Author: Chris Curran

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One way to save listeners from getting their ears blown out is to lean back from your microphone when you laugh really loud.

This is an aspect of good microphone technique.

Yes, in post-production you can use compressors, etc. to help tame loud laughing, but compressors don’t completely tame loud outbursts and can also introduce other unwanted effects like pumping and breathing, etc.

Plus, developing good mic technique will serve you well in ALL recording scenarios regardless of microphone, Live situations vs. pre-recorded, streaming, appearances on other shows, etc.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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In recording sessions when you first connect with guests over the internet, and before you start recording, you can address the items on the soundcheck list below to help guests AVOID many problems that can ruin their audio quality, thereby saving YOU lots of time and pain in your post-production processing. Oh, and your guests will sound a lot better, too 😉

1. Have a strong reliable internet connection.
2. Ask them to restart their computer if they haven’t done so that day, and only open applications that are necessary for recording.
3. Be in a quiet room – Turn off fans and AC, close windows, ask family to be quiet, etc.
4. Mic technique – Mouth consistently close to the mic when speaking
5. Earbuds not rubbing or flapping around
6. Sit quietly in one spot – Don’t move around, don’t make any sounds like clicking a pen, tapping your foot, slapping papers down on the desk, etc.

Please add your own soundcheck concerns below in the comments!

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Here’s an interesting article on gain staging with plugins.

Here’s the beginning of the article on the Universal Audio website:

What is Gain Staging? The Subtle Art of Signal Chains

For those of us who toiled over faders back when the earth was still cooling, the concept of gain staging was fairly easy to grasp. Each separate box was a link in the audio chain, visibly connected via patch cables, and analog distortion was easy to hear and identify. In today’s all-digital, in-the-box world, it’s not that simple. Signal paths can be unconventional and convoluted, and digital distortion can be subtle and sneaky.

But while the dawn of the DAW has fundamentally changed the way we make records, proper gain staging is no less critical to good recording. The user-friendly, forgiving design of computer audio programs can make it all too easy to overlook a poorly-thought-out signal chain, and the results can sneak up and bite you.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Audio plugins are invaluable when it comes to producing professional podcast audio because they can fix many audio problems as well as enhance your audio quality so it sounds tremendous.

I’ve made 10 categories, each a different plugin type, and have chosen my top plugin in each category.

Be aware that most if not all major DAWs have built in processors like the ones I mention below, and some of them can be very good quality, so be aware that most of the plugins I mention below are definitely not “necessary” for the average podcaster.

*Also please be aware that I’ve chosen these plugins out of the many plugins I’ve actually used personally, which is only a small fraction of all the plugins in existence. Be sure to do your own research before purchasing any plugins, which includes trying the plugin for free which most plugin companies allow you to do.

Note: In many cases my top pick in each category happens to be a relatively expensive plugin. In those cases I also include a few less expensive plugins that are also extremely good quality.

Category 1: Cleanup and Repair

iZotope RX – a suite of plugins for audio cleanup and repair containing modules like Voice De-noise, De-reverb, De-plosive, De-ess, Mouth De-click, EQ, Leveler, Loudness, De-clip, De-hum, De-click, Breath Control, De-bleed and more.

Category 2: Channel Strip

A channel strip is a single plugin that contains many different processors within it like EQ, compression, etc.

Scheps Omni Channel (Waves) – This is the plugin I usually recommend getting first because it’s not expensive, it’s high quality and it contains EQ, filters, compression, gate/expander, saturation, TWO de-essers!, and a limiter.

A bit more expensive options: SSL E Channel (Waves), Neutron (iZotope)

A lot more expensive option: Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC

Category 3: Vocal Rider (Waves)

The Vocal Rider plugin from Waves gets its own category because it is INCREDIBLY handy for podcast production. It automatically rides the volume of dynamic participants to ensure that their really loud parts are brought down a bit and their really quiet parts are brought up in volume. Works great on people who trail off at the end of sentences and then suddenly get REALLY loud. This plugin usually ends up being the 2nd plugin I recommend people buy, after the Scheps mentioned above.

Category 4: EQ

Pro-Q 3 (Fabfilter) – a great EQ with many amazing features. It’s not cheap but it’s outstanding.

Alternative: smart:EQ 2 (sonible)

Less expensive option: F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ (Waves)

Category 5: Compressor

Aquamarine 4 (Acustica) – an amazing expensive dual stage compressor that has been phenomenal for me.

Some less expensive good alternatives I like: CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter (Waves), True Dynamics (Kazrog), CLA-76 (Waves)

Category 6: Multiband compressor

Pro-MB (Fabfilter) – a great sounding plugin extremely handy in some situations.

Much less expensive alternative: C6 (Waves)

Note: Multiband compressors are also included in Ozone (iZotope) and Neutron (iZotope).

