PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting

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 be discussing on this episode of PodCraft.

Key Considerations

• Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) whilst recording audio to pick up on any issues in Real Time.
• Use headphones or speakers with a flat frequency response. Don't use gear that'll add extra base 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

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

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 Mentioned

• Rode SmartLav + and SC6 Splitter - lavalier mic option
• Samson Go Mic Mobile - wireless option, lavalier or handheld
• Zoom iQ5 - attachment capsule 
• Shure MOTIV MV88 - attachment capsule
• Shure MV5 - desktop mic which also works with computer via USB 

You can also record on-the-go with digital recorders, portable interfaces, laptops, and even mixers. We've already covered this in previous episodes of PodCraft, so check out the links there for more info on that.  

Also Mentioned

• Our Best Podcast Making Apps Roundup
• Backpack Studio (formerly BossJock)
• Alitu - Our Podcast Maker App

Work With Us

No matter what kind of recording setup you think you'll need, or whatever kind of podcast you'd like to do, you can get all the help, support, and advice you need inside the The Podcast Host Academy. In there, we run regular live Q&A sessions, have courses on everything from equipment and editing to promotion and monetisation, and a load of downloadable resources, checklists, and tools designed to help you achieve your podcasting goals. It'd be great to see you in there!  

On this episode of PodCraft we're talking Mixers - when and if you might want one. It's not cut and dry by any means! Let's look at the arguments.

And you can also check out our Best Podcast Mixers roundup if you're already won over to the idea of getting one. We'll be mentioning some of our favourite models in this episode too. 

When Might You Think About Getting a Mixer?

Here are the reasons you might want to go ahead and starting looking at mixers:

• You want more audio inputs - eg. more microphones, along with Music, Skype, etc
• You want more control over those inputs, such as levels, EQ, compression, etc
• You want to start using pro level equipment, such as XLR condenser microphones that need phantom power
• You want to increase reliability and quality
• You want to cut the computer out of the equation
• You want to live produce, creating your show like a radio show, cutting down on editing.

Why Might you NOT Want a Mixer?

There are plenty of reasons NOT to get a mixer, such as:

• You simply don't need one. Most podcasters don't. 
• Cost - mixers, decent ones that is, are expensive
• Complexity - mixers can look intimidating to beginners, and sometimes having too much customisation options just leads to paralysis. 

Which Mixer Should I Go For?

As always with podcasting, it depends on a few different factors. Here are 3 solid options though. 

• The Yamaha MG10
• Samson MXP124FX
• The Mackie Pro FX8
• The Rode Rodecaster Pro

 Mentioned in This Episode

• How to set up a Mix-Minus
• The Podcast Host Academy
• Alitu - The Podcast Maker App

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  current definitive guide here: The Best Digital Podcast Recorders on the Market. This episode discusses the very same stuff with a little extra detail.

We'll cover: 

Why Might you Need a Digital Recorder for Podcasting?

• Mobile recording – capture an interview any time, any place
• Risk mitigation – avoid recording to a computer and the crash risk that poses
• Backup – Record to Digitial Recorder PLUS PC for the best of both worlds

What Digital Recorder Should I Buy?

Each option depends on your own unique situation, show format, and budget. 

• Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05 - the lower cost 'lite' models
• Zoom H4 - mid-range option
• Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 - premium options 

Also Mentioned

• Alitu: The Podcast Maker App automates your podcast production
• The Podcast Host Academy - work with us to plan, launch, and grow your podcast  

In this episode, we’re talking microphones. 

We cover the best microphones for podcasting, and how to choose the right one for you. 

You can also read our popular article on the subject:

The Best Podcasting Microphones

For series 11, we’re looking at your next steps in terms of equipment. In this series we’ll be going through all of the kit you can use for podcasting, from one end of the audio chain to the other – microphone to editor. For each type I’ll be covering Entry level and pro level, and talk about the lifecycle, ie. what you should start with and how/when you can upgrade.

Equipment is where a lot of us totally geek out, spending far too much money on shiny new bits, and I’ve been more than guilty of this in the past. I’m hoping that this series can help you choose and sensible starting point, and guide you through the upgrade process over the coming years.

