The Podcast Engineering Show

I overview 8 podcast production tips and techniques from recent blog posts (see list below). My blog posts discussed in this episode: Upward CompressionFabFilter video on Upward Compression Is It Necessary to Tweak the Sound of Royalty-free/Stock Music Tracks? Want To Approach Potential Clients but You Have a Fear of RejectionRejection ProofUnplugged Kingsize Megaphones in the Pähni Nature Centre by students of the Estonian Academy of ArtsCan Some Particular Microphones Exacerbate Sibilance?Podcast Editing: A Chore or Labor of Love?Are Your Podcast Episodes Loud Enough?Independent Podcast Editors and Producers: Are You Profiting Enough? Other Notes: reach outPESPES YouTube channelhttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 9 podcast production tips and techniques from recent Daily Goody posts Mar. 18 thru Apr. 8, 2022 (see list below). Also, you can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Microphone Polar Patterns – A Complete Guide 3 Plugins I Purchased but Rarely Use (Unfortunately) — Level Magic (Flux/Jünger Audio), Split EQ (Eventide), dear VR pro (Plugin Alliance) DynaCaster Microphone from sE Electronics Limiting a Bit Before CompressingBleeping Curse WordsAudio Normalization Tips for Pitching Yourself To Be a Guest on Other Podcasts I Love This: Morbid Podcast Mixes Their Ads a Bit Lower in Volume Plugin Doctor, a Plugin Analyzer for VST and AU Plugins Other Notes: reach outPESPES YouTube channel Podcasting communityNostr protocol joinhttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

Listen to my conversation with Tom Pink - Head of Mix, Mastering and Sound Design at Noiser. We discuss sound design in podcast production including lots of helpful tips - basics, advanced, nuances, and lots more. You're welcome to check out some of the shows Tom and his team are producing at Noiser.com. Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I define and discuss the differences between normalization, compression and limiting. Also the usefulness of each and when to use them. And I play audio examples! FYI, you can sign up to receive my Daily Goody posts in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Here are the plugins I referred to (by category): Compressors: https://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channelhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiterhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-76-compressor-limiter https://www.waves.com/plugins/abbey-road-rs124-compressor#introducing-abbey-road-rs124-compressor Channel Strips: https://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channel https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_focusrite_sc.htmlhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-e-channel https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_ssl_4000_e.html Upward Compression: https://www.waves.com/plugins/maxxvolumehttps://www.waves.com/plugins/mv2 https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-inhttps://www.izotope.com/en/products/neutron.htmlhttps://www.sonnox.com/plugin/oxford-inflator-v3 Vocal Riders: https://www.waves.com/plugins/vocal-riderhttps://www.meldaproduction.com/MAutoVolumehttps://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-autogain-pro-mk2/https://www.tbproaudio.de/products/dynaridehttps://www.tbproaudio.de/products/gainriderhttps://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/outlawhttps://www.soundradix.com/products/powair/ Limiters: https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-l-2-limiter-plug-inhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channelhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_focusrite_sc.htmlhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-e-channel https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_ssl_4000_e.html https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-in Dual Stage Compressors: https://www.acustica-audio.com/store/products/aquamarine https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_class_a_mastering_comp.html Multiband Compression: (great for people who move on and off mic a lot) https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-inhttps://www.waves.com/plugins/c6-multiband-compressorhttps://www.izotope.com/en/products/neutron.htmlhttps://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone.html Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 10 podcast production tips and techniques from recent Daily Goody posts Feb. 14 thru Mar. 9, 2022 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: The Debate Over Editing Out Breaths vs. Leaving Breaths InHow To Handle Clients That Won’t Heed Your Advice To Improve Their Audio QualityUsing Pixels to Track Podcast Ad Stats?article I mentionedReasons I Sometimes Use Volume Boost in My Podcast Player AppRØDE Broadcaster (Microphone)What Equipment Do You Recommend for New Podcasters?An Inexpensive Podcasting Equipment Setup to Sound GreatFabfilter Pro-DS, an Exceptional De-esserWhen a Remote Guests’ Internet Fails and They DisconnectWant Me to Dial-in Custom Settings for Your Voice? (EQ, Compression, Etc.)Editing the Timing Between a Question and the Answer Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 9 podcast production tips and techniques from recent Daily Goody posts Jan. 19 thru Feb. 11, 2022 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Expecting a Plugin Preset to Do What the Name SaysMy Experience Opening and Operating a Brick and Mortar Podcast Studio for 3 Years – PES 230When Editing Out Silence To Increase Pacing, Be Sure To…Loudness Range of Final Episodes – What’s Good and What’s Bad?The “White Glove” Service: Engineering Client Recording Sessions RemotelyUsing Cable Labels to Reduce “Spaghetti” Confusion in Your StudioBest Sounding Microphone Emulation *For My Voice* Using My Sphere L22 MicrophoneGain Rider Plugin: DynaRide2Should You Ask Remote Guests to Record Their Own Audio Locally?Best Recording Tip for Someone Who Speaks at a Soft, Low Volume[VIDEO] MaxxVolume Plugin for Podcast Production (Handy as Heck!)episode 225 Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 9 podcast production tips and techniques from recent Daily Goody posts Dec.13, 2021 thru Jan.17, 2022 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Putting the Finishing Touch on Your Podcast Audio Before PublishingHow Much Would You Like To Earn Producing Podcasts, $25k/year? $50k? $100k?Corey Marie Green, Author of The Podcaster’s Audio Handbook – PES 228Get Fuller Sound by Manipulating HarmonicsDo This Before New Years DayUrgent Advice for Any Podcaster Using a Blue YetiChris’s Goody Bag – PES 229Do You Breakdown and Put Away Your Equipment After Recording, Or…?Brainworx bx_console AMEK 9099Please Don’t Ever Use Your Computers Built-in Microphone for Recording PodcastsRiverside’s Noise Suppression FeatureVIDEO: CLA-2A Compressor/Limiter Plugin (Waves) for Podcast Production Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