Category 7: Limiter

Pro-L 2 (Fabfilter) – another amazing Fabfilter plugin that sounds great and has amazing UI like all Fabfilter plugins.

Less expensive alternatives: L2 (Waves), CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter (Waves)

Also note the Maximizer module in Ozone (iZotope)

Oxford Limiter V3 (Sonnox) – this is one that I’ve been looking forward to trying out, but never get around to it. I guess in general I just haven’t been in the mood to try any new plugins, maybe because I already own and like sooooo maaannyyy plugins.

Category 8: De-esser

soothe2 (oeksound) – intelligent taming of resonances, sibilance and more.

Amazing alternative: Pro-DS (Fabfilter)

Less expensive options: DeEsser (Waves), Manny Marroquin Triple D (Waves)

Category 9: Saturation (Tape, Tube, Transformer)

Saturation plugins add subtle harmonic distortion to emulate the sound of old analog gear including tubes, analog tape, transformers, etc. Saturation adds some kind of character and warmth to recordings.

Saturn 2 (Fabfilter) – this is not supposed to be a Fabfilter commercial, but Saturn 2 has lots of different types of saturation and there are many cool sounding presets.

Also note the Saturation module in Scheps Omni Channel (Waves).

Black Box Analog Design HG-2 (Plugin Alliance) – another one I really want to try soon, and trying this one would probably be a lot more fun than trying the Oxford Limiter V3 mentioned above.

Category 10: Mastering

Mastering refers to the last bit of processing you can use on your final “mix” to make it louder and with more consistent volume and tone, etc.

Ozone (iZotope) – a suite of mastering plugins.

Another one I’ve tried and liked is the Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain (Waves).

BONUS Category 11: Specialty Plugins (Exciter, Transient Shaper, Intelligent EQ, Multi-Effects including reverb, delay, chorus, flange, filters, distortion, etc.)

By specialty plugins I mean: Exciter, Transient Shaper, Intelligent EQ, Multi-Effects including reverb, delay, chorus, flange, filters, distortion, etc.

Just a bunch of cool plugins I’ve enjoyed using from time to time. BTW these are ABSOLUTELY NOT NECESSARY for podcast production so DO NOT BUY any of these. Unless you really know what you’re doing.

Aphex Vintage Exciter (Waves)

Exciter module in Ozone (iZotope)

Oxford Inflator (Sonnox)

Gullfoss (Soundtheory) – Intelligent EQ

spiff (oeksound) – transient shaper

Transient Shaper module in Neutron (iZotope)

Timeless 2 (Fabfilter) – multi-effects plugin containing reverb, delay, chorus, flange, filters, distortion and lots more.

I’m really interested to know:

Which amazing plugins are you loving these days? Seriously, I’m always expanding my knowledge and would love to know which plugins are your favorites. Comment below.

My neighbors sometimes rent their house Airbnb style, and recently the tenants were very loud on their back deck.

So I temporarily plugged the window facing their house and it worked!

Complete hack job, but there’s nothing more annoying to be working in your studio and hearing people shout and laugh, etc.

How did I do it? I have various leftover foam so I just filled the window opening, which is a good 16” deep, with foam and held it in place with an old lighting stand.

“Someday” I will have a REAL studio! (A guy can dream, anyway…)

Have you ever done a temporary hack job like this?

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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The Zoom ZDM-1 Dynamic Microphone is expected to be available in Mid Sep. 2020. Also available will be the Zoom ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack with Headphones, Windscreen, XLR, and Tabletop Stand.

About the ZDM-1 Microphone from the B&H website:

Tuned to deliver a robust vocal tone with smooth highs and tight lows, the Zoom ZDM-1 is an affordable dynamic microphone that’s ideal for podcasters, radio show announcers, rappers, and singers. Thanks to its high SPL handling and broad frequency response, this end-address mic makes it easy to capture your voice with mix-ready broadcast quality.

The large-diaphragm dynamic capsule utilizes a supercardioid pickup pattern to effectively reduce ambient sound such as room noise at the sides of the mic. To isolate the pickup element from handling noise, vibrations, and rumble, the ZDM-1 employs an integrated shock-absorbing mechanism. The ZDM-1’s integral humbucking circuit improves the signal-to-noise ratio by inhibiting electromagnetic interference from common sources such as wireless devices, power lines, computer displays, and more.

The all-metal body and grille afford ruggedness and durability for reliable use session after session. The ZDM-1 includes a pivoting mic stand mount for easy positioning and a custom windscreen for attenuation of plosives and breath noise.

