Podvox : Practical Voice Recording Tips & Online Help for Podcasters
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Podvox for Podcasting Tips and Tools
A podcasting resource hub sharing tips and techniques for creating good quality podcasts. Topics are approached in easy to read bite-sized chunks, suitable for people of all experience levels, from basic home recording to advanced podcasting situations.
You'll find frequent news updates, fresh podcasts, and links to online tutorials, legal resources, podcasting products and informative videos.
There's also a section on mic positioning and voice recording in a controlled environment, with practical advice and simple solutions for problems commonly experienced during the recording process.
You'll find frequent news updates, fresh podcasts, and links to online tutorials, legal resources, podcasting products and informative videos.
There's also a section on mic positioning and voice recording in a controlled environment, with practical advice and simple solutions for problems commonly experienced during the recording process.
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Fetching RSS feed... please stand byVoice Recording Tips
Podvox Primer
This is a short primer on preparing to record a solo voice for a podcast. The simple five step guide provides non-technical information for complete beginners and shows how to avoid common problems when recording vocals.1: Getting Set
2: Microphone Positioning
3: Microphone Distance
4: Eliminating Noise
5: Speech Synthesis & Text-to-Speech Solutions.
These are general guidlines that apply to a range of recording situations and microphones. Step 5 suggests an alternative voice option using speech synthesis software.
1: Getting Set - Initial Preparations
Firstly, there is no single correct way to record vocals and the following advice is meant to foster an awareness of things that may otherwise go unnoticed. These are not fixed rules that you must adhere to at all cost. Good comfortable posture and flexibility in your working environment are most important.The recording process involves many variables and if you manage to reproduce a good sound then fine. However, a little common sense and experimentation can pay dividends later, often saving valuable editing time or even having to retake performances. Here are some things to bear in mind when preparing to make the podcast recording.
Being able to recall your setup is an advantage especially when looking for continuity between podcast episodes. Even if you save all of your computer and digital audio settings it will all sound different if you cannot remember the key physical positioning of yourself in relation to the microphone and room.
The sound starts at the source, that's you, the mic and the room. Once you have the optimum positions for the vocal sound make a note of it and add it to your repertoire of production techniques. No amount of adjusting later will correct a poor source signal. Next we'll take a look at some practical things you can do to improve the recording process.
2: Microphone Positioning
Try placing the mic in front, just above and parallel to your mouth. The throat tends to open with the head tilted slightly back and if the mic is too low you'll choke your own voice. If this feels unnatural just make adjustments for a more comfortable position, the main thing is to be aware of any restrictions your posture may cause to your vocal sound.You may need to read from a script which should be positioned in such a way that you don't turn your head away from the direction of the mic to read it. Doing so will cause a drop in level and a drastic change in tone quality. Avoid turning pages close to the mic as the noise may be loud and difficult to eliminate later.
Once you find the best position for overall sound quality keep your position fixed.
Don't handle the mic as this can cause problems like low frequency rumbling. You should mount the mic on a stable microphone stand instead. If the mic's going to be table mounted you can place it on top of a good quality mouse mat to help decouple the stand from vibrations travelling through the table. Ensure the mic and stand are isolated from common noise sources such as tapping feet or other moving objects nearby.
Try to point the mic away from problem sound sources such as doors, windows, air conditioning, speakers, computer noise etc. If necessary use a baffle to prevent unwanted sound travelling to the mic. You can use everyday objects like bedding, pillows, curtains, carpeting, soft furnishings or board. Remember these materials may also modify the direct/ambient sound entering the mic from the room. It's usually more practical to go for a "dry" sound rather than a "roomy/boxy/ringy" sound. A dry sound is easier to control and will give the voice more presence in the podcast, ambience can always be added later electronically.
The Porta-Booth shown below is a good off-the-shelf solution for mic sound isolation. The Auralex traps and wedges shown further down this lens are also great for DIY acoustic treatments. Auralex have a wide range of flexible sound control products available.
The further you are from the mic the more room and background sound will be heard and the more gain will be necessary on the mic input. This can introduce other forms of unwanted noise like distortion and ambient background hiss which can muddy the sound. It's a good idea to spend some time experimenting with various combinations to hear the effect produced. This usually means doing some trial recordings first. You need to find a happy compromise having taken all things into consideration
Porta-Booth - Portable Sound Studio
Mic isolation kit
Porta-Booth - Portable Sound Studio
Amazon Price: $129.00 (as of 07/13/2009)
This is the acclaimed Harlan Hogan Porta-Booth, praised by voice talents, musicians, movie soundmen and audio engineers alike.
