The Podcaster's Audio Guide

The Podcaster's Audio Guide is a concise introduction to simple sound engineering techniques for podcasters. This digestible guide explains the basics of audio engineering, from equipment, to recording, editing, mixing and publishing. Suitable for beginners from all backgrounds, including students and hobbyists, as well as professional content producers looking to experiment with podcasts, The Podcaster's Audio Guide is the perfect resource with cheat sheets, starting set-ups and a comprehensive jargon buster.

1. Introduction

Welcome to podcasting properly

The stuff you need to know first

Some basic knowledge you need before we get started

2. Equipment

Introduction to equipment

Microphones

Field recording and handhelds

Preamps, audio interfaces and outboard gear

Your computer

Software

Headphones and speakers

Other bits and pieces that are important

Equipment checklist

3. Recording

Introduction to recording

Turn any space into a studio

Microphone technique

Hit record

Field recordings

Studio etiquette: how not to break your stuff or your staff

Remote recording and double enders

Exercise: remote recording, part 1

Quick start guide

4. Editing

Introduction to editing

Where to start

Editing speech, naturally

Fades and automation

Using field effects and archive audio

Tips to get you out of a difficult cut

Exercise: remote recording, part 2

5. Mixing

Introduction to mixing

Basics: pan, gain, volume

Loudness and levels

Compression and other dynamic control

EQ and clarity

Noise reduction and how to clean up bad audio

Reverb

Mastering

Exercise: remote recording, part 3

6. Publishing

Introduction to publishing

File formats

What is an RSS feed?

Where and how to submit a podcast for publication

7. Jargon buster

Index

Jay Cockburn is a sound engineer, podcast producer and journalist. He worked for the BBC in London for eight years before moving to Toronto, where he produces podcasts for big brands like Canada's biggest newspaper The Globe and Mail, HSBC and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is also lead producer on Darts and Letters, a podcast about radical thought and progressive ideas.