Podcasting for First-Timers FAQ

Microphones - Your choice will depend on whether you record alone in your office or out of the office in an interview format with more than one speaker. Mic styles include headset mics that provide more consistent levels to more professional quality studio mics with digital interfaces for your computer. For first timers, the Adams Center recommends the following:

*Because many software programs don't automatically switch to your USB mic, double-check the audio input settings before you begin to ensure you don't record an entire podcast on your computer's low-quality internal mic.

Environment - Clear audio often depends on where you record. Since most microphones pick up background noise, minimizing hums from computers, air-conditioning, or other people is important. You'll want to experiment before recording for the best sound, but finding a quiet place where you'll be undisturbed is crucial.

Setting levels - Experimenting with audio levels is also important. Listening to these samples through earphones rather than your computer speakers will provide a better idea of whether the voice is loud enough. Most audio editing software will have tools to lower levels after recording, but trying to raise the overall level of softer voices after the fact can make background noise even more noticeable.

Compression - Finally, the software compression you choose when saving your final audio can affect clarity. Smaller file sizes may begin to sound tinny or hollow while keeping full-quality sound will result in significantly larger file sizes. For most podcasts, you're looking for the sweet spot in between the two that balances sound quality with download speed. To begin, try the following settings.

  - What is the fastest way to begin podcasting?

For many educational podcasts, perfect delivery is less important than high-quality content. One model for student or faculty first-timers is simply to turn on a mic or camera and begin recording. This introduces the energy of live radio or TV to recording as long as you begin with a detailed plan or script. Just as in a lecture when teachers misspeak, correct, and move on, in live capture the emphasis is on the material and not presenattion. This is not a professional broadcast. For student projects, this model takes the pressure off since they can walk in with a script and avoid spending time obsessively editing later.

Since many laptops now come with internal mics and video cameras, capturing live audio or video can also be relatively painless. For quick exam reviews or posting a response to an end-of-class question, this kind of live capture provides a powerful option.


  - Where can I get equipment to record my podcast?

The CopyCat in the Learning Commons has microphones, digital video and still cameras available for checkout up to 5 days at a time. There is no charge for faculty/staff and a nominal daily charge for students, but please respect the 5-day so eqipment will be available to other users. For a list of equipment, see the CopyCat Equipment Checkout site.


  - How do I edit my podcast once it's recorded?

Obviously the live capture model is less useful when producing more polished audio or video introductions to material. As you grow comfortable with the tools for basic recording, you may want to experiment with editing your content. Many excellent step-by-step guides are available online introducing newcomers to audio and video editing software. A little time spent in one of these programs will make your first efforts splitting and rearranging clips or working with multiple tracks a less intimidating experience.

*As with PowerPoint, try to invest time in elements that help you communicate more effectively. In many cases, adding elaborate transitions to your slides or the Ken Burns effect to photos may add to file size without contributing meaningfully to the power of your message.


  - How do I Save/Export my podcast when I’m done?

Exporting your final file will look a little different, depending on the program you use. However, in most cases it requires 2 steps. First, you will need to save the final audio/video file. iTunes U accepts a variety of file formats, but your final choice will depend on the type of podcast you created. Typically smaller files are better; however, there are always exceptions. For example, MP3s will play on almost any portable music device while AAC files play mainly on Apple iPods or iPhones. If you expect a wider audience, you might choose an industry standard like MP3 audio or MPEG-4 video. Ask someone in the Adams Center if you’re unsure which file type best suits your podcast.
Once you have saved and reviewed your final file, you’ll need to add ID3 Tags to make it easier to use in iTunes. After importing the audio/video file into iTunes, click on it and Get Info (in File menu). From the Info tab, you’ll be able to create the final Title, Artist (faculty/student name), and Album (class name) tags. Since these are the three visible labels in iTunes U, they’ll be the most important. After saving these changes, the ID3 tags will be a part of the file itself, available to anyone listening on a computer, iPod, or other device. Now you’re ready to upload.

For more information or a schedule of upcoming podcast training events, contact the Adams Center.


For Further Investigation

        Quamut: The Go To How To Podcasting Tutorial

        Audacity: How to Podcast tutorial 
   
        GarageBand and iMovie: How to Podcast tutorial