3: Microphone Distance
Avoid getting too close to the microphone. This will only introduce a bass tilt known as the "Proximity Effect". This effect is a continual build-up around the 200Hz range which detracts from the clarity of the recording. Unless you're deliberately going for this effect you'll find it more practical and safer to maintain a distance of 6 to 8 inches or more. The quality and type of microphone will also determine how close you need to be.Microphones are more sensitive at close range which means even a slight increase in the volume of your voice can become greatly magnified. This can cause many unwanted distortions such as "popping", mouth clicking, breath noise and sibilance (heavy consonants). To feel the effect of this just hold your hand in front of your mouth and vary the distance as you push out some explosive Ps and other sounds.
Putting some distance between you and the microphone allows for small movements of the head off axis which are otherwise very noticeable at close range. The goal is to achieve an even level and balanced tone. Be conscious of your vocal level, too soft will leave a large margin for volume fluctuations whereas a moderate volume is easier to sustain and reproduce at a later time.
The need for a consistent level and tone becomes even more apparent when speech is combined with music. When talking over background sound like music just a slight drop in your vocal level will make it hard to hear what's being said because the voice has become fainter while the music level remains constant. That's why it's common to drop the music volume to a background level during the voice-over.
4: Eliminating Noise
One of the most consistent problems associated with being too close to the mike is "popping". This is the name given to explosive bangs that occur when air enters the microphone. You can eliminate it by using a combination of the following:1) Increase the distance between you and the microphone.
2) Angle the microphone so that you are talking across rather than directly into it.
3) Create a pop-shield by forming a wire coat hanger into a circle and stretching a layer of nylon stocking or tights across it. This can be placed between you and the mic to filter the wind. (See How-To below)
4) Carefully tape a pen or pencil to the front of the microphone to block the wind.
Many podcasters like to get close to the mic for a bigger sound with more presence. In practice the reverse can happen for the following reasons:
1) Magnified unwanted noises like sibilance and popping will make it impossible to add EQ and other types of signal processing later. Some sounds will become too harsh when adding treble and pops will become thumps when boosting bass. Adding special effects like reverb or delays will further compound the problems. This can sound much worse when listening to the podcast on headphones.
When using headphones to record there is a risk of feedback if the mic is close to an open earpiece. A clean sound at the source can always be made warmer or given presence later far easier and without recourse to corrective processing.
2) If the annoying sounds happen frequently the user will modify the sound accordingly at their end. This can involve anything from changing the tone settings, turning the volume down or even switching it off.
Always check your connections and optimise your record levels with a trial run first. Ensure the levels are not clipping on the loudest parts of your vocal performance. Check that the softer parts are not reading too low as you may run into signal to noise problems with poorer quality equipment. Even up your spoken dynamic range where possible to make the recording safer. When making a recording check for the possibility of interruptions first such as people entering the room or ringing telephones.
5: Speech Synthesis & Text-to-Speech Solutions.
In extreme cases it may be impossible to record vocals. If you must have some form of speech in the podcast you can always generate it artificially. Speech synthesis software has become much more sophisticated recently although it still sounds mechanical. However there are some advantages to this technique that in certain circumstances may be preferable. For one, the recording process is greatly simplified, requiring no microphone or audio recorder. The user simply types in the required text and generates a digital audio file that can be imported into audio editing software. It's possible to assign a variety of male or female personas for the speech generation and even to translate the text into other languages.Having multiple vocal characteristics allows for the creation of completely different productions, even if it is for demonstration purposes only. Podcasts may be used as transcriptions or multiple language education tools.
Perhaps an easily manageable form of text to audio recording will lead to a form of linguistic hyperaudio where anchors in clips and podcasts can be linked between web pages. Effectively, sections of audio could be pulled down and appended to other sections to create new audio/video documents and translations. At which point I'll leave you to imagine the possibilities.
See the module on Speech Synthesis below for a selection of free tools.
Speech Synthesis and TTS Tools
- Text-to-Speech Tools & Resources
- A linked guide to free TTS solutions for Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac and various podcasting applications.
