This week I used my production plan to record, edit, and upload the first episode of my podcast, Planning Ahead. Before I created the podcast I still had to do more research into audio recording and good uses of audio.

Reading & Writing: Audio Recording & Editing

I began my research with an article on 7 Secrets for Getting Pro-Sounding Vocals on Home Recordings. This article helped me come up with some ideas for getting good sound since I am in the process of moving and live in a not-so-optimal sound recording environment.

I took the articles advice to “hack my bedroom” by using pillows, blankets, mattresses ect. to create a reverb-free space. I ended up going into the corner of an empty room and creating a box with couch cushions around me and a heavy blanket covering my head. It wasn’t the most comfortable setup, but it did fine. I also took heed of the advice to get the right mic levels (just under peaking) by testing different distances and angles.

The next article I read was Sound Advice: Editing for Audio and Video. This article gave some good advice about making L and J-cuts to smooth out audio transitions, collecting plenty of B-roll AND B-audio, and using EQ plugins to enhance the sound’s quality.

Research to Inform: Effective Audio

Next I looked at some of my favorite creators and assessed how they use sound to effectively tell a story, set the tone, and elicit some laughs.

Internet Historian is a YouTuber known for his in-depth research, stellar storytelling, and, most of all, his visuals and editing. The fact that he composed and animated this entire 46 minute video is impressive enough, but his use of sound puts the icing on top. He adds music, sound effects, and uses archival audio to perfectly compliment his voiceovers.

ContraPoints is another well-researched YouTuber who does deep dives into social issues from a very educated, but entertaining, stance. She uses sound effects, but mostly music, to emphasize her points and make each video an interesting audio experience. What I think makes this stand out is how this content can be taken either audio-only or as a group and still be just as entertaining. Her voice is also soothing yet compelling – so much so that you can spend an hour and a half listening to her talk without getting bored.

Sushi Ramen (Riku) is a Japanese YouTuber who does lighthearted pranks and crazy experiments. His videos are edited to a different pace every time depending on the comedic timing. His use of SFX and music make this (and every video of his) hilarious.

Micarah Tewers is a very talented seamstress & fashion designer who has a chaotic, yet wholesome, vlogging channel. For all of her videos the audio quality is not excellent (I believe it is all recorded on her phone or laptop), but it goes to show that you do not need stellar equipment or circumstances to tell a compelling story. While the audio cuts are a bit jagged, it is difficult to notice unless you are specifically looking for them since the fast-paced storytelling and interesting content almost distracts you.

Create: Planning Ahead Episode #1

After finishing my research and writing my script, I was ready to record my first episode! Unfortunately I was unable to get an interviewee in time for the first episode, but I think I was able to make a nice establishing episode nonetheless. I also have a few interviews lined up for future episodes!

I recorded this episode using my Blue Yeti Microphone on cardioid mode in my little couch-cushion/blanket fort and I edited it in Adobe Audition. Let me know what you think!