Welcome to the training course for the Studio Not Found podcast studio located in Journalism 404. This is a comprehensive guide to using the studio, its equipment, and generally getting your podcast off the ground.
You will go through 9 lessons covering everything you need to know in order to ensure your success in Studio Not Found.
Once you’ve completed this course, you can reserve the studio at nmi.cool/reserve
Section I: Getting Started
Starting Your Podcast
There is a lot that can go into making a podcast, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming as a beginner.
Luckily, NPR has a great guide that will introduce you to the fundamentals of podcasting.
First, read NPR’s student guide for starting your podcast. You don’t have to listen to the recommended podcasts it lists now, just read through each section.
Your First Time in the Studio
Section II: Equipment
What Equipment Do We Have?
In this section, you will learn how to use all of the essential equipment available in Studio Not Found.
Microphones
Electro-Voice RE20 (2): Broadcast microphone
Shure 87A (4): Handheld microphone
Rodecaster Pro
The Rodecaster Pro is an all-in-oe podcast studio that will record to a computer and SD card, automatically improve sound quality, lets you record phone calls, add in one-touch sound effects, and more – all in one relatively compact device.
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to use the the Rodecaster Pro Production Studio.
Other Equipment
- Mic Preamp
- Headphones:
- ATH-M50x: 4 portable headphones, 2 for studio monitoring
- Cables
- 15 ft XLR microphone cables (10)
- 1.5 ft XLR microphone cables (3)
- Rodecaster to USB power cable (1)
- Pop filter (4)
- Shields microphone from plosive sounds
- Mic stands
- Desk mount (2)
- Floor stand (4)
- Shockmount
- Electro-voice 309A Suspension Shockmount (2)
- Attaches to the desk mount
- Any contact with the microphone creates a low-frequency rumble, also called structure-borne noise. Structure-borne noise can be caused by wind, a moving cable, by stomping on the floor, a passing truck, etc.
- The shock mount allows you to mount your mic onto a stand or boom while protecting it from contact
- Micro SD cards (4)
Section III Software and Editing
Intro to Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is an easy-to-learn digital audio workspace that is great for podcast production, and is part of the Adobe Creative Suite.
To get started, watch this beginner video tutorial that will introduce you to Audition.
Multitrack Editing Tips
Multitrack editor is used if you are recording and editing multiple audio tracks from more than one source. It allows you to mix together multiple audio tracks.
You would use the multitrack editor if wanted to add music or sound effects to your podcast, for example.
Watch this video for some helpful tips for working in the multitrack editor.
What Are Plosives? (and How to Fix Them)
Plosives are strong blasts of air that create a massive pressure change at the microphone’s diaphragm, and happen most often with strong p, t, k, and b sounds.
To lessen the effect of plosives, we use pop filters on the microphones that help shield the mic from the plosive sound.
Sometimes, plosives are inevitable. Luckily, there are ways to fix them in post production.
Watch this video to learn more about plosives and how to fix them.
Section IV: Get Your Podcast Out There
Submit Your Podcast to Apple and Spotify (for free)
Once the final version of your podcast is complete, your next step may be to upload it to Apple or Spotify.
We will also be happy to post your podcast on the Studio Not Found website, with your permission.
Watch this video tutorial for how to submit your podcast to Apple and Spotify for free.
Promoting Your Podcast
Now that your podcast is out there, how do you get people to listen to it?
Watch this video to learn some tips for promoting your podcast and growing an audience.