Using the space at the Digital Media and Innovation Lab, it's possible to record high-quality, professional audio for classwork or even publication!
However, you might be asking yourself - how do I actually make a podcast? What do I need to plan ahead? What software do I use? How do I publish and share my podcast? We're here to help!
The following pages will offer a step-by-step guide to take your idea from concept to publication.
So, to start off with, we really have to establish what we mean by making a podcast or podcasting.
In short, a podcast is a digital audio file that can be downloaded via the internet. Pretty simple!
Because the method of podcast release is via the Internet, podcasts don't have to adhere to any FCC guidelines like it would for a traditional radio broadcast. However, copyright still applies to podcasting!
If you want music or sound effects for your podcast, they should be royalty free. Check the Audio Resources tab for links that you will be able to use without risk of infringing copyright laws.
Check out this guide for more information on what is considered "fair use" under copyright law.
When thinking about creating a podcast, ask yourself a few questions:
Once you have determined what you want your podcast to be like, schedule an appointment and the staff of the Digital Media Lab will prepare the space before you arrive.
Instructions
1) Turn on the lights: There is a light above the computer which has two brightness settings. There is also ventilation that can be turned on with the remote. If you're going to be in the booth for longer than 30 minutes, we recommend turning on the fan.
2) Log on to the computer: Log on to the computer using your Univeristy of Missouri username and password.
3) Adjust the sound board: The sound board has an on-switch located in the back to the right. The settings have been set to our specifications which you may adjust according to your needs. If you need assistance, please ask an available staff member. We ask that you return the settings to their original positions.
Please note: When recording, make sure that the microphone is set to “USB Audio CODEC” and not the built-in option. Please note that the “USB Audio CODEC” will only appear once the soundboard is turned on. If you begin recording before setting the microphone to the "USB Audio CODEC", the recording software will use the built-in mic in the computer (with a far worse audio quality).
4) Choose audio recording software: There are three software programs that can be used to record audio in the recording booth: Adobe Audition, GarageBand, and Audacity.
5) Record your audio: Once the previous steps are set and you've ensured that the settings in your audio recording software are correct, you can begin recording! Remember to speak directly into the microphone, and generally keep your audio levels between -12 and -6 dB. Any less and it will be too quiet; any louder and the sound will "clip" and audio quality will be lost.
6) Export your audio: After recording your audio and making any necessary edits, it's time to export your finalized podcast! In general, it is safe to export your audio as an MP3 if audio quality isn't important. If audio quality is important (or if you think it might be later), export as a WAV file. Remember: you can always compress a WAV file to an MP3; you can't do the other way around.
Above is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to publish your podcast using Libsyn, a podcast hosting platform.
However, keep three main things in mind if you proceed.
During the production of a podcast, you may decide that you want to add a few audio effects or sound files to make it sound a little more interesting. Below are a few useful links.
