Jey's Podcasting Journal

Super short episode today about making your show for just one person. 

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Samson Q2U 

Recording device/app: Windows 10 Laptop & Soundtrap (free tier)

Recording format: 320kbps, CBR, stero, mp3 file 

Mixing and Editing app: Soundtrap

Master Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Music: Loop created in Soundtrap

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

Soundtrap ( https://www.soundtrap.com/ ) is a cloud-based Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that I think will take over the world! Well, at least if you are looking for a free DAW. Listen to find out why.

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Samson Q2U for the narration. For the interview, I used a Microsoft Lifechat LX6000 headset. Rohan used a Sennheiser PC8 headset.

Recording device/app: Sountrap (free tier)

Recording location: I was in my dining room while Rohan was upstairs in his room.

Recording format: WAV exporting to 320kbps, CBR, stero, mp3 file (I have no control over this export setting).

Mixing and Editing app: Soundtrap

Master Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

Audacity is the first tool I learned when I started my podcast journey. I still use it today even though I pay for other DAWs. Listen to find out why. 

Other free Digital Audio Workstations to consider:

1. Ardour ( https://ardour.org/ ) : Cross platform. 

2. LMMS ( https://lmms.io/ ) : Cross platform

3. Garage Band ( https://www.apple.com/uk/mac/garageband/ ) : Mac only

4. Pro Tools First ( https://www.avid.com/pro-tools ) : Mac only. 

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Samson Q2U

Recording device : Audacity on a Dell G7 Windows 10 Laptop

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort (I had a police helicopter flying around - I think I got rid of it but, who knows, it's late and I'm shattered) 

Recording format: WAV (24 bit)

Editing app (and EQ) : Audacity

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

A digital audio workstation is at the end of our signal chain but at the heart of our production process. Let's explore the elements of what makes a DAW. And why starting with a free DAW is a good idea. 

I also explain the difference between mixing and mastering and what bounce means!

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier mic (I didn't secure this properly hence the scratching sounds. Arrrrrgh!!!!!! Sorry. )

Recording device : Zoom F2 32 bit float Field Recorder

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort.

Recording format: WAV (32 bit float mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Adobe Audition

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

I'm going to use episode #733 of This American Life: Warriors in the Garden published on 5 March 2021 to explore what makes a great episode that uses an episodic structure. Namely

1. A good overarching question

2. Focus on people. 

3. Bring out the journey of change. 

Episode link: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/733/warriors-in-the-garden

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier mic (I didn't secure this properly hence the scratching sounds. Arrrrrgh!!!!!! Sorry. )

Recording device : Zoom F2 32 bit float Field Recorder

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort.

Recording format: WAV (32 bit float mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Adobe Audition

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

And episodic structure is one where incidents or facts are delivered one after another without any additional narrative structure. They are a series of events rather than a story with three act structure. It's hard to make episodic structures compelling. Join me to share my thoughts on ways to solve this problem and make sure your audience enjoys your show. 

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier mic

Recording device : Zoom F2 32 bit float Field Recorder

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort.

Recording format: WAV (32 bit float mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Adobe Audition

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

If you don't feel silly doing vocal exercises then you're not doing it right!!

Let's explore more exercises to help strengthen our breathe. And move the power of our voice from the back of our throat to the front of our mouth. And don't even talk about Vocal Fry. Check out the link below for details of the exercises from NPR. 

NPR Training: Aerobics for your voice: 3 tips for sounding better on air ( https://training.npr.org/2017/06/19/aerobics-for-your-voice-3-tips-for-sounding-better-on-air/ )

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier mic

Recording device : Zoom F2 32 bit float Field Recorder

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort.

Recording format: WAV (32 bit float mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Adobe Audition

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

I want to improve my presentation skills, starting with my voice. I'm going to start with the exercises in the links below. Let's hear I sound after a week. 

I hope you join me, but please start gently and do not strain yourself. 

1. NPR: Finding Your Voice ( https://www.npr.org/transcripts/803841798 )

2. Cheryl Porter: 10 Minute Daily VOCAL WORKOUT! Vocal Exercise ( https://youtu.be/1XHXezdnL0A )

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier mic

Recording device : Zoom F2 32 bit float Field Recorder

Recording location: Dining table, seated, no pillow-fort. 

Recording format: WAV (32 bit float mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Adobe Audition

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

What is Line Level and how is it different from Microphone Level and Instrument level? 

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Microsoft LX6000 Life Chat USB Headset

Recording device : Dell G7 Windows 10 Laptop with Audacity.

Recording location: Bed, no pillowfort

Recording format: WAV (24 bit mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Audacity

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file

I'm exploring the difference between these connections to help you understand why these connections are not always interchangable. 

PRODUCTION NOTES

Recording Mic: Samson Q2U (USB connection) and pop filter. 

Recording device : Dell G7 Windows 10 Laptop with Audacity. 

Recording location: Dining table. No pillowfort

Recording format: WAV (24 bit stereo - mixed down to mono)

Editing app (and EQ) : Audacity

Sound Treatment: Auphonic Productions at Auphonic.com

Auphonic.com settings [to output as a 16bit mono WAV file]: Adaptive Leveler (on), Loudness Normalization (Loudness Target -19 LUFS ), Filtering (on), Noise and Hum Reduction (Reduction Amount: Auto), Sample rate: 44.1kHz

I uploaded the resulting WAV file to Anchor.fm to host the file and added the music from their free music stock.

Episode art: Canva

Anchor automatically converts the WAV file into a 128kbps, stereo, .m4a file