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PRODUCTION TOOLS

Beginner

Let's Build The Studio...

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As a first time podcaster, getting the right equipment can seem very challenging. You might look at cheaper equipment and then more expensive equipment and ask yourself, "what is the difference?" Throughout this course, we will be providing you all the information you will need to help you decide on what equipment is best for you. 
Let's start with the microphone 

"I believe that the microphone is the most important aspect of your set up because it’s the main factor in what the outcome of your audio will sound like."

Jasmine Jones

For a quick, easy, and affordable setup, the Blue Snowball ICE Condenser Microphone is a great beginner choice. This microphone plugs directly into your computer via USB. It's portable and has great sound quality for its price point. 

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Now if you are really invested in your podcasting craft, which we assume you are since you are in this course, we would highly recommend you invest in the  Shure SM58 Vocal Dynamic Microphone. It is a little bit more money than the last microphone and requires an audio interface or recording equipment because it doesn't hook up directly to your computer, but the sound quality is truly worth the investment. This microphone is commonly used my podcasters. 

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Another highly recommended microphone is the Behringer Ultravoice XM 8500 Dynamic Microphone. It has a two-stage pop filter that minimizes breath and pop noises. This microphone also doesn't pick up hand shifting movements as easily as other microphones, which makes it great for an open interview set up as well. "Paired with a Windscreen, this microphone makes you sound like you are in a studio, even if you are just sitting in your living room at home," says Jasmine. 

Next is Recording Equipment!

"Getting the right tools for recording is important, otherwise, whatever microphone you choose to use will come out sounding like trash regardless of its own properties."

Jasmine Jones

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"This is the recording equipment that I recommend to people. No matter what level of experience you are, this is by far the best investment you can make," says Jasmine. The Zoom H6 Recorder is a great piece of equipment because it's not only a great tool for a stationary setup but also great for a mobile one. If you are someone who needs to record interviews in the field, this is the recorder for you. You can use this as an audio interface or on its own. It has 4 XLR inputs (i.e. microphone inputs) and a stereo microphone input at the top.

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So the last recorder was too pricy for you, okay well we have a more affordable option as well. Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD USB Audio Interface is great for a two microphone stationary set up. This piece of equipment has Preamps, Phantom Power, and USB 2.0 connection.

Now for post-production, aka Software!

"Want free software? Well, then I guess you are hiring an audio editor."

Jasmine Jones

Free Audio Editing Software

If you want a free audio editing software to use, you can use any of the following programs. If you are serious about learning how to become an audio editor though, we don't suggest using these free programs.

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Adobe Audition & Pro Tools

Even though there are free versions of these next two programs as well, we suggest buying the programs if you are serious about audio editing. When you buy the programs, you have more features that you can use. These programs are radio industry-standard software. 

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Adobe Audition is Radio Industry standardized software. Used by Sirius XM, iHeart Radio, and most traditional style radio stations. It is easy to learn and has various advanced audio editing tools as well.

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The full ProTools program is a little more expensive than the Adobe Audition but allows more creative freedom. You can also sign up for the subscription to the program to cut down on the cost. This program is also used at Sirius XM and iHeart Radio. This program is also used by Sound designers, Music Producers, and studio audio engineers. 

Now for that playback magic.

"Having the right headphones is important to your overall mix. "

Jasmine Jones

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If you plan to be an audio editor, you need to make sure you have studio monitor headphones. These headphones are radio standard. They give you the rawest form of your audio, by limiting the boost of the bass or the treble in your projects. To learn more about headphones, check out the live seminars and editing videos. 

A cheaper solution to the Sony MDR-7506 is the OneOdio Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. They come with a quarter-inch and eighth-inch cable. These are the best studio headphones at its price point. 

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Earbuds are a no go!

The Art Of Soundproofing

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If you want to be taken seriously, don't use these. They are not noise-canceling headphones and you can't hear every detail you need to be listening to either. Just don't do it.

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