🎙️ Microphone Tips for Your Best Podcast Sound – PCI 454

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, great audio is the foundation of a great podcast. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical tips for getting professional-sounding results—covering mic choice, positioning, background noise reduction, recording formats, and techniques to boost your on-mic confidence. Follow these steps and you’ll sound clearer, warmer, and more engaging to your listeners.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

🎧 Mic Tips for Your Best Podcast Sound

1. Use the Right Mic (and Know How to Use It)
   • A dynamic mic (like the Shure SM7B or Samson Q2U) is great for voice and podcasting.
   • Speak into the correct side—usually the front, not the top.
2. Mic Positioning Matters
   1. Stay about 2–3 inches from the mic.
   2. Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosives (hard P and B sounds).
   3. Slightly angle the mic off-center from your mouth to avoid breath noise.
      
3. Reduce Background Noise
   • Record in a quiet, carpeted room with soft furnishings.
   • Turn off fans, HVAC, and silence notifications.
   • Consider a noise gate or suppression plugin if needed.
4. Let Blubrry Master Your Audio Automatically
   • Hosting customers can use Media Mastering by Auphonic, an add-on that automatically enhances your audio file during upload.
     
   • It balances loudness, reduces background noise, and smoothes out small mic imperfections — giving your episode a polished, professional sound without extra effort.
5. Watch Your Levels
   • Aim for -12dB to -6dB when recording. Avoid peaking (clipping).
   • Use headphones to monitor while recording—this helps catch issues early.
     
6. Record in WAV, Not MP3
   • Always record in uncompressed formats (like WAV) for highest quality, then convert to MP3 for publishing.
     

🎤 Confidence Tips for Sounding Natural and Engaging

1. Practice Before Recording
   • Do a short “warm-up” session. Talk out loud about your topic for a few minutes off-mic.
     
   • Practice your intro and key points—don’t wing it unless you’re a seasoned pro.
     
2. Use Bullet Points, Not Scripts
   • Reading can sound stiff. Instead, work from an outline so you sound natural and conversational.

3. Smile When You Speak
   • It changes your tone and helps you sound more warm and confident.
     
4. Pause with Purpose
   • Silence is powerful. Don’t rush. Short pauses give listeners time to absorb and give you time to breathe.

5. Imagine Talking to One Person
   • Picture your ideal listener. This keeps your delivery personal and focused—not like you’re broadcasting to a crowd.

6. Listen Back & Improve
   
   • Review your episodes occasionally. Note areas where you sound strongest—and where you can grow.

7. Fake It ‘Til You Sound It
   

1. • Confidence grows with repetition. Even if you’re nervous, keep showing up. You’ll find your voice over time.

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Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

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