Expert Podcasting The Easy Way - Pt.1

There are two schools of thought when it comes to creating a podcast: The “I need the latest and greatest equipment in order to capture that crisp, clear sound of the broadcasting industry” school of thought, and the “Hey, my computer came with a microphone, and I’ve got this cool recording software already installed” school of thought. Both are equally valid positions, and there are a lot of secondary schools in-between. The question is how far you’re willing to go.

But let’s dispel something right off the bat about podcasting: You’re not reprogramming your operating system, you’re not hacking into the Internal Revenue Service’s database, and you’re not setting up a wireless computer network with tinfoil from a chewing gum wrapper, a shoestring, and your belt. Podcasting, as mentioned earlier, is not rocket science. In fact, here’s a quick rundown of how you podcast:

1. Record audio and convert it to a download-friendly format.
2. Create a simple but specialized text file that describes your audio file.
3. Upload everything to the Web.

Yes, yes, yes, if it were that simple, then why is this a 4 part article? Well, i admit that this list does gloss over a few details, but a podcast — in its most streamlined, raw presentation — is that simple. The details of putting together a podcast start to finish will come within the next few articles.

Looking for the bare necessities

You need a few things before starting your first podcast, many of which you can probably find on your own computer:

A microphone: Take a look at your computer. Right now, regardless of whether you have a laptop or desktop model, Windows or Macintosh, your computer probably has a microphone built into it — or a jack for plugging in an external mic, and maybe even an included external mic packaged somewhere with the manuals, cables, and such.

Position the microphone to a comfortable spot on your desk or table. If you’re using a laptop, position the laptop to a comfortable spot on your desk or table (make sure you know where the built-in microphone is in the laptop’s housing).

Usually the built-in microphone in a laptop is located close to the edge of the keyboard or near the laptop’s speakers. Some models tuck it in at the center point of the monitor’s base. Consult your user’s manual to find out where the microphone is hidden on your machine.

Recording software: Check out the software that came with your computer. You know, all those extra CDs that you filed away, thinking, “I’ll check those out sometime.” Well, the time has arrived to flip through them. You probably have some sort of audio-recording software loaded on your computer, such as RecordIt (Windows) or iMovie (which comes pre-installed with many new Macs and can record voice as well as video).

An audio card: Make sure your computer has the hardware it needs to handle audio recording and the drivers to run the hardware. Some desktop computers come with a very elementary audio card built into the motherboard. Before you run out to your local computer vendor and spring for an audio card, check your computer to see whether it can already handle basic voice recording.

Getting and setting up the hardware and software needed to record is a start. The next step is using it. Stay tuned for part 2 in this series, where we will learn to record your first podcast, and compress your audio files ready for download.

Be sure to Subscribe to our feed to get notified of my next post in this series.