Podcast Pre-Production

 Pre -

Here is a summary of the equipment I will use to Produce my podcast.

Audio Technica AT-2035 -

The audio Technica AT-2035 will  be used for Podcast Narration. This cardioid condenser mic is a serious piece of kit and, at a high recording resolution, will require some extra care to get a professional grade sound.

As this is a professional audio sampling mic, it will require a full 48V phantom power in order to start recording. It then needs its own dedicated preamp and pop filter in order to achieve a clear sound. 

Focusrite Scarlett Solo -

This is my go-to audio interface as it has clean preamps and the dedicated 48V phantom power switch. It has the single XLR input required . The downsides to this was that it has no EQ adjustment on the fly and will have to be enhanced digitally.

Reaper 6 DAW -

The Reaper DAW is my most professional option available to me. With the advanced Post Processing and Mixing effects, I will be able to amplify my sound quality to an extreme. And maybe even record a dedicated music track.

 

Here is my primary issue - 

My first issue is that my PC is located in my bedroom. This is an issue because my room is an unsuitable location to record high quality audio. The room size, and furniture material is the cause of considerable reverb. And as I am using a cardioid condenser mic, the reverb will be picked up in the capture. Another issue is fan noise. My computer is located on my desk, this will create a low but noticeable hum in my podcast. To fix this issue, I will record in the downstairs airing cupboard. 

My second issue is that my computer setup is too heavy to move downstairs. As I am using an audio interface, it is not a portable option and will require a computer to power it. To fix this issue, I will use a laptop to keep downstairs with me. It will be kept outside the room to minimise fan noise. 

My third issue is that the laptop is not powerful enough to run Reaper 6. Because of this, I am required to install Audacity onto the system. I will use this to record my dry audio and export it as a WAV file. I will also need to install the Focusrite Scarlet Solo Driver in order to run the device on the system.

My fourth and final issue, is family noise/traffic noise. I have realised that daytime recording is far too noisy to get clear audio from. As I am producing this during lockdown, my family are always home. And, so I will have to record this at night time (9 pm+) in order to get a quiet environment.

Risk assessment:

Wires - trip hazard - keep them tucked away

Water - electric shock - keep lids on

Damp - heat exposure - limit time in the airing cupboard