My workflow for improving the sound quality for a podcast episode recorded through Zoom

Lots of people ask me how I get such good audio quality from my Zoom recorded podcast episodes.?I follow a 4-step process which i've detailed below.?

It’s important to state two things before I start:

• Zoom wasn’t designed for high quality audio podcasts, so I’m not bashing the product in any way.
• This process could work with other products such as Microsoft Teams or if you’re using a basic device to record.

My recording setup:

Firstly, it’s probably useful if I document my setup….

• Mixing device: I use the Rodecaster Pro 2 – this seems to be the industry standard for most people I talk to recording podcasts.?Link to Amazon: https://amzn.to/42CRZVW
• Microphone/Headset: I used a headset and mic combo from Audio-Technica – It’s important you use an XLR connection and you want the BPHS2C model.?https://amzn.to/3ObKEYZ?
• Backpack – I’ve fallen in love with the GOGroover Mixer Backpack – everything fits into this backpack.?https://amzn.to/44Z0IDs
• Small option travel case, you could go for the USA GEAR Audio Mixer Case: https://amzn.to/4524Su3
• My Rodecaster Pro 2 is connected to my laptop and I run the Zoom call through the technical equipment listed above.

Step 1 – Editing the recording to create the episode from a storytelling perspective.

The challenge I’m looking to overcome here is to make the show presentable to my audience,

I’m not worried about the sound quality as I’m looking to edit the content, remove any unnecessary sounds (such as “umms” and “arghs”) and trim the recording so it makes for a good episode.?

Sometimes guests will unintentionally ramble a little due to nerves.?Post recording editing can help you create that polished episode.?This is where I get the episode ready for consumption.?Again, zero focus on sound quality.

The main product I used for this step is called Audacity.?Audacity is a free open source editor.?I run a PC setup (Windows 11), I have friends that use a MAC and they use GarageBand.

There are plenty of YouTube tutorials and I found there was a small learning curve to get use to the product.??

Step 2 – Making sure the recording has the same level of audio.

The challenge I’m looking to overcome here is to ensure consistency in the level of the recording by channel.

Using the Rodcaster Pro 2 allows you to change the levels of your recording but there is only so much control.?If your guest doesn’t have a high-quality mic on the other end of the call, then no mixing board will work miracles.?Up until recently I’ve not found a great way to solve this problem but that all changed a month ago.?I discovered a free product called CN Levelator.?In order to use the Levelator app, you need to be working with a WAV format file.?

Simply drop your recording into the app and an updated copy of the file will appear in the same folder with the sound levels adjusted.

Step 3 Using Artificial Intelligence(AI) to polish the sound.

I want my recording to sound as professional as possible, AI can really help with this.

Now that you have a recording which has the correct levels and fully edited you can add some polish to it using AI.?I’m currently on a Beta program for an Adobe offering based on what was called Project Shasta.?Whilst it’s important to note that the offering does more than improve sound quality, that’s the main thing I use it for.?

Simply drop a wav or MP3 onto the page and it will process it in the background.?Once completed you then download straight from the website.?There are a few things to note here:

• The maximum size of the file you can use is 500mb – sometimes this means you need to output from Audacity in MP3 format vs WAV.
• The maximum duration of a recording is 1hour, the average length of my episodes is about an hour.?There have been a couple of situations where I’ve had to cut the episode and upload two files.
• The maximum time of recordings you can upload is 3 hours a day.?It’s not a problem for me but if you were working on more than one podcast it could become an issue.
• I don’t upload any music as part of my episode – I find it distorts the songs.

I can’t recommend this product enough; I find it key to my production and am really pleased I found it.

Step 4 Adding music to my recording.

I want to finish the production of the episode and include my signature introduction as well as a brief soundbite of a song either related to the episode or more commonly a favorite artist or song from my guest.

I open Audactiy again, edit the song I’ve chosen to be of soundbite length and then combine with the recording.?This is a pretty simple cut and paste exercise.?

Once I have the final cut of the recording I’m ready to upload to my service provider (Buzzsprout).?My episode is then ready to be scheduled and promoted.

I’m sure there are many other ways to create your podcast recording, I wanted to share my workflow.?

I Would love to hear from you if you are using different tools or approaches that deliver great results.?You can hear my latest episode here: https://bit.ly/howtodpoc