Using your smartphone to record your podcast
Podcasting should be simple and easy to do. The technology involved isn’t much more than blogging 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 popular benchmark in adapting podcasting technology.
There may be times when a smartphone is all you will have with you to record! Especially if you like “live and on the scene” recordings (similar to a news reporter). Some niche podcasters are for recording in a live setting (restaurant, ballpark, etc.). Smartphones simply fill that special void where someone doesn’t want to be trapped in a studio or room behind a microphone and a computer.
Do you need to record a live interaction? Just use a smartphone. Do you need any audio to accompany the creation of a video? With your smartphone, you can record what you need. Usually you have your cell phone with you and cell phone companies have made an effort to accommodate the quality of sound recording through your phone.
Warning: Your cell phone’s microphone will pick up a lot of ambient noise. You will need to bring the microphone closer to you to ensure good quality. If you are doing an interview type of recording, you can switch the microphone end of the phone between you and your guest as you speak (much like a news report would switch your microphone back and forth). Or, if it is in a quiet environment, place it on the table (no more than 1 foot from each person).
It used to be pretty standard for a podcast to be recorded only indoors (a quiet room or a study). But, with the improved features of modern smartphones, you can “hit the road” for your podcast recordings and still have a great quality podcast!
All you need is:
Your smartphone
Although a USB microphone and headphones can be useful, the basic device is sufficient. But what application will you use to record your podcast, edit it, and publish it?
Anchor is one of the applications 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 a streamlined process for recording, processing, and publishing podcasts is now what they’re known for.
Anchor takes you directly to the recording page when you open the app (once you’ve established a login, of course). Touch a button to record, pick up the phone and start speaking into the microphone. You can record on the go or sitting at your desk. It’s 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 on the phone. You can then combine both calls into your podcast recording! It provides you with a way to interview on the go!
I have used my Apple smartphone to record audio which I later converted into a podcast. I just downloaded it to my computer and made the necessary edits (like intro and outro, etc.). Then I used that recording on my podcast.
Record your podcast with headphones
Remember, if the audio immediately offends your listeners’ eardrums, it won’t take long for them to hear your amazing podcast! The guest you speak 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 eliminating distracting noise while recording. To help with this, I definitely recommend using a pair of headphones. Whether you’re recording on your smartphone or in the studio, headphones are a must-have in my opinion. Helps eliminate any feedback from your phone or computer speakers during recording. Using headphones, even with your smartphone, will make it sound much more professional with minimal effort or cost.
If you are using a smartphone “on the spot”, try to select an area that reduces a lot of background noise that could distract the listening audience. When you are recording at home, you may want to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to prevent someone from inadvertently entering during recording (although we cannot guarantee that young children will pay attention). We suggest purchasing a reflection filter if you want better quality audio at home. To eliminate echoes, they can be placed directly behind your microphone, giving studio-quality sound to your recordings.
Some people will record inside a closet. Sound quality is greatly improved because clothing prevents a lot of echo from flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I 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. Sound quality is much better than recording in an open room. Clothes hanging in the closet avoid much of the echo from flat walls that can occur in a normal room. In my recording room, I 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 a whole tech recording studio inside it! These features can help you get that professional sound without the need for a high-tech studio setup!