Gear Mentioned in This Episode

• Samson Q2U (USB and XLR)
• Shure MV5 (USB)
• Blue Snowball (USB)
• Blue Yeti (USB)
• Rode Procaster (XLR)
• MXL 990 (XLR)
• Shure SM58 (XLR)
• Rode Smartlav + (Lav mic for smartphone)
• ATR3350 (Lav mic for digital recorder)

Resources Mentioned

• The Ultimate Podcast Equipment Guide
• Best Podcast Making Apps

Upgrade Your Equipment In Line With Your Skills

I genuinely think that you should only upgrade your kit in line with your presenting and production skills. In the beginning you don’t need a £300 microphone, you need to practice talking to your audience.

Then you need to practice your editing and audio production. Then you need to practice your storytelling and writing. THEN, you’re ready for really good quality kit.

Don't Upgrade Everything At Once

In a similar vein, don’t do it all at once. The most basic reason for that is that you’ll spoil the fun of buying new shiny bits by blowing it all at once! The more practical reason is that you really want to make sure you’re using every bit of kit you own in the best way possible.

For example, start with the microphone. Learn how to speak into it properly, cutting sibilants and plosives, and maintaining a good distance. Then, learn it’s other quirks, such as background sensitivity and recording pattern.

Once you know you’re using the mic in the best way possible, THEN you can buy yourself the next bit of kit. If you do it the other way around then you’ll end up confusing bad results with one piece of kit with bad use of another. You need to know the first element is working perfectly before you can hone your skills with the next.

Automate Your Podcast Production

Are you a complete beginner with n

As another year draws to a close, we sit down to chat through the last 12 months at The Podcast Host Towers. What went well? What didn't? And what do we have planned for the future?

In terms of big milestones this year, we had the long-awaited launch of Alitu - The Podcast Making App, the switch up of The Podcast Host Academy to an annual membership, the launch of our Podcast Launch Service, and we brought down the curtain on this first season of our space-science audio drama documentary podcast Hostile Worlds.

We put out an updated version of season 1 of this very podcast during 2018 too. Now known as season 10, it's all about how to launch your first episode, and focuses on everything you need to do to get it out there.

We've also been keen to take on highly-produced projects as part of our Podcast Production Service. This year we had the pleasure of working on Inside Indie Games, on behalf of the UK Games Fund, and The Converge Challenge Podcast. If you'd like to work with us on a highly-produced podcasting project of your own, then we'd love to hear from you.

Colin talked through some of his highs and lows this year, from his Podcast movement and Inbound trips, as well as designing the Alitu interface, to his "failed" live video attempts, and the headache of trying to recruit new developers.

In 2018 we also attempted to establish the Scottish Podcasters Meetup, but it didn't pick up the momentum we were hoping for, and we eventually gave up on it. There's still hope though, as Colin is talking to someone about potentially taking it over.

On the industry-wide side of things, we tried to refrain from making any predictions (cliched, cynical, or otherwise), but gave a nod to the unsurprising fact that many great audio drama shows are now being developed for television.

Finally, we'd like to wish you all the very best for the holiday period, and for 2019!

Creating a 30 second promo trailer for your show is a great way to grow your audience. A trailer is a little "taster" for potential new listeners, and gives them an idea of the tone, feel, and content of the show. It's easy to consume, and easy to share too. On this episode we're going to listen to and offer feedback on some promo trailers that were created by members of The Podcast Host Academy as part of our monthly ($50 prize) competition. The shows are; The Postcard Academy - https://postcardacademy.co Tog & Thel - http://aducklingknits.com The Curious Parent - https://happyselfjournal.com/podcast High Heels & Heartache - http://highheelsandheartache.com Here, you'll learn more about the ways you can create a promo trailer that really works for you in promoting your show, and pulling in new listeners. Also mentioned; How to Make a Promo Trailer - http://thepodcasthost.com/promotrailer The Podcast Host Academy - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/academy Alitu: The Podcast Maker - https://alitu.com Hostile Worlds - http://hostileworlds.net