• • • • • • Large-diaphragm dynamic design captures smooth, broadcast-quality sound
          • Classic end-address style
          • Supercardioid polar pattern provides focused pickup and excellent isolation
          • High 135 dB SPL handling ensures clean recordings every time
          • 50 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response with tight bass and smooth highs enhances vocal tone for radio, podcasting, and more
          • Internal shockmount provides isolation from bumps and handling noise
          • Built-in humbucking circuit rejects electromagnetic interference
          • Balanced XLR output connector
          • All-metal body and grille stands up to daily use
          • Includes pivoting mic stand mount, threaded adapter, and custom windscreen

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Microphone level refers to the strength of the audio signal coming out of a microphone, which is relatively weak compared to line level.

Line level refers to the strength of the audio signal that is optimal for recording or sending from one piece of audio gear to another. (For instance, from an analog mixer to an audio interface)

Therefor, a preamp is used to bring up a microphone level signal to line level in order to be recorded or transferred between audio gear, etc.

Also see this other post: Types of Audio Signal Levels

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Please share in the comments below what your favorite audio plugins are for podcast production.

Here are my four (!) favorites: (NOTE: For cleaning up audio files I always use iZotope RX 7 which is invaluable, but the plugins I list below are my favorite MIXING plugins)

1. bx_console Focusrite SC from Plugin Alliance (a channel strip of extremely high audio quality — a bit expensive but it’s amazing — has EQ, compressor, filters, gate, de-esser/exciter, analog mode, etc.)
2. Aquamarine 4 from Acustica Audio (a two-stage compressor which sounds amazing — I use this on a subgroup containing all voices on each episode)
3. Vocal Rider from Waves (extremely handy for use on guests who are way too dynamic — it automatically rides their volume to bring down loud parts and bring up quiet parts)
4. soothe2 from Oeksound (an extremely handy and intelligent de-esser)

What are your favorites? Tell me below in the comments 😉

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Which podcasting groups/communities do you enjoy being a member of?

Your level of involvement can vary, but it’s good to stay involved in podcasting groups and communities online and offline. These days there’s no better way to keep your finger on the pulse of all the changes and growth happening in the podcasting space.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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Lots of podcasters, editors and producers like to remove the parts of each participant’s track where they are NOT speaking in order to remove any and all background noise and other unnecessary sounds like breathing, coughing, paper shuffling, keyboard typing, dogs barking, cars driving by, etc.

And of course Reaper amazes us again by providing a Dynamic Split function which automates this task.

See this article for instructions on how to use Dynamic Split.

From Reaper’s wiki: One way of using REAPER’s Dynamic Splitting is to clean up a track and remove those passages that should be silent. This can be handy, for example, with a vocal track, to automatically clean up the passages between verses which might contain unwanted background noises such as breathing or shuffling sounds.

Have you ever tried this feature in Reaper? I have not tried it yet.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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The Crossgate feature in Auphonic Multitrack is really handy when you want to reduce/eliminate the bleed from other microphones in the same in-person recording space.

From Auphonic’s website:

Crossgate: Crosstalk (Spill) Removal

When recording multiple people with multiple microphones in one room, the voice of speaker 1 will also be recorded in the microphone of speaker 2 and creates a crosstalk (spill), reverb or echo-like effect.

Our multitrack algorithms know exactly when and in which track a speaker is active and can therefore remove the same signal (crosstalk) from all other tracks. This results in a more direct signal and decreases ambience and reverb.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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When recording podcast episodes over the internet using a service that records each participant’s track separately, it’s often handy to record a real-time backup recording containing all participants for the purpose of lining up everyone’s individual tracks later.

For instance, the host of the show can locally capture all participants on one track and then in post-production line up everyone’s individual track to that “guide” track.

NOTE: The audio of the “guide” track will not be used in the final episode audio – it’s just there to line up all individually recorded tracks (from Squadcast, for instance). But of course the “guide” track also serves as a backup recording in case you DO need to use it.

Why bother with this “guide” track business? Because sometimes the individual tracks you record will not line up and it can be an absolute nightmare sifting through various length recordings and lining everything up by ear.

Zoom, especially, is infamous for everyone’s track being DRASTICALLY different lengths. Check out Darrell Darnell’s Facebook post about Zoom files being different lengths for different participants and then having to spend a ton of time figuring out how to line everything up in post-production.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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I know lots of people who LOVE Logic Pro and use it everyday.

I bought and tried using Logic Pro about 2 years ago and it seemed good but it wasn’t a good fit for me. Of course learning a new DAW takes time but I wasn’t enjoying the look and feel and layout, etc.

Have you tried Logic Pro? Did you like it?

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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If you have a window in your recording space and significant noise is coming in through that window and ruining your recordings, there are ways to soundproof the window to reduce that incoming noise.

Here’s a very simple and easy method shown by this YouTuber; the video is titled How To Soundproof A Window.

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And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

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