Podcast Production: Signal Flow when Recording a Podcast
Just like an assembly line, there are different stages in the recording process. Improving each stage will improve the overall recording and neglecting a stage can result in a bad recording.
What is Signal Flow?
According to The Studio D Audio Glossary:
Signal Flow is the path an audio signal will take from source to the speaker or recording device.
What are the different stages of my Signal Flow?
Check out our Podcasting Equipment Guide for more recommendations.
Audio Source:
A microphone is like an ear. There needs to be some source of sound in order for it to record anything. In podcasts, the main audio source is humans talking. But there are other sounds being recorded as well (Room tone, electrical hum, outside noise, body movement). These are usually unwanted noise and we must account for them.
People should speak slowly and clearly and do multiple takes if possible.
Remember that the microphone is like an ear and will pick up any mouth noises or body movement that we typically don’t hear from normal speaking distance.
Microphone:
This stage is what most people think of when they hear ‘recording’. While important, the most expensive microphone in the world can’t fix a bad audio source and poor positioning. (See ‘How to Set Up a Microphone’ below)
Find a microphone that you are comfortable with and figure out how to get the most out of it.
A good starting price is $100 (Shure SM58), then upgrade around the $300-$500 range when you can.
Studio D recommends the Shure SM7B Microphone.
A good microphone will record an audio source, so that it sounds like you are in the room with that audio source.
A good microphone also records what it is supposed to, while rejecting outside noise (Room noise, fans, other people, etc.).
XLR Cable:
An XLR Cable is what connects the microphone to the next stage (Audio Interface). An XLR cable carries electrical signal while rejecting any outside signals.
A good cable can go a long way in making sure there is no distortion or electrical hum on the recording.
Studio D recommends the LyxPro XLR Cable (20 ft).
Audio Interface:
Converts the electrical signal into a digital signal so a computer can record it.
This is an important stage to upgrade when you can.
The most expensive microphone in the world would not sound great on a bad Audio Interface.
Studio D recommends the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Need Professional Help? Check out our Production Services.