- Wikipedia Speech Synthesis
- Provides general knowledge and links for the artificial production of human speech.
Podcasting Guides
Practical Podcasting Help
The modules below provide links to real world podcasting solutions and tools. The resources cover all aspects of podcasting including microphones, software, podcast hosting, acoustic treatments, media distribution, marketing, legal issues, podsafe content, news and recently published podcasts. Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home and On the Road
Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home and On the Road
Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 07/13/2009)
Shows both aspiring and established voiceover actors how to set up and effectively use their own inexpensive -- but professional-sounding -- personal recording studio to make professional-quality home recordings quickly and easily. Everything is covered to help you get auditions and jobs, from setting up your studio with the right hardware and software, recording at home, and production basics, to promotion, podcasting, and advanced production.
Podcasting Books
Free eBooks and Amazon bestsellers
What Makes a Successful Podcast Show?
Tips and help on how to avoid the pitfalls and create effective podcasting solutions.
- Podfader.com
- A forum dedicated to podcasts that fade away. Why did they stop? Will they return? Designed to inspire other podcasters to keep going or help provide proper closure where necessary.
- Uncommon Uses: Podcasting
- Looks at various ways podcasting can be used or made effective and provides examples of succesful podcasts.
Podcasting Tips & Tutorials
Guidelines and good practices
A collection of articles to get you started and help you improve the quality of your podcast productions.
- 13 More Tips to Help You Record Narration Like the Pros - The Rapid eLearning Blog
- Guidelines for what you can do to get the best narration, in terms of sound and fluidity.
- About - Podcasting
- A guide to podcasting from John C. Havens. Featuring news, links, how-tos and tutorials.
- All the World's a Podcast
- Michael Calore shows you how to make your own podcast in this step-by-step article for Webmonkey.com.
- Audacity Tutorials
- Covers the Basics, Editing for Beginners, Common Editing Tasks, Effects for Beginners. Includes a section on Editing Vocal Tracks.
- Five Steps to Free Podcasting
- Outlines how to use popular tools and services to get a podcast up and running for free. Provides some useful links along the way.
- Freevlog
- How to set up a videoblog for free, vlogging tips and tools.
- How to Podcast
- A step-by-step guide that explains how to plan, create and deliver low cost podcasts. Includes examples of podcasting tools and services, using Audacity audio software.
- Introduction to Podcasting & VBlogging in Education
- A clear wiki guide about podcasting with good links, available under Creative Commons licence.
- Learn to Podcast
- Barry Martin shares his first steps on the road to becoming a podcaster. "In less than 10 days I researched podcasting and taught myself all of the basic skills I needed to record, publish and promote a podcast that would lead to loads of publicity and a whole new market for my business."
- Make Your Own Microphone Pop-Filter
- Instructions, pictures and links for DIY wind shield designs.
- Ourmedia Learning Center
- A central educational resource where people can share knowledge and learn about user-created media. Help and support is available in the form of articles, how-tos, technical guides and working media examples. Covers working with audio, video and other new media forms including a selection of podcasting tutorials and resources.
- Ten Tips for Improving Your Podcasts
- Advice that covers microphones, show preparation, reducing noise, formats and content.
Publishing Podcasts
About Creative Commons
Using an open licence
A lecture I gave about Creative Commons whilst at Channel4 TV. The audio was then remixed with animations from Ben Cormack. Note how C4 added a copyright notice at the very end. Sigh. The video is licenced by myself and Ben under CC-BY-SA. Feel free to rework it.. 'Original' version is available here: http://www.channel4.com/music/myband/bensbedroomband
Runtime: 3:23
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Podcasting Legal Guides & Podsafe Media
Information covering the various legal codes and issues surrounding podcasting including podsafe audio and video. 'Podsafe' means audio and music that can be used legally in podcast productions and freely distributed online for downloading.
- Open Media Directory
- A clearinghouse for legal, podsafe music and video sources, including Public Domain works, Creative Commons licensed material, Copyleft works and other forms of licensed content. An Ourmedia.org project, this is a good starting point for exploring the wealth of open content sources and grassroots media currently online. The list may be republished under the terms of the CC license.
