Last updated on Apr 8, 2024
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Choose the right microphone
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Use a portable recorder or interface
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Adjust the settings and levels
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Use a windshield and a shock mount
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Find a quiet and comfortable spot
6
Here’s what else to consider
Podcasting is a great way to share your voice and message with the world, but sometimes you might need to record your episodes on the go. Maybe you're traveling, interviewing a guest, or just want to spice up your format with some ambient sounds. Whatever the reason, recording high-quality audio for a podcast in a moving vehicle can be challenging, but not impossible. In this article, we'll show you some of the best ways to overcome the common obstacles and pitfalls of podcasting in a car, van, or bus.
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1 Choose the right microphone
The first thing you need to consider is the type of microphone you'll use to capture your voice and your guest's voice. Not all microphones are created equal, and some are better suited for noisy environments than others. Generally, you'll want to avoid condenser microphones, which are very sensitive and pick up a lot of background noise. Instead, opt for dynamic microphones, which are more directional and reject sound from other sources. You'll also want to use a cardioid or supercardioid pattern, which means the microphone only picks up sound from the front and sides, and not from the back. This will help reduce the noise from the engine, the wind, and the traffic.
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Think of it as selecting your travel buddy—you want one who’s in for the long haul! A dynamic mic with a cardioid pattern will help minimize road noise.
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Adding to the importance of choosing the right microphone, it's crucial to address microphone placement and additional equipment to further enhance audio quality in a moving vehicle. Proper microphone placement ensures that the microphone captures your voice clearly while minimizing background noise. Position the microphone close to the speaker's mouth, but slightly off to the side to avoid plosives (the "popping" sounds that occur when pronouncing certain consonants like "p" and "b").
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2 Use a portable recorder or interface
The next thing you need to think about is how you'll connect your microphone to your recording device. If you're using a laptop or a tablet, you'll need an audio interface that can power your microphone and convert the analog signal to digital. However, this can be cumbersome and require extra cables and power sources. A simpler and more convenient option is to use a portable recorder, which is a device that can record audio directly from your microphone to an SD card or a USB drive. Portable recorders are usually battery-powered and have built-in preamps and limiters that can improve the sound quality and prevent clipping. Some popular models are the Zoom H4n, the Tascam DR-40X, and the Rode Rodecaster Pro.
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It’s the podcasting equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. Go for something sturdy, reliable, and battery-operated because you never know where your next power outlet is coming from.
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When choosing a portable recorder, consider one with multiple input channels if you plan to record interviews or conversations with more than one person in the vehicle. This allows each speaker to have their microphone, ensuring that everyone’s audio is captured clearly and at an optimal level.Another aspect to consider is the recorder's battery life and storage capacity. For long recording sessions or road trips, you want a device that won't run out of power or space halfway through. Some recorders offer the option to use external batteries or power banks, which can be a lifesaver in such situations.
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3 Adjust the settings and levels
Once you have your microphone and recorder set up, you'll need to adjust some settings and levels to optimize your audio quality. First, you'll want to set the sample rate and bit depth of your recording. These are two parameters that affect the resolution and fidelity of your audio. For podcasting, a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 16 bits are usually sufficient. Next, you'll want to set the gain or input level of your microphone. This is the amount of amplification that your recorder applies to your microphone signal. You'll want to find a balance between having enough volume and avoiding distortion. A good way to do this is to use headphones and monitor the audio while you speak normally and check the meter on your recorder. You'll want to aim for an average level of around -12 dB, with occasional peaks of up to -6 dB.
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Now, this is the tuning part – like getting your playlist just right for the drive. You'll want to tweak your gain and keep an eye on those levels so you don't peak with the excitement of the open road.
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Active monitoring through headphones is indispensable during this process. Not only does it allow you to adjust levels in real-time, but it also lets you catch and correct issues like plosives, sibilance, or unexpected background noises before they compromise your recording.
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4 Use a windshield and a shock mount
Another way to improve your audio quality is to use some accessories that can reduce unwanted noise and vibrations. A windshield is a foam or furry cover that you put over your microphone to block the wind noise that can ruin your recording. A shock mount is a device that suspends your microphone with elastic bands or springs to isolate it from the bumps and shakes of the vehicle. Both of these accessories can make a big difference in the clarity and consistency of your audio, especially if you're driving on rough roads or at high speeds.
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The windshield, particularly a high-quality one designed for your specific microphone model, can dramatically reduce not only wind noise but also air conditioning drafts and the breath sounds from speakers, which can otherwise cause fluctuations in audio quality.When selecting a shock mount, it's important to choose one that's compatible with your microphone's weight and design. Shock mounts are designed to absorb vibrations from the vehicle's movement, engine vibrations, and road noise, ensuring these don't transfer to the microphone capsule. This isolation is critical when recording in any moving vehicle, as it helps maintain a consistent audio level and prevents low-frequency rumbles from overwhelming your recording.
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Rough roads ahead? No problem. A good shock mount will absorb those bumps, and a windshield is not just for your RV – it keeps the pesky plosives and wind noise out of your recording.
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5 Find a quiet and comfortable spot
Finally, you'll want to choose a location and position that can enhance your audio quality and comfort. Ideally, you'll want to park your vehicle in a quiet and secluded spot, away from traffic, construction, or other sources of noise. However, if you have to record while driving, you'll want to avoid highways, bridges, tunnels, or busy intersections. You'll also want to close the windows and turn off the air conditioning, the radio, and any other devices that can create noise or interference. As for your seating arrangement, you'll want to sit as close as possible to your microphone and your guest, without compromising your safety or visibility. You'll also want to avoid touching or moving your microphone or recorder while recording, as this can create unwanted sounds.
Podcasting in a moving vehicle can be a fun and creative way to produce your episodes, but it also comes with some challenges and limitations. By following these tips, you can record high-quality audio for your podcast in a car, van, or bus, and deliver a great listening experience to your audience.
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Comfort is key! It might be challenging in a moving vehicle, but soft furnishings and isolation from the engine will go a long way. Think of it as finding the perfect spot to watch the sunset but for your ears.
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Recording a podcast in a moving vehicle can be adventurous but requires careful planning for top-notch audio. Choosing a serene spot away from noisy traffic is crucial. If driving, avoid bustling areas like highways or intersections. Shut windows and turn off AC or radios to keep distractions at bay. Positioning is key—sit close to your mic and guests for clear sound.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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- Brian Reynolds Owner, Vendetta Audio: Podcast Management for busy People. Former UN ECOSOC member and Congressional Candidate.
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Consider making the entire thing for video primary. I hate to say it but audience's are often more forgiving of your surrounding environmental noise if they can see your environment and what you're dealing with.
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