Returning guest Barry Gary shares so many excellent tips for producing podcasts for companies and organizations. Barry is the host of The Louisville Cycling Podcast. He also produces other podcasts including Medchat and Parenting With You. Also, here is Barry’s first appearance on this show. Barry and I discussed many things including: NEWS: In case you missed it, I'm now publishing a YouTube video everyday here on the PES channel. Please consider subscribing. Other Notes: reach outsign upSign up herePEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

Enjoy my chat with Zack Hanni, owner and audio engineer at Sounds Like Soma in Philadelphia. He produces podcasts as well as music. We discuss podcast audio production in depth as well as the business aspects of being a podcast producer. Also check out his TikTok and YouTube channels. Also check out Zack's first appearance on this show. Ep. 40 HERE In case you missed it, I'm now publishing a YouTube video everyday here on the PES channel. Consider subscribing. Other Notes: reach outsign upSign up herePEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

Today I’m going to discuss some mistakes I’ve made producing podcasts. Microphone: In this episode I’m using my Electro-Voice RE320 microphone plugged into my Neve Portico II channel strip (using compression, EQ and a bit of saturation). The same microphone you see in my daily short videos here. I mention a recent hiking experience I had where a guy who saw my shirt (which says Ask Me About My Podcast) and asked, "What's your podcast?" And then immediately added, "JUST KIDDING!” We all laughed and he didn’t ask again so I didn’t mention my podcast at all. HA Mistakes I’ve Made Producing Podcasts: Other Notes: reach outsign upSign up herePEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

NOTE: In this episode I’m using a Sennheiser e835 microphone into my Portico 2 channel strip and using these plugins in post: KIT BB N105, Shadow Hills Class A Mastering Compressor, Saturn 2, and Aquamarine 4. Here's the summary of what I discuss on How To Handle Loudness Properly in All Stages of Your Podcast Production Workflow: Other Notes: reach outsign upSign up herePEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