- Podcasting Law
- A Zimbio group portal focusing on copyright, trademark, publicity, media, defamation, and legal subjects relating to podcasting. Group members contribute materials and links under a Creative Commons license.
- Podsafe Content Lens for Legal Audio & Video
- A guide to freely available audio and video content licensed specifically for use in podcast productions. Learn about the advantages of podsafe content, where to find it and how you can use it. Includes information about Public Domain, Creative Commons and Copyleft works with further links to legal resources and free culture materials.
- Podsafe Music Resources
- A comprehensive overview and list of music sources providing free, non-DRM, legal mp3 audio files that are safe to download and distribute. Related tools and services are also covered including information about ID3 and social network tagging. The list is now updated and maintained at the Open Media Directory under a Creative Commons license which allows republishing (see above).
- Podcasting Legal Guide (US)
- A creative Commons initiative and document outlining some of the legal issues specific to podcasting with links to podcasting resources.
Podcast Hosting & Publishing Tools
- BlogTalkRadio
- BlogTalkRadio is a platform that extends the blog, allowing any individual to host a live blogshow online. The service is free to all users, whether you host a blogshow or listen in. Plus hosts earn half of all revenue generated by their blogshow and Host Channel page. BlogTalkRadio will record all shows and archive them for you in MP3 and Podcast formats.
- CcPublisher
- CcPublisher is a tool that does two things: it will help you tag your audio and video files with information about your license and it allows you to upload Creative Commons-licensed audio and video works to the Internet Archive for free hosting. You also have the option of publishing the licensed and tagged audio works on your own site.
- List of Podcasting Software
- Annotated links to podcast publishing software for all computer platforms and web-based applications.
- Podcast Hosting Comparison Chart
- This chart helps you compare features and prices from many podcast hosting companies.
- Podcast Hosting Services
- A guide to online podcast hosting services and podcast management systems.
- Podcasting Site Roundup
- An interesting look at the traffic trends of around 30 podcasting sites.
Feed Management & Distribution
- 10 Ways to Promote your Video RSS Feed
- Tips on where to submit your Video RSS Feed, Video Podcast, or Video Blog.
- Autopinger Podcast
- A free service to help you ping your podcasts to most available podcast search engines and aggregators remotely and automatically.
- Where to Submit Your Podcasts: Best Podcast Search Engines & Directories
- An annoted list of podcast services and directories that you can submit your podcast to.
RSS Feeds and Web Widgets
Lenses focusing on content distribution.
These lenses explain how to use RSS feeds and web widgets.-
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Feed Pitstop - RSS Tools & Services for Web Feed Management
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A one-stop lens for Web feed discovery, management and promotion. Tune-in to the latest web buzz, generate customized content channels, distribute your own media using the right RSS tools and services. A comprehensive RSS hub for daily news and tool...
Podcasting Hardware
Choosing Microphones
- What Microphone Do I Get?
- Finding the right microphone for radio applications is a specialized topic. In this article for Transom, Jeff Towne narrows it down in a concise overview of the types of microphones most suitable and widely used in radio productions.
- Wikipedia: Microphone
- Shared knowledge about microphones and links to important resources.
- Video: Choosing a Microphone for Podcasting
- A short video from Pennsylvania State University describing different mics and how they are used.
Mics & Accessories on Amazon
Recommended equipment for podcasters. You can share this list on your own site by grabbing the widget code below.
1
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
Pocketable Mic/recorder on Secure Digital (SD) med more...1 point
3
SE Electronics USB2200A Cardioid Condenser USB/XLR Mic
Records CD quality audio, low latency headphone mo more...0 points
Media Tools & Gadgets
Recommended media devices focusing on portability, entertainment and indie projects.
1
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
Pocketable Mic/recorder on Secure Digital (SD) med more...1 point
2
Creative Zen Mozaic 4 GB MP3 Player (Black)
Media player with Voice Recorder, 8 EQ settings, F more...1 point
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AKG Acoustics K26P Foldable Stereo Headphones
Foldable, closed-back phones with high ambient-noi more...1 point
4
Behringer UB802 Eurorack UB802 Mixer (8 Inputs)
Features 2 MIC preamps, 6 balanced line inputs, 1 more...1 point
5
M-Audio BX8a 8" BiAmplified Studio Monitor Speakers
Offers 8-inch low-frequency drivers and 1-inch hig more...1 point
created by DavidHolmes
Portable Recording Devices
- Minidisc.org
- The MiniDisc community portal provides detailed information and support for all things MiniDisc related.
