How to Record a Podcast With Multiple Mics

Podcast setup (gear and recording tips) for group microphone podcasting

As you navigate the complexities of capturing pristine audio from various sources, you’ll encounter challenges that demand finesse and technical know-how.

But fear not, as we unravel the mysteries of multi-mic podcasting, you’ll uncover strategies and techniques that will transform your recordings from mediocre to magnificent.

Ready to dive into the world of multi-mic setups and unleash the full potential of your podcast’s sound quality?

Key Points

• Employ recording techniques like digital recorders or USB audio interfaces for multiple mics.
• Use quality microphones and recording equipment for optimal sound quality.
• Consider remote podcasting platforms like Riverside for seamless recording with guests.
• Ensure a quiet and well-prepared recording environment for professional podcast production.

Mic Testing Before Recording

For those looking to achieve superior audio quality and seamless communication, recording a podcast with multiple mics is the ideal choice. Before diving into your podcast recording session, it’s crucial to ensure that your microphones are in optimal condition. 

Following the mic test instructions is essential. 

Following these mic test best practices will set the stage for a successful podcast recording session.

Ideal Two Mics Distance and Placement

Placing your microphones at an appropriate distance and angle is crucial for preventing them from picking up each other’s voices during recording. Opt for unidirectional cardioid microphones with front sensitivity to reduce background noise in a 2-or-more mic recording setup.

Position the mics at a suitable distance apart and ensure that speakers address the mic at an appropriate angle. By following these guidelines for microphone placement, you can enhance the quality of your recordings and minimize interference between different mic sources.

Consistent and precise mic placement is key to achieving clean and professional audio output when recording with multiple microphones simultaneously.

Using Quality Microphones Consistently

To consistently ensure optimal audio quality in your podcast recordings, prioritize using high-quality XLR microphones over USB microphones for superior sound control and editing ease.

XLR microphones, especially condenser models, paired with an audio interface provide unparalleled sound quality that enhances your editing process. This setup grants you better control over the sound output and enables smoother integration with recording software.

By investing in quality XLR microphones and an audio interface, you ensure a professional-grade recording setup that will significantly improve the overall sound of your podcast.

USB vs XLR Mics

USB microphones:  These mics are a convenient choice, offering plug-and-play functionality for direct connection to your computer.  Popular options include the Blue Yeti, known for its versatility with multiple pickup patterns, and the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, which comes bundled with two microphones and boom arms for a complete recording package. 

However, USB mics often lack the same level of audio quality and control as XLR microphones.

XLR microphones:  These industry-standard mics require a separate audio interface to connect to your computer.  This adds an extra step to the setup process, but XLR mics generally offer superior sound quality and more options for customization. 

For podcasting, consider condenser microphones, known for their crisp audio capture.  The Shure SM57, a dynamic microphone, is a popular choice for its durability and ability to isolate vocals from background noise.

Choosing the right microphone: When selecting microphones for your podcast, consider the following factors: 

• Polar pattern: This refers to the microphone’s pickup pattern, omnidirectional mics capture sound equally from all directions, while cardioid mics focus on sound coming directly in front of the microphone. Cardioid pickup patterns are ideal for podcasting as they minimize bleed-over from other speakers or background noise.
• Self-noise: This refers to the inherent electronic hiss produced by some microphones. Lower self-noise is preferable, especially for condenser microphones known for being slightly noisier than dynamic mics.

Additional considerations:

• Mixer: A mixer allows you to combine the microphone feeds from multiple speakers and adjust levels independently. This is particularly useful for podcasts with more than two participants. Software like Voicemeeter can also be used to achieve similar mixing functionality on your computer.
• XLR cables: These cables are required to connect XLR microphones to your audio interface.

By carefully selecting microphones and considering these additional factors, you can ensure high-quality audio for your podcast, setting the stage for clear, engaging communication with your listeners.

Selecting Recording Location Wisely

Consider selecting a recording location that minimizes background noise and provides optimal acoustics to enhance the quality of your podcast recordings. When choosing a recording location, prioritize areas with minimal ambient noise and employ soundproofing techniques to reduce external disturbances.

Implement acoustic treatment such as foam panels or diffusers to enhance sound quality and clarity. Proper microphone placement is crucial for capturing clear audio; ensure mics are positioned appropriately to minimize echoes and unwanted noise. Use pop filters to reduce plosive sounds that can affect recording quality.

Continuously monitor audio levels during recording to maintain consistency and prevent clipping. By carefully selecting and preparing your recording location, you can significantly improve the overall quality of your podcast recordings.

Exploring Podcast Gear Options

When setting up your podcast recording equipment, ensure to conduct mic-testing before the session to optimize sound quality and performance.

For a professional podcast setup, consider using USB microphones or condenser microphones for superior audio quality.

The Zoom H series, like the Zoom H6, offers excellent multitrack capabilities for recording each mic separately. Additionally, USB audio interfaces such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provide precise control and mixing options.

These tools are essential for creating a studio-like environment and ensuring seamless integration of multiple microphones.

Before recording, make sure to set up your equipment in a quiet, well-treated studio space to capture clean, high-quality audio for your podcast.

Consider platforms like Riverside.fm 

Best for: Podcasters looking for a user-friendly online recording platform with studio-quality results.

Techniques for Recording With Multiple Mics

When setting up for a podcast recording session with multiple microphones, utilizing XLR mics paired with an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers a straightforward solution for achieving high-quality audio output.

• XLR Mics: Provide superior sound quality and control.
• Audio Interface: Allows for seamless recording of multiple mic inputs.
• Voicemeeter for Windows: Enables recording from multiple USB mics.
• Aggregate Device on Mac: Simplifies combining inputs from different microphones.

This setup ensures that each microphone captures clear audio, making editing and post-production tasks more manageable. 

Remote Recording Strategies

For optimal remote podcast recording, ensure a quiet environment and conduct equipment tests beforehand.

Remember, the right tools and environment are essential for successful remote podcast sessions.

Best Practices for Podcasting Success

To ensure podcasting success, prioritize audience-centric content creation tailored to listener preferences and demographics.

• Microphone Selection: Choose quality condenser mics like the Blue Yeti for superior sound.
• Group Microphone Podcasting: Utilize XLR cables and phantom power for multi-mic podcast recording.
• Equalization Techniques: Adjust levels using equalization for balanced audio.
• Technical Setup: Ensure proper placement and distance between microphones for optimal sound capture.