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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
- 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.
- Mic Positioning Matters
- Stay about 2–3 inches from the mic.
- Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosives (hard P and B sounds).
- Slightly angle the mic off-center from your mouth to avoid breath noise.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hosting customers can use Media Mastering by Auphonic, an add-on that automatically enhances your audio file during upload.
- Watch Your Levels
- Aim for -12dB to -6dB when recording. Avoid peaking (clipping).
- Use headphones to monitor while recording—this helps catch issues early.
- Record in WAV, Not MP3
- Always record in uncompressed formats (like WAV) for highest quality, then convert to MP3 for publishing.
- Always record in uncompressed formats (like WAV) for highest quality, then convert to MP3 for publishing.
🎤 Confidence Tips for Sounding Natural and Engaging
- 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.
- Do a short “warm-up” session. Talk out loud about your topic for a few minutes off-mic.
- Use Bullet Points, Not Scripts
- Reading can sound stiff. Instead, work from an outline so you sound natural and conversational.
- Smile When You Speak
- It changes your tone and helps you sound more warm and confident.
- It changes your tone and helps you sound more warm and confident.
- Pause with Purpose
- Silence is powerful. Don’t rush. Short pauses give listeners time to absorb and give you time to breathe.
- Imagine Talking to One Person
- Picture your ideal listener. This keeps your delivery personal and focused—not like you’re broadcasting to a crowd.
- Listen Back & Improve
- Review your episodes occasionally. Note areas where you sound strongest—and where you can grow.
- Fake It ‘Til You Sound It
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- 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 todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com
Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.