Podcast Recording Services: On Location Recording Methods

Our speciality is recording and capturing raw audio in a variety of locations and situations and then being able to skilfully edit the raw audio into a professional production. One of our core principles is to use multiple microphones and to achieve the best microphone positioning to get the best out of the location. This is achieved through experience and knowledge of acoustics, recording techniques and being able to use the most appropriate equipment for the job.

The following sections give examples of recording scenarios and the methods / equipment we use.

Roaming / Field Recording

Interviewing on the move, at trade shows and conferences is best achieved with our field kit. As the name suggests this equipment can also be used to record sound effects and event ambiance.

The method we use is to provide a sound engineer who is able to roam freely whilst recording and constantly monitoring the material being captured. Our sound engineer will work closely with your host or presenter providing them with their own microphone for interviewing.

A second microphone, operated by our sound engineer will capture the comments made by guests.

This setup can be used for a number of scenarios including networking events, tradeshows, interviews with busy executives in on trains, plains or chauffeur driven cars. Variations of this method are used for interview / meetings in public places, such as coffee bars, parks, restaurants and bars.

Office / Meeting Room Recordings

With office / meeting room recorded podcasts participants are often sat around the table during the recording. Our principle here, where possible is to provide every speaker with their own microphone. Getting professional results is about separating recording signals as this gives you much more control later at the production stage.

The microphone placements and techniques will vary from location to location depending on a number of factors. Your sound engineer will make judgements and will run a sound check before the main recording starts. Our sound engineer will monitor the recording throughout.

Lectures / Seminars / Conferences

Capturing a live event such as a lecture, seminar, show or conference is something you only get one chance at. For this reason we make sure that we cover an event with two independent recorders and multiple microphones. We also work in cooperation with the venues sound engineers or PA (public address) hire company and try to establish and audio link to record what is coming through the venues sound system.  Recording from multiple sources ensures that we get the best possible capture of the days events for the edit session.

We also use our field kit to capture any questions from audience members. This preserves the quality and balance of the recording.

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Image via Wikipedia

Podcasting is a relatively new phenomenon that has been spreading the globe from around 2003. Podcasting is simply the act of producing and distributing a Podcast via the world wide web. Rather than being a fad or a trend, Podcasting has become a significant communication and marketing tool for many companies.

What is a Podcast?

Podcast is a term derived from Apple’s iPod (first introduced in October 2001). In reality, a Podcast is just an mp3 audio file that is distributed on demand via the internet. A Podcast can be listened to straight from the internet or downloaded to any mp3 player – not just an iPod! Possibly the greatest appeal of the Podcast is that it can be listened to at the convenience of the listener with many making use of commuting time.

The subject of a Podcast can be almost anything, however, Podcasts are generally in a series and enable the listener to subscribe using an RSS feed (really simple syndication) This is a real advantage for businesses as not only does your first Podcast mention your business name and its activity but it reminds your audience when a new Podcast is available, hence reinforcing your company message and identity.

Common Podcast subjects can be anything from product information delivery, help files, news reports, sports information, hobbies, comedy, tutorials, debates, interviews, company training, internal company communication, seminar recordings, client testimonials etc.

Content that gets them hooked

The key for using Podcasts effectively as a business tool is to find a subject that your target market will find useful. You are trying to get a group of regular listeners and therefore should avoid making your Podcast a blatant advert for your services.

If you provide your listener with useful content and information that is relevant to them and their industry they will happily subscribe to your Podcast. Furthermore, popular Podcasts spread more readily over the internet giving your company lots of cost effective advertising and PR.

Your Podcasts should ideally be in the form of a themed series with each Podcast episode being anywhere from 5-30 minutes in length. Having a planned format will help keep your program flowing and varied.

It is a good idea to consider making your content as timeless as possible; after all, your Podcast will potentially be around forever. Encouraging feedback and suggestions from your audience can help steer the programme into a direction that listeners want. Popular features can be interviews, “how to” guides (without giving your trade secrets away), informational content, mentioning useful industry resources, talk shows, industry news, reviews etc. There are no set rules for Podcast content so don’t be afraid to use your imagination. Trying something new or different can make you unique and stand out from others.

Audio Quality

Anyone with a PC and a microphone can record a Podcast, however, creating a professional sounding Podcast production is a different matter. If you want your company to project professionalism then you need to use one of the growing numbers of Podcast producers.

Your company’s sonic branding should be taken as seriously as your visual forms of branding. As mentioned previously, your Podcast could be around forever in cyberspace; therefore it is worth investing a little time and money into getting it right.

Remember, your Podcast has the potential to be a powerful PR and marketing channel for your business. Excessive background noise, mobile phone interference, bad microphone placement, ramblings on with long silences should have no place in your company Podcast.

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