Chuck's Podcasting Page

Chuck's Podcasting Page

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Hey there, Chuck! Here's some info...

This page simply explains how to connect the microphone to your computer, how we will record (sort of) and other odds and ends to (hopefully) make things as simple as possible on your end...

three-mic-shots-right-order

Setting Up the Microphone

The microphone is a Blue Yeti USB microphone. Odds are good it'll be plug-n-play (well, plug-n-record) whether you're on Apple or PC. You'll talk into one side of the mic, and your guest will talk into the other...
 
 

Quick Mic Setup
Plug the USB cable into the bottom of the mic, make sure the Mute button is NOT flashing, turn down the Volume dial, set the Gain to about Noon, and choose the Figure-8 pattern (turn the knob all the way, clockwise)

Mic Setup with more words
- Connect the mic to your computer using the supplied USB cable. It'll be obvious which end goes where. One end goes into the bottom of the mic, the other goes into your computer.

- The Mute button should be glowing red. If it's flashing, push the button (if the button is flashing, mute is engaged and you can't record sound).

- Turn the Volume knob all the way down (counterclockwise). That controls the volume of the headphones, coming from the jack on the bottom of the mic.

- Set the Gain knob to about Noon (straight up).

- Make sure the Pattern selector is on the Figure-8 pattern (turn the knob all the way, clockwise)
 
Screen Shot 2020-01-23 at 12.00.58 PM

Here's a decent video on setup.
(Only watch 2:30 - 4:30)

NOTE: The Yeti is a "SIDE ADDRESS MICROPHONE," which means you talk into the SIDE of the mic, NOT the TOP (see the yeti using a Yeti)

Talk into the FRONT, toward the Blue logo.

Test The Mic
Test the mic setup by plugging headphones or earbuds into the Headphone jack at the bottom of the Yeti. Listen while you slowly turn the Volume knob clockwise while speaking into the mic. You should soon hear your voice loud and clear.

If you don't ever hear your voice, check the Gain knob to make sure it's turned to 12 o'clock/straight up. If not, turn your headphones back down and turn the Gain up. Then, start this process again.

If you still don't hear yourself, let me know.

Recording: Audacity

We'll have you download and use Audacity to record the interviews.  It's easy and free and works on Windows and Apple OS.

Download Audacity

Here is a video to show you the basics of recording with an external mic like the Yeti...

This info is old, but may still be very helpful. Remember: when in doubt, search YouTube...

Monitoring the Sound: Headphones

Yes, ideally you'll wear headphones while recording. And, so will the guest.  Unless you have a headphone jack splitter, you will plug into the computer headphone jack, and the guest will plug into the mic headphone jack (bottom).

Q: Why headphones?
A: It's the only way to know what you're actually recording

If you really don't want to wear the headphones while recording, at least wear them to get everything situated and tested. Then, go with the Gods of Podcasting...

Recording Pointers

  • You should be about two fist's width away from the mic when you speak. Any closer and you'll make popping sounds when you say words that begin with "P."  If you or the guest are too far, we end up hearing too much of the room and not enough of the people speaking
  • Try not to touch the mic or bump the table while recording. The mic hears (and feels) everything.
  • The recording levels should be strong but not all-the-way strong. I can always make things louder later, but once they're too loud, it'll always sound bad.
  • Remember it's a recording and not a broadcast, so if you need to stop and regroup, don't worry and just stop. We can edit anything out.

Setting Recording Levels in Audacity

The Audio File

When you record with Audacity, it makes a PROJECT file. What we need here is an AUDIO file. So, you'll need to export a .WAV or .AIFF AUDIO file from Audacity.

This video explains how to export from Audacity.  

Delivering the Audio Files

I'll set up a DropBox (or something like it).
 
 

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