USB Memory Sticks & Hard Drives
Large capacity USB drives are ideal for storing portable backups of your media files etc.
Edge EDGDM-214944-PE DiskGO 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Free shipping from Amazon0 points
Corsair CMFUSB2.0 32GB Flash Voyager - 32GB USB Drive
Cheaper than the Edge0 points
32GB Flash Survivor Flash Drive USB 2.0 Highspeed Ultra Plug & Play
CORSAIR MF USB 32G FLASH SURVIVOR CMFUSBSRVR-32GB0 points
Western Digital 160GB 2.5-inch Passport USB Portable Hard Drive
Bonus: Not a usb drive, but 5 times the storage fo more...0 points
created by sethgodin
SanDisk Memory Cards on Amazon
Portable backup for your media files at great prices.
DIY Acoustic Treatments & Soundproofing
These links provide articles and resources for all types of sound control situations and environments.
- Acoustic Room Treatment Articles
- A collection of links to articles on room acoustics.
- The Poject Studio Handbook
- A directory of links for Studio Design and Acoustics Theory.
Auralex Acoustical Treatments
Auralex acoustic tiles and bass traps are a flexible, cost-effective solution to improving sound control in your podcasting environment. They are suitable for both indoor use and mobile podcasting. The lightweight modular systems come in a range of sizes and colors to suit your interior design needs.
For a wide range of acoustic treatments see Dave's Imaginary Sound Store
For a wide range of acoustic treatments see Dave's Imaginary Sound Store
Podcasting Resources & Wikis
This collection of resources will help you find important information about podcasting. Wikis are collaborative knowledge-bases where people can share and build community resources.
- CastWiki
- A wiki for people to share what they know about podcasting.
- Podcasting Graphics
- A collection of small button style graphics free to use under a ctreative commons license.
- PodcatcherMatrix
- Compare, choose and discuss the various Podcatchers and their features. Podcast users can choose the right tool fitting their requirements. Podcast providers can optimize their content for the most popular Podcatchers. Podcast developers can check out feature trends and user needs.
- PODHANDLE - Podcasting Professionals News Radar
- A searchable list of blogs from top podcasting consultants and from sources about professional podcasting. The browsable reading list is distributed in a Grazr widget that can be embedded in webpages.
- Podhive
- A wiki for sharing information about podcasting.
- Voxmedia Wiki
- Shared information for independent media producers. Provides support for bloggers, audio and video webcasters.
- Wikipedia ID3 Tags
- ID3 is a metadata container most often used in conjunction with the MP3 audio file format. It allows information such as the title, artist, album, track number, or other information about the file to be stored in the file itself.
- Wikipedia Podcasting
- Collaborative encyclopedia page providing an overview of podcasting and related links.
- Wikibooks Podcasting
- An open-content textbook providing an introduction and explanation of podcasting including external links..
Recommended Blogs
- Jason Van Orden
- Practical podcasting tips and help with marketing.
- PodcastRigs.com
- Profiles audio equipment and podcasting related technologies. Caters for amateur and pro level podcasters.
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Twittersweet Music - Tracking the Social Music Buzz on Twitter.com
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Podsafe Content - A Guide to Free & Legal Media for Podcasters
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The Viral Video Directory - Tracking the Most Recent and Most Popular Online Videos
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Freesounds : Digital Audio Tools, Sound Sample Collections, Open Music Resources
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Your comments
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Lensmaster
happyhour
Thank you for the helpful post. It is very interesting and very informative.
Posted March 21, 2008
Caseyfern wrote...
A rich and indepth resource, worthy of major attention. Thank you and 5F to ya (and welcome to the I Make A Difference Group - wear your badge proudly!)
Posted August 09, 2007
Comfortdoc wrote...
Thanks for a lot of great information. I just finished up an online course on Podcasting. This additional information will be a great reference.
Posted August 06, 2007
CJPate wrote...
I am just getting into podcasting - a little late I know - so this is great information for me. Thanks!
Posted April 19, 2007
by DavidHolmes
David is a former sound engineer who currently blogs at Dave's Imaginary Sound Space. He is editor of the Open Media Directory at Ourmedia.org&nb...
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