Selected items you can check out from AV (log into MySLC for the full list):
For recording your own original audio, either for interviews or more scripted content, there are a few different methods you can use. Over the course of one project you may need to use a few of these, such as remote recording for an interview but an in-person recording for your introduction. Regardless of what method you use, test your set-up before you start recording. Make sure the audio sounds good and that you are able to do some basic troubleshooting if something isn’t going to plan, like if your microphone isn’t working.
There are a few options for recording remotely, which are particularly useful if you want to record with someone who you aren’t able to meet up with locally.
The option that will probably be most familiar to both you and the person you are talking to is to schedule a Zoom meeting and record the audio. You will need to convert the file (instruction in the Editing section of this guide) before you can edit it, but that is a process that only takes a couple of minutes. Additionally if you have a free Zoom account you will be limited to 45 minute sessions.
The other option is to use something like Riverside.fm or Zencastr to set up a “virtual studio.” While this may not be as familiar a platform for most people, the audio quality it saves is significantly better. Both platforms have free accounts, but you may be limited by how many people can join the session or how many hours you can record. Additionally I recommend doing a test call with a friend so you get a sense of what it looks like before you set up your actual recording session.
If you are able to meet up with the person you are recording with, or if you are recording a section on your own, you can record directly onto your laptop or use your phone. You can check out additional equipment from AV (see the box on the left for the list of options) like microphones and sound recorders, which can increase the quality of your audio but are not required.
Your audio will only ever be as good as the room you are in and the microphone you are using, and the Podcasting 101 guide has a section on recording podcasts that includes great tips for preparing your recording space as well as recording good audio on your mobile phone. Additionally the Digital Humanities Virtual Podcasting Workshop has a video on recording podcasts on your computer using Audacity in case you go down that route.