PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring", and that's what we'll discuss in this episode of PodCraft. Key Considerations Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) while recording audio to catch any real-time issues. Use headphones or speakers with a flat frequency response. Don't use gear that'll add extra bass that doesn't exist in your source material, for example. Use a headphone splitter to give guests their own headphones whilst recording.  When choosing headphones, consider things like comfort, isolation, sound leakage, as well as cable length and type.  Headphones are great for mixing voice, but switch to speakers to mix in your music if you have that option in your setup.  Gear Mentioned Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Studio Headphones  Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Studio Headphones KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitors M-Audio AV40 Studio Monitors Mackie MR5 mk3 Studio Monitors HosaTech YMM-261 Stereo Splitter

You most likely already carry an expensive recording device around with you everywhere you go. We're talking, of course, about your smartphone. In this episode of PodCraft, we take a look at the different gear and options available for turning your phone or tablet into a fully functioning podcast studio. Gear & Resources Are built-in mics any good? Rode AI Micro Rode SmartLav + and SC6 Splitter Shure MV88 Rode Wireless Go Zoom iQ6 Recording apps for iOS Recording apps for Android Recording podcasts with Facebook Messenger Launch Essentials Course  

Mixers and audio interfaces have much in common with the podcast recorders mentioned on our last episode. One crucial difference is that these are less likely to work as standalone devices, and will need other gear to make them work (typically, mics and a computer).  A mixer or audio interface is an excellent tool if you prefer to use podcast recording software.  Our favourite interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96. On the mixer front, Dev was highly impressed by the Boss Gigcaster 5 and 8 recently, too.  Also Mentioned in This Episode How to set up a Mix-Minus (blast from the past!) Podcast Growth Essentials Course

In this episode, we’ll cover why you might want to use a digital recorder in your podcasting efforts, and how to choose the best one for you.We’ve discussed digital recorders in the past, and in fact, you can find our current definitive guide here: The Best Digital Podcast Recorders on the Market. This episode digs into the very same stuff with a little extra detail. Each option depends on your own unique situation, show format, and budget. But here are some of the models we typically recommend: Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05 - the lower-cost 'lite' models Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 - premium Zoom options  Rodecaster Pro II - the ultimate podcast recorder Zoom PodTrak P4 - does a lot of what the Rodecaster does at quarter of the price Mackie DLZ Creator - the "money is no object" option Also Mentioned Growth Essentials Course

First thing's first, you're going to need something to record into, aren't you?  On this episode we take a deep dive into the world of microphones for podcasting.  The Best Podcasting Microphones Here, you'll learn The difference between XLR and USB mics The difference between Dynamic and Condenser mics What are Polar Patterns, and which one do you need? Can you use built-in mics to podcast? And, what are OUR favourite mics?  Also Mentioned in This Episode Samson Q2U (USB and XLR) Blue Snowball (USB) Blue Yeti (USB) Rode Procaster (XLR) MXL 990 (XLR) Shure SM58 (XLR) Alitu: The Podcast Maker

Welcome to our new and updated season on podcasting gear and technology. We last recorded this one back in 2019, and a lot has changed in that time.  Or has it?  You can easily keep track of every resource, tool, or product mentioned on our Resources page, and on the Podcraft Equipment Season page. 

Affiliate schemes are a great way for podcasters (even completely new ones) to earn some income. On this episode, we dive into what affiliate programmes are, how they work, which ones to choose, and how to get the best from them. Check out our full guide to affiliate programmes for podcasters, the Alitu affiliate scheme, and the IndiePod Community.  

In a world of AI chatbots, it's easy to have your shownotes drafted up in an instant. But how do you create shownotes that are actually good?* That's one of the questions we'll be answering on today's episode, along with considerations around audio ads, variety shows, and email list signups.  Thanks to our listeners who sent in this week's voice questions. Why not submit one yourself?  Listener Podcasts Family Histories Podcast She Needs Grit All About Home Construction Tweet Trends Resources Mentioned The guide to podcast trailers Where to advertise your podcast How to create great podcast show notes The IndiePod Community Rephonic's 3D audience graph SparkToro *Alright, so these shownotes aren't exactly mindblowing. But they do the trick, do they not? ;-)

We love getting voice questions from our listeners and members of the IndiePod Community. On this episode, we've four more to answer, courtesy of:  Matt Hepburn - Interview Bookers James C Taylor - My Amazing Woman Flloyd Kennedy - Am I Old Yet? Michell Harris - The Conversing Nurse Podcast

In our last episode, we talked through some of our podcast shortcomings. This time around, we dig into two voice clips where listeners Marty and John highlight some areas they'd like to improve. John's podcast is called Build a Presentation Muscle, whilst Marty's is Nepal Now.  Please send us your own voice clip and tell us what "podcasty stuff" YOU'RE not very good at. We might even be able to help!  And, for Matthew's charity appeal, here's a link to the JustGiving page.