How to Make Your Editor Happy. EP: 50

Podcast SoundAdvice with Phyllis and Kelvin Nichols

Your editor wants your podcast to sound AMAZING. Recording doesn’t have to be challenging. We want to make it easy for you. We’ve talked about your recording setup, what software to use, and reviewed microphone options.

Here are a few tips that will help your editor. In the words of Jerry McGuire, help me help you. (I just realized how old this reference is, so linking to the movie in case you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about.)

Things you can do to make you an editor favorite:

· Test. Test again. Test a little more. Get your settings dialed in so when you hit record for real you know it’s going to sound great.

· Set up in the same location every time if you can. It makes it easier for you AND it gives you a consistent sound quality.

· Record 5 to 10 seconds of dead air (silence) so the editor can listen for fan noise, hums from your microphone, etc. to isolate and remove them.

· Stay the same distance from your microphone. When you move closer or farther away, or if you turn your head it’s going to change how you sound.

· Prepare. You don’t have to be scripted, but when you have notes or at least a few bullet points it will help you stay on track.

· When you make a mistake – it’s okay. Take a pause, gather your thoughts, and start over. Our editing team will fix the error and make sure it’s edited properly.

· Use a pop filter. It will eliminate heavy rushes of air or breathing sounds.

· Turn off other devices. Laptops, tablets, phones, watches, fans, etc. There’s nothing more frustrating than a great track interrupted by a phone alert.

Things to avoid doing so editing continues to adore you:

· Avoid touching the microphone. If you are using earbuds, make sure the microphone part isn’t rubbing your clothes or hair.

· Don’t touch the desk or microphone stand.

· Don’t type or tap the table or clap for emphasis unless you want that to be in your podcast.

· Don’t stop the recording. One take! If you mess up, pause, start again. A single track (even with lots of errors) is easier to edit and will sound better for your listener.

· If you are not speaking, don’t assume you can’t be heard. Chair squeaks, typing, shuffling papers; all sorts of fidgeting will be picked up.

Editing wants your show to sound amazing. When you find a setup that works for you, stick with it. You can be confident that your show will sound consistently good without a big hassle each time you record.

Have a question you’d like Kelvin to cover? Email: [e-mail] and he’ll get you an answer.

Happy Podcasting.

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