: WHAT YOU NEED & WHY’

• Think about the positioning of your microphone as this is key to the quality of your sound.

• Always wear your headphones at all times, unless you have someone listening to the recording for you.

• The ‘gain’ of the microphone is essentially its sensitivity; the higher the dial, the more sensitive it is. Check that it is at a comfortable level by listening through your headphones.

• It is better to be too quiet than too loud, as if you are too loud, you will distort your recording and it cannot be saved in post-production.

BEST MOMENTS

“You’re going to listen to it, so make sure it sounds good to you”

“Listen to the recording and change dials appropriately to make sure we are coming through clearly”

“We’re trying to avoid peaking or being too loud in the microphone”

“If this is your first time plugging everything in, do expect some changes and tech faults”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

PODCAST EQUIPMENT 101: WHAT YOU NEED & WHY: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/USVL7437414704.mp3?updated=1753924125

Website

Want to get into podcasting but need a little push? Join our 3-day Podcasting event in Peterborough! – Get in touch for details.

ABOUT THE HOST

Louie Rider

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louie-rider1403/

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Email: Podcast@disruptivemedia.co.uk