How To Make Your Podcasts Sound Better And More Professional?

I knew what the telecast and broadcast were. I had even seen an Apple iPod, although I never used it. The first time I ever came across the term ‘podcast’ was only some years ago. I didn’t know at the time what exactly this podcast was. Dummy me! I used to think it had something to do with iPods. However, now I know that the podcast is a modern medium of audio broadcast over the internet, similar to the radio or television broadcast.

The term ‘podcast’ was originally used for audio broadcasts, and now it is used even for online video streaming broadcasts. There is another similar term that has been popularized by the netizens a lot called ‘vodcast’ which is for video podcasts. The live streaming of videos on platforms like YouTube can be called a ‘vodcast’. Anyway, I’m not going to go into the gory details about the vodcast right now since this topic is only about podcasts.

So, how can we consider any podcast a good, professional podcast? Well, the simple answer to this question would be, ‘The podcast, which has clear audio and serves its purpose of what it intends to convey to its listeners, is, in my opinion, a good, professional podcast.

Now, how can you make your podcast sound better and more professional? Well, to help you answer this question, here are some of the ways which can help you make your podcast sound better and more professional:

1. Do thorough research on the topic you want to share with the listeners through your podcast, whatever that topic may be. Make sure the podcast has all the necessary elements to convey your intended message to your listeners. A well-researched topic will make your listeners believe that you know exactly what you are trying to say or convey, and in this way, you’ll sound more professional over your podcasts.

2. Make sure your voice is loud and clear, not too loud, but clear enough whenever you record for your podcasts. If you want and if you can afford it, hire a professional speaker or voice-over artist to record your podcasts for you. Remember, your listener is not able to see you over your podcast. So, to keep your listener engaged, the voice in the podcast has to be articulate, well-modulated, and expressive in its spoken words. In other words, it should not be boring or robotic in a way that your listener falls asleep unless, of course, it is a meditational podcast teaching your listener how to meditate. 

Always remember that through your podcasts, you are trying to make a human connection with your listeners, so always make it a robust and professional connection with them.

3. First, practice or rehearse your podcast content plainly without recording it. It’s always better to rehearse your podcast content by saying it to yourself out loud, in a rhythm to make sure you sound pleasant and expressive to yourself. Make sure you make a connection with your voice first. And if you can make that profound connection with your voice, then your listeners will be able to make it with you too. 

4. Record your podcast in a quiet environment. Not everyone can afford to record their podcasts in the recording studios, so make sure you have a quiet environment before you begin to record your podcasts. You can have the best quality smartphones or other recording devices in the world, however, if there is a lot of noise around you when you start to record your podcast, it’s going to ruin all of your other great efforts like researching and articulating your voice and all. 

Of course, you are going to have to do some editing before letting your podcast stream live on the internet, but if you’ve already recorded it in a quiet environment, it’ll save you a lot of editing time later on. 

There are a lot of noise cancellation microphones and digital recorders available out there that you can use to record your podcasts more efficiently and clearly. Even many smartphones have this noise cancellation functionality built into them, and many smartphone apps offer it too, you can use them if you want.

5. Use background music or sounds in moderation. Once you are ready with your podcast content, you’ve rehearsed it several times, and you’ve also recorded it clearly and well in an articulate, lively, and expressive manner, you may wish to add some background music or sounds to it to make it even livelier and engaging. Make sure that background music doesn’t drown out the main voice content of your podcast, so use that music or mixed sounds in the background in a moderate manner, neither too loudly, nor too faintly. 

Make sure to listen to the finalized version of your podcast enough times, and then when you think you are ready with it, be confident and let it stream online or on your streaming channel.

So, these are some ways to help you make your podcasts sound better and more professional, and your listeners will be able to feel it in their hearts.

Here are some of the best-reviewed microphones available on Amazon that can make your podcasts sound better:

1. FIFINE K678 USB Podcast Microphone.

• One of the best-reviewed microphones available on Amazon.
• Clear audio quality.
• High durability with a heavy size of around 1 kg.
• Comes with USB connectivity for PCs and MACs
• Suitable for live YoutTube streaming, online gaming, and podcasts.
• Comes with volume control and mute functionality, a handy feature for live online meetings and streaming.
• Has 3.5mm jack connectivity for headphones.
• Noise cancellation.
• Includes a desktop stand, and USB cable.

2. Maono AU-PM420 Condenser Microphone.

• This condenser mic is designed with a cardioid polar pattern which reduces the pickup sounds coming from sides, allowing you to record clear audio.
• Has USB connectivity for PCs and MACs.
• Useful for podcasting, live streaming, and meetings, YouTubing, gaming, etc.
• A sturdy mic with a weight of more than 1 kg.
• Comes with a sturdy arm, desk mount clamp, USB cable, pop filter, and metal shock mount.

3. Rode NT-USB Mini Studio quality USB Microphone. 

• This mic is designed with a cardioid pickup pattern which helps in reducing the background noise in the room.
• Has a built-in condenser capsule that produces clear audio by reducing latency.
• Also has a built-in pop filter which helps in reducing the plosive sounds to get clear audio output.
• Mic is suitable for gaming, podcasting, live video and musical show streaming, and studio-quality song recording.
• Comes with USB connectivity to connect with PCs and MACs.
• Also has 3.5mm audio jack connectivity to connect with Tablets and gaming consoles.
• Sturdy-built quality with 360-degree swing mount.
• Has a volume control button.
• The mic comes with a desktop mount and USB cable.

4. Maono AU-A04T USB Condenser Podcast Microphone.

• A Study, budget mic.
• Condenser mic designed with sound cheapest which reduces the background noise and produces clear audio output.
• Useful for online gaming, online meetings, live streaming, and podcasting.
• Comes with USB connectivity to connect with PCs, MACs, and mobile phones and tablets (with OTG cable which is not included in the package.)
• Comes with a pop filter, USB cable, shock mount, tabletop stand, and aluminum case.

Note: Please learn more about all the products’ features on Amazon’s website. Also, read the return and warranty policy for each product before purchasing it. If any faulty product is received, please return it or get it replaced within its stipulated return policy.

Disclaimer: The pictures used in this article belong to their copyrighted owners. All the products mentioned in this article are based on my personal research and experience, please use your discretion before purchasing any product.