Podcasting should be simple and easy to do. The technology involved is not much more than what blogs used to require. For a long time, there was no easy way to record a podcast on the go, at least until smartphones became the go-to for adapting podcasting technology.
There could be times when a smartphone is all you’ll ever have for recording! Especially if you like “live and on the scene” recordings (similar to a news reporter). Some podcasters’ niche is recording in a live environment (restaurant, ballpark, etc.). Smartphones just fill that special void where someone doesn’t want to be stuck in the studio or the room behind a microphone and a computer.
Do you need to record a live interaction? Just use a smartphone. Do you need some audio to accompany the creation of a video? With your smartphone, you can record what you need. You usually have your cell phone with you, and phone companies have made every effort to accommodate the quality of sound recording through your phone.
CaveatNote: Your cell phone’s microphone will pick up a lot of ambient noise. You will need to hold the microphone closer to you to ensure good quality. If you’re doing an interview-type recording, you can switch the microphone end of the phone between you and your guest as you speak (much like a news report would move the microphone back and forth). Or, if you are in a quiet environment, place it on the table (no more than 1 foot away from each person).
It used to be pretty standard for a podcast to be recorded indoors only (a quiet room or studio). But, with the enhanced features of modern smartphones, you can “hit the road” for your podcast recordings and still have a great quality podcast.
All you will need is:
your smartphone
Although a USB microphone and headphones can be useful, the basic device is sufficient. But what app will you use to record your podcast, edit it, and publish it?
Anchor is one of the apps that you can use to make a podcast. I personally don’t use Anchor, but I know several people who do. Anchor started with its own short audio “ecosystem” as a popular platform. But now they’re known for a streamlined process for recording, processing, and publishing podcasts.
Anchor takes you directly to the recording page when you open the app (once you’ve established a login, of course). Tap a button to record, pick up your phone and start speaking into the microphone. You can record on the go or while sitting at your desk. Up to you. You can merge background music etc. for that special effect.
Anchor also adds a feature that many people find extremely useful. You can also have other people call your podcast by phone. You can then merge both calls into your podcast recording! It provides you with a way to do an interview on the go!
I used my Apple smartphone to record audio which I later turned into a podcast. I just downloaded it to my computer and made the necessary modifications (such as the intro and ending, etc.). I then used that recording in my podcast.
Record your podcast using headphones
Remember, if the audio offends listeners’ eardrums right away, they won’t stick around long to listen to your awesome podcast! The guest you’re talking to may not have the best microphone, but as long as you (the host) sound crisp and clear, viewers will be able to miss the poor audio on the guest side.
Part of creating a great recording is removing distracting noise while recording. To help with this, I definitely recommend wearing a pair of headphones. Whether you’re recording on your smartphone or in the studio, headphones are a must in my opinion. Helps eliminate any feedback from your phone or computer speakers while recording. Using headphones, even with your smartphone, will make you sound much more professional with minimal effort or cost.
If you’re using a smartphone “on location,” try to select an area that reduces a lot of background noise that could distract your audience. When you’re recording at home, you may want to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to prevent someone from inadvertently breaking in during recording (although we can’t guarantee that small children will pay attention). We suggest purchasing a reflection filter if you want better audio quality at home. To eliminate echoes, these can be placed directly behind your microphone, bringing studio-quality sound to your recordings.
Some people will record inside a closet. The sound quality is greatly improved because clothing greatly prevents the echo from flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I have put sound tiles on the walls to eliminate the echo effect (but I record every day and this room is only used for recordings).
Some people will record their podcasts while sitting inside a closet. The sound quality is much improved over recording in an open room. Clothes hanging in the closet greatly avoid the echo of flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I have put sound tiles on the walls to eliminate the echo effect (but I record almost every day and this room is only used for recordings).
Simply put, your smartphone already has complete recording studio technology inside it! These features can help you get that professional sound without the need for a high-tech studio setup!