Returning all-star guest Max Flight helps me cover 17 ways to re-evaluate your podcast this summer, and we also discuss Max's latest podcast production workflow, equipment, software and more. Max has been producing aviation podcasts since 2008: Airplane GeeksThe UAV Digesthttp://thirtythousandfeet.com/2039 We discuss these 17 ways in which you can re-evaluate and improve your show this summer: And here's a lot more detail on Max's production: Big changes since PES 20 and PES 39 mostly involve a simplification of the signal path: Current equipment: Software: Services: Notes from Max: Other Notes: reach outsign upSign up herePEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 9 podcast production tips and techniques from recent Daily Goody posts Oct. 25 - Dec. 10, 2021 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: What is Mastering in Podcast Production?Musicians Can Fund Their Music Careers by Earning $50-150 Per Hour Producing Podcasts From HomeName One Song That Sounds Amazing/Perfect to YouAKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio HeadphonesBackground Noise Is Exacerbated by CompressionSplitEQ from Eventide3 Different Categories of “Noise” to Avoid When Recording PodcastsOne Participant Using a Condenser Mic, the Other Using a Dynamic MicDo You Feel Hurried or Chill When You Edit Your Podcast? Other Notes: Podcast Services Mastermind WorkshopHEREreach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I've attended every single Podfest since 2014. And this year it was great to see so many friends and colleagues in person again! Here are some of my experiences, notes and highlights of the event: MY TALK: "How to Use Compression & Normalization (Mandatory for Creating Professional Grade Audio)" ---> The full presentation will be published soon! Outline what I covered: *Audio Production Challenge for my listeners: Compress the ultra-dynamic audio clip that I used for demonstration in my presentation and send me your processed audio file! Links to Apps and Plugins I Mentioned in My Talk at Podfest 2022 on “Compression and Normalization” Link to 4 recent overview posts: What is Compression? (Audio Processing)Introduction to Compressor ControlsWhat Are Audio Plugins? (Audio Processing)Introduction to Plugin Chains PODCASTING 2.0, CRYPTO, BLOCKCHAIN, ETC.: The Florida Bitcoin & Blockchain Summit PRESENTATIONS I SAW: Seth Silvers, CEO of Story On Media --- "The Roadmap To Using NFTs To Engage Your Podcast Audience and Increase Revenue" Uncut.fm TikTok presentation by Melissa Hughes WHAT I WAS INSPIRED TO CHANGE/DO: Ashley Lehmann Other interesting things I learned about: SnowpixelNatalie Champa Jennings MY OVERALL EVALUATION OF THE ENTIRE EVENT: PEOPLE I HUNG OUT WITH: NOTE: The next semester of PES starts on June 28, 2022.

I overview 8 podcast production tips and techniques from Oct. 6 - Oct. 22, 2021 (see list below). You can sign up to receive these Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Captivate’s Interview Management & Guest Booking Platform Integrates With SquadCastRemote Recording Using WiFi vs Ethernet CableBeing Ready at Least 5-10 Minutes Before Each Recording SessionHow to Make Decisions Regarding Buying New PluginsPodcast Intro Music: How Loud Should It Be?Bad Edits Are Terrible – Don’t Make Bad Edits!iZotope RX 9Using “Room Tone” When Editing Podcasts Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/Getting New Clients at Higher Rates Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 8 recent Daily Goody‘s from Sep. 20 - Oct. 4, 2021 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Reduce Editing Time With Better Recording HabitsReferencing Your Old Episodes to Evaluate the SoundEarning Over $100k Producing Podcasts From HomeAudio Production FundamentalsApollo x4 Audio InterfaceHow Podcasters Can Receive Crypto From Listeners (PES 226)Sound Absorbing Items in Your Recording SpaceGullfoss Master NOTE: In post-production I processed my voice (recorded on a Shure SM7b into a Sound Devices MixPre-6 first gen.) using the following plugins (in this order): Fabfilter Pro-GBB N105 channel stripAbbey Road RS124Aquamarine 4 Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 8 recent Daily Goody‘s from June 21 - Sep. 20, 2021 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. NOTE: In this episode I’m using the new DynaCaster microphone from sE Electronics! I think it ended up sounding great. Also be sure to watch Podcastage’s excellent test and review of this microphone: sE Electronics Dynacaster Review / Test (vs. SM7b, RE20, Ethos) Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Reduce Editing Time With Better Recording HabitsBe Delicate When De-essingBB N105 Plugin (EQ and Saturation)Edit Out Awkward Silence or Not?Nicest Looking Website-Embeddable Podcast Players?Kali Audio LP-6 Active Near-field MonitorsMJUC Compressor Plugin from KlanghelmAdjusting a Compressors Release Time and What Effect That Has on the SoundMartín Gonzalez, Audio Engineer at Pushkin Industries – PES 221 Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I overview 9 recent Daily Goody‘s from May 21 though June 18, 2021 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. I also demonstrate the three best Townsend Labs Sphere L22 microphone emulations for my voice (as judged by me). Which do you like best for my voice?: Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Here’s When I DON’T Edit Out a Word Mispronounced Then Repeated CorrectlyDo You “Cheat” and Publish Your Episodes Louder Than the Unofficial Loudness Standards?? I Do.Up for a “New Client Challenge”?Perception of SpaceSennheiser MKH 416 – Short Shotgun Interference Tube MicrophoneSSL UC1 Hardware Plug-in ControllerSteinberg WaveLab (Mastering Software)Jason Sheesley episodeI Held an ATR2100USB in My Hand This Whole Episode Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

