How to Start a Video Podcast from A to Z

Summary

This comprehensive guide walks viewers through creating a video podcast from start to finish, covering essential gear like microphones, lights, and cameras. It offers advice on audio interfaces, camera angles, and lenses, as well as post-production editing and uploading processes. The script also touches on podcasting tips, including acoustic treatment and equipment setup for optimal audio and video quality. It concludes with a step-by-step tutorial on podcast distribution using Anchor FM and hints at an in-depth course for further learning.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The most important piece of equipment for a podcast is the microphone, with the SM7B being a popular choice, though alternatives like the MV7, Rode PodMic, and FTF Gear mic offer more budget-friendly options.
• 🔊 For non-USB microphones, an audio interface is necessary. The RodeCaster Pro 2 is recommended for its presets, built-in cloud lifter functionality, and redundant recording feature.
• 🔊 Acoustic treatment of the recording space is crucial to avoid reverb and improve audio quality, with the use of acoustic blankets suggested as an affordable solution.
• 👂 Proper mic placement is essential; the SM7B requires a cloud lifter due to its low sensitivity, and positioning the mic about an inch away from the mouth can help reduce plosives.
• 💡 Good lighting is vital for video podcasts, with key lighting techniques discussed, such as using a lantern soft box or individual lights for each person to create depth and dimension.
• 📸 The choice of camera and lens is secondary to audio and lighting, but lenses with low apertures for a shallow depth of field are preferred for a professional look.
• 🔌 XLR cables are recommended for connecting microphones to audio interfaces, with Mogami being the brand of choice for their high quality.
• 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 For multi-person setups, having two or three cameras at different angles can provide a more dynamic viewing experience and allow for cuts between speakers.
• 🎬 Post-production involves syncing audio with video, cutting between camera angles, and applying effects such as EQ, compression, and noise reduction to enhance the audio quality.
• 🎵 Adding intro and outro music can enhance the podcast's production value, with Musicbed being a recommended source for licensing high-quality music.
• 🌐 Uploading a podcast involves using platforms like Anchor FM, which simplifies the process and allows distribution to various podcast directories.

Q & A

What is the most important piece of equipment for a podcast?

The microphone is considered the most important piece of equipment for a podcast because it directly affects the audio quality, which is a key aspect of listener experience.

Which microphone is mentioned as the most popular for podcasts and why?

The Shure SM7B is mentioned as the most popular microphone for podcasts due to its good looks, ease of use, and sound quality.

What are some alternatives to the Shure SM7B microphone?

Alternatives to the Shure SM7B include the MV7, which is a USB version, the Rode PodMic which is cheaper, and the FTF Gear mic, which is the most affordable option and comes with a boom arm, desk stand, and pop filter.

Why is a cloud lifter recommended for the Shure SM7B?

A cloud lifter is recommended for the Shure SM7B because it is a low sensitivity microphone, and the cloud lifter raises the gain going into the audio interface, improving the audio signal without distortion.

What are the pros and cons of using the FTF Gear mic for a podcast?

The FTF Gear mic allows for gain control, providing good value for the price. However, it can distort if spoken into too loudly, even with the gain turned down, and it may pick up desk noise and handling noise if not used with a pop filter.

What is an audio interface and why might it be needed for a podcast setup?

An audio interface is a device that allows microphones with XLR connections to plug into a computer. It is needed unless the microphone is a USB type that connects directly to the computer.

What are some recommended audio interfaces for podcasting?

The script mentions the Scarlet Solo as a budget option, the Apollo Twin X for high quality, and the Rodecaster Pro 2 as a mid-range option that comes with presets for popular microphones and offers redundant recording.

Why is acoustic treatment important in a podcast recording setup?

Acoustic treatment is important because it reduces reverb and echo from walls, which can negatively affect the audio quality. It helps make the recording sound more professional.

What are some tips for microphone placement to avoid plosives and other audio issues?

Microphone placement should be close to the mouth, about an inch away, and slightly off to the side to avoid direct airflow into the mic. This helps to minimize plosives. An extra pop filter can also be used for added protection.

What are some lighting recommendations for a two-person podcast setup?

For a two-person setup, having one light over the top of each person shining on the opposite person can create depth and dimension. Alternatively, using a lantern soft box over both people with a fill light can also work well.

How can you achieve a shallow depth of field in a video podcast?

To achieve a shallow depth of field, use lenses that can stop down to low apertures, such as 1.4. This allows for a background blur that helps the subjects stand out.

What is the recommended process for syncing audio with video in post-production?

In post-production, you can sync audio with video by highlighting all the files, right-clicking, choosing 'Synchronize Audio', and ensuring it's set to sync on audio. After syncing, unlink and delete the camera audio that's no longer needed.

What are some essential audio effects and plugins used in podcast post-production?

Essential audio effects include EQ for equalization, a compressor for controlling dynamics, a limiter to prevent audio peaks, normalization for consistent volume levels, and tools like RX De-click and RX De-noise to remove unwanted mouth noises and background noise.

How can you upload and distribute your podcast to various platforms?

You can use a free platform like Anchor FM to upload and distribute your podcast. After uploading, you set up your podcast with details like title, description, and category. Once published, you can use the RSS distribution feed to submit your podcast to other platforms like Spotify.