By Karly Nimmo of Radcasters Podcasting S’cool.
Which mic is best?
This is a question I get asked, as a voice over artist, podcaster and podcast teacher/mentor, over and over and over again.
Here’s the thing, it’s an inherently flawed question. There are way to many variables to be able to flat out answer this question correctly.
- where are you recording?
- what are you recording
- how are you recording?
- are you male or female?
- what is your budget?
Really the question isn’t ‘what is the best mic?’, it’s actually ‘how do I make my audio sound great?”, and that question comes with a pretty easy answer (which is actually another question): what is your recording space like?
While so many people are stressing about which mic is the right mic, the most important factor has very little to do with the mic you choose to use… it’s all about the way in which you use it, and the space you use it in.
As I see it, there are two key factors in creating a great sounding podcast:
- a compelling message that you are passionate about
- recording in an environment that supports great sound
In this video I’ll show you exactly WHY space should be your number one concern, above and beyond your choice of mic.
After watching the vid, I’d love to hear what changes you’ll be making to your space?
Karly Nimmo is all about about helping people find their voice, and giving them the tools and platform to get it out there. She’s a passionate podcaster, teacher and mentor at Radcasters Podcasting S’cool.
This was a very helpful video. I’m a podcast host for Men of Abundance. I currently live in a beach home that is not big enough for me to create a studio. So, when I do record in the house, I do so early in the morning, at my dining room table with all windows closed to block sounds such as dog barks and air plane traffic. However, 80% of my content and shows is recorded in the cab of my Toyota Tacoma. It seems to be working out well. Thanks for the info.
Yes, more than mic, it is the place which plays key role. If one can avoid echo, external/environmental noises, and electrical noises, half of the work is done !!
Simple trick that I had used is to hang thick winter blankets on the walls and windows to suppress echo and noises. Easy !
Great video Karly, I started podcasting using a standard HP headset with attached microphone but now I am using Blue yeti mic with a standard pop filter and Audacity as audio editing tool. The biggest benefit which I got from my new mic is sound quality it’s way more clear and manly as compared to the hollow sound of HP mic. The cost difference is also big but Blue yeti is value for money.
You can see my most recent recordings with new setup on this page http://www.thesourcecad.com/autocad-tutorials/
I have recorded last two sections of videos with Blue yeti and rest of the recordings are from HP microphone and you can clearly see the difference.
So timely, great video – just launched my podcast to iTunes (Behind The Canvas) and struggled with setting up the space with no echo. Plugged in Bose headphones to my Audio Technica mic and it cancelled most of the bounce.
Great set up with the acoustic tiles – may have to go bigger and try that!