I discuss my experience opening and operating a brick and mortar podcast studio for 3 years, including: Discovering podcasting in late 2011 Starting my own show in my apartment solely for the experience of starting a podcast – The Chris Curran Show! Why I decided to open a physical podcast studio in June 2012 Economics: History: What were my competitive advantages? I was fortunate that: i signed a 3 year lease, but it wasn’t overly expensive because it was in an older building and the space was unique (perhaps difficult to sell to most average businesses). Fractal Recording was born in June 2012. Equipment setup: Started several shows to jumpstart the content coming out of my studio. I did this to generate as much buzz as possible around my studio. Attending Chamber of Commerce networking events to promote my studio and invite local business people to be interviewed on my local business podcast. *Back then most people didn’t even know what podcasts were! I met Barry the maintenance guy and got to know him. Trying to partner with 2 different people – both were going to be in charge of marketing and sales (obviously because I wanted to focus on the audio production!) – and both ended up in tragedy. The studio not being soundproof… UGH. THE END: Deciding to NOT sign up for another 3 years, which happened to coincide with my move to Colorado (where I would start doing all client recordings virtually). To sum up my experience having the studio for 3 years: Was the studio profitable? Barely. It took a lot of effort and technically the studio was profitable but not by much. If I had a good salesperson it could have been more profitable. The Universe is funny – as soon as we moved to Colorado I got a call from a NJ business (who lived close to my old studio) who wanted to hire me to produce their podcast, but they did NOT want to come into my studio, and I said GREAT that works out nicely! I started on-boarding additional remote production clients and within 5 months I got a huge contract with Forbes to produce their podcast network remotely. What Did I Learn: Hope you enjoyed that. Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris

*Here's the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9qcq5jpnGEo I overview 9 recent Daily Goody‘s from April 30 through May 19 (see list below). You can sign up to receive Daily Goody’s in your email every day or a weekly roundup. Sign up here. Note: In this episode I’m using my Sennheiser MKH 416 into an Apollo x4 interface (with a Distressor, Curve Bender and Pultec EQP-1A plugins running). Daily Goody posts that I discussed in this episode: Bringing Down a De-esser’s Lower Range To Start Around 3-4 kHz if NecessaryThe Dreaded “Andumm” (Sounds like Ann Dumb)How Do You Set Your Final Episode LUFS Level to -16 Stereo or -19 Mono?“Firing” a Podcast Production ClientProtecting Your Ears When Mowing the Lawn, etc.Rolls MS111 Mic Switch – Latching or Momentary Microphone Mute SwitchMeasuring the Intelligibility of Emergency Announcements in Public AreasNUGEN AMB: Audio Management Batch ProcessorStripping Audio From Video Livestreams To Use as Audio Podcast Episodes Other Notes: reach outPEShttps://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/ Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris