What to know: Though you can edit your sound, the way you set up the recording can set you up for an easier time editing afterwards.
What you'll learn: The best practices for recording audio and conducting interviews. What you should and should not do.
Why you should care: Knowing how to choose and use the right audio equipment is key to making good-quality podcast episodes!

Recording Best Practices

Recording clean audio (audio without unwanted sound or frequencies) is the most important part of the podcast production. Without clean audio, your recording may sound disjointed, distracting, and unappealing to your audience.

To produce clean audio, you need:

A microphone

A quiet space

A small area

Psst: YouStar Sound Studios provides all three! You can reserve studio time at mymazevo.com

Are the YouStar Sound Studios booked? You don't need a fancy microphone or studio to sound good. Check out this video:

Recording Do's and Don'ts

Do...

Speak clearly.
Speak directly into the microphone.
Record a sound check to make sure everything is working.

Don't...

Move your head frequently.
Put your mouth on the microphone.
Shout.

Interviewing vs. Co-hosting

Most podcasts include a cohost, an interview, or both. So, what's the difference?

Cohost:

A cohost is your equal.
You should share equal time with your host.
Your lines should be separated before recording.

Interview:

In an interview, one person is in control.
The host is tasked with asking the questions.
The host controls where the conversation ends up.

Do's and Don'ts of Interviewing:

Do...

Be prepared!
- Do your research on the topic AND person.
- Have a list of at least a few questions prepared.
Listen and respond.
Make eye contact.
Ask follow up questions.
Ask open-ended questions.
Encourage interviewee to discuss their emotions.
Be respectful.
- If someone doesn’t want to discuss something, allow them to say, “no comment”.
- Correct the person if they are FACTUALLY wrong.

Ask for clarification if you think the audience won’t understand the context.

Don't...

Just read off your list of questions.
Ask double-barreled questions.
Ask “yes” or “no” questions unless totally necessary.
Lose control of the interview.

- You should be the only one asking questions.
- If they get off subject, you should be the one getting them tactfully interrupting and getting them back on track.
- If they are lying or inaccurate, you should stop them.

Recap: When recording, be mindful of your recording setup. When interviewing, remember to have a conversation and be willing to stray away from your pre-written set of questions.
Slides for Kira's Segment (Interviewing Tips) Slides for Elizabeth's Segment (Mics & Mixers)
Dig deeper: Are the YouStar Sound Studios booked? You don't need a fancy microphone or studio to sound good. Check out this video: How to Sound Great Want more information on what equipment to use? Check out this page.
What's next: Upload your first recording. On Thursday, we're editing your recording!