Best Practices in Audio Recording for Podcasts
Producing a high-quality podcast starts with great audio. Even the most compelling content can lose its impact if the sound is poor. Whether you're a seasoned audio producer or just starting, these best practices will help you capture clean, professional audio for your podcast.
Choose the Right Microphone
Your microphone is the foundation of your sound. Dynamic and condenser microphones each have their pros and cons:
Dynamic microphones (e.g., Shure SM7B, Rode PodMic) are great for reducing background noise and handling untreated spaces.
Condenser microphones (e.g., Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT1) capture more detail but are more sensitive to room noise.
A USB microphone (like the Rode NT-USB+) is fine for beginners, but for better quality, an XLR microphone with an audio interface (like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) is recommended.
Record in a Quiet, Treated Space
Avoid recording in rooms with hard surfaces that create echoes.
Use carpets, curtains, bookshelves, and foam panels to absorb sound.
If possible, record in a closet or a small room with soft furnishings.
Even without professional treatment, DIY solutions like blankets over walls or a portable vocal booth can make a big difference.
Use Proper Mic Technique
Maintain a consistent mic distance (4-6 inches for most mics).
Use a pop filter to reduce plosives (P and B sounds).
Speak slightly off-axis to avoid harsh breath noise directly hitting the mic.
Monitor gain levels—keep peaks between -12 dB and -6 dB to avoid distortion.
Minimize Background Noise
Turn off fans, AC units, and other sources of noise.
Record at a time when external sounds (traffic, neighbors, pets) are minimal.
Use noise gates and filters in post-production sparingly—fixing it in the recording phase is always better.
Record at High-Quality Settings
Format: WAV (16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz). Avoid MP3 for raw recordings.
Bit Depth: Higher bit depths (24-bit) capture more detail.
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz is standard for podcasts, but 48 kHz is fine too.
Use Headphones While Recording
Closed-back headphones (like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x) help you monitor without mic bleed.
Listen for issues like pops, clipping, or background noise before finishing a take.
Record Each Speaker on a Separate Track
If you have multiple hosts or guests, recording on separate tracks makes editing easier. This way, you can adjust levels, remove noise, or fix mistakes without affecting the entire recording.
Most audio interfaces with multiple inputs (like the Rodecaster Pro II) allow for multi-track recording.
Avoid Overprocessing During Recording
Avoid heavy compression, EQ, or effects while recording.
Record clean audio and process it in post-production instead.
The only real-time effect worth using is a low-cut filter (80-100 Hz) to reduce rumble.
Backup Your Recordings
Save recordings on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Use redundant recording methods (e.g., a hardware recorder and a DAW).
If recording remotely, ask guests to record a local backup.
Remote Recording? Use High-Quality Tools
If you’re interviewing guests remotely, avoid low-quality Zoom audio. Instead, use tools designed for high-quality remote recordings, such as:
Riverside.fm
SquadCast
Zencastr
These platforms record locally on each participant’s device, preventing internet dropouts from affecting audio quality.
Great podcast audio starts with good recording techniques. Investing in the right gear, optimizing your recording space, and following best practices will save you hours of frustrating edits later.