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Intro\n\nToday\u2019s episode applies mainly to Podcasters, but can be useful to anyone recording audio on their computer. I\u2019m going to share with you my 5 Podcast Audio Tips that apply to you.\n\nWe have a big giveaway that podcasters, or any type of musician will want to jump on right away. We\u2019re doing a Giveaway of Studio One Professional that sells for $399.\n5 Podcast Tech Tips That Apply to You:\n\nNo Wireless\nDon\u2019t worry about aesthetics over quality and reliability. Wired is better than wireless in almost every case. If you are doing any sort of live stream, it shouldn\u2019t even be a thought whether or not you\u2019re going to be on WIFI, or hard-wired in via Ethernet. The year is 2019 and a wired connection is still far more reliable than a Wireless one.\nStart with the signal\nLook up \u201csignal-to-noise ratio\u201c. In short, it\u2019s a measure of the level of the desired signal to the level of background noise. In recording, that is the instrument (your voice/or the instrument you\u2019re picking up), measured against the level of background noise.\nI see lots of videos where the speaker is pretty far from the microphone, similar to talk show hosts you see on television, such as David Letterman. Keep in mind that those professional studios have capability beyond using one microphone. There may be shotgun microphones, lavalier mics, and more!\nMake certain you\u2019re using a Cardioid microphone, especially if you\u2019re the main person doing your podcast. For basic, just-starting-out podcasters, you\u2019ll commonly see them using the Blue Yeti microphone. I did an episode called Audio Check, where I talk about how USB Microphones, such as this Blue Yeti are good for starters, but I still recommend XLR and a real mixer for seriously future-proofing your podcast. If your only option is currently the Yeti, this YouTuber, Hazel, has a great video that show some things you can do to get a decent sound out of this microphone. \u2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIBTbRWuNG4\n\nStay out of the Red! When you hit 0db, you will experience digital distortion. Unlike analog distortion, digital is not as forgiving.\nPop filter \u2013 however you want to do this, it\u2019s an easy way to avoid explosive p\u2019s. Some microphones, such as the Shure SM7B I\u2019m I\u2019m using already have a Pop filter built in. But if you have a condenser microphone, you\u2019ll typically want to use a pop filter. I\u2019ve even seen some homemade ones, using nylons stretched over a coat hanger! You can avoid this manual labor, and buy one that looks professional for under $20, like this one on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Auphonix-Microphone-Filter-MPF-1-Diameter/dp/B00CFXH4S6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=popper+stopper&qid=1558885707&s=gateway&sr=8-2\nIt\u2019s acceptable to use Effects!\nCompression with a 3:1 ratio, slow attack, and medium release. I could do an entire episode on compression, but I\u2019ve included a link in the description/show notes for a nice explanation. Basically my goal is to make my voice sound more present and clearer for the main mix, without it sounding completely over-the-top. \u2013 https://www.uaudio.com/blog/audio-compression-basics/\nUse EQ if needed. \u2013 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equalization_(audio)\nThe last effect I\u2019m using is a limiter \u2013 http://blog.armadamusic.com/music-industry/how-to-use-limiters-limiting-explained/\nDive in and just buy a recording interface\n\nDon\u2019t over-edit\nIt doesn\u2019t sound as natural or honest, in my opinion.\nIf your Podcast sounds like a natural conversation, it can feel more relatable to the listener.\nFollow our Podcast\n\nIf you\u2019re a new listener to the Manly Hanley Podcast, we would love to hear from you. Visit our website and leave a comment. While you\u2019re there, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter! \u2013 https://randyhanley.com/\nFollow Randrums on twitter \u2013 https://twitter.com/randrums\nLike the Manley Hanley Podcast Facebook page. \u2013 https://www.facebook.com/manlyhanleypodcast