Build the audio workflow
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The idea in everyday life
Choose the quietest practical space before upgrading gear. Position the microphone correctly, monitor with headphones, set conservative gain, record separate tracks when possible, and create a backup. Test the entire chain using real speaking volume.
Good spoken audio starts with a quiet space and close microphone before software repair.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Choose a quiet, soft-furnished location and reduce fans, traffic, reflections, notifications, and desk vibration.
- 2
Keep microphone positions consistent, set a recording level that does not distort, and use headphones. Record each speaker on a separate track when possible.
- 3
Run a full signal test for local and remote guests, including backup recording and internet failure plans.
- 4
Use a folder and file naming system for raw audio, project files, music, transcripts, artwork, exports, and approvals.
See how it works.
Rae records in a furnished bedroom, places a dynamic microphone 10 cm away and slightly off-axis, peaks near -12 dBFS, monitors for clothing noise, records 30 seconds of room tone, and makes a simultaneous compressed backup on another device.
Did you cover these?
- The test has no clipping, echo, hum, bleed, or unstable connection that obscures speech.
- Every participant knows which microphone is active and uses headphones.
- Primary and backup files are saved to separate locations after recording.
What to finish
A tested recording setup, backup path, and reusable episode folder template.
Watch for this
Buying an expensive microphone while recording far away in a loud, reflective room.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can reproduce the same clean recording setup and recover if the primary track fails.
Quick knowledge check
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
How to Start a Podcast
From Riverside. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Follow the video's microphone and remote-recording demonstrations with headphones on; compare three placements in your actual room before deciding.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
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