Evaluation of Mics and Mic Sounds Utilized by Podcasters – Cyber Tech

I believe I’ve lastly found out what’s up with podcast audio. At the least by way of:

So what I’m going to do is simply blast you with what I no less than assume I do know at this level.

I’ve been learning these items in-depth since round 2019. And throughout the pandemic I went arduous on it. Like full audiophile.

I discovered the science round what audiophiles had been on about. I discovered about what makes good sound in music. I constructed my home in 2020 and put in a reasonably sick sound system.

However quite a lot of my focus was on discovering the proper sound for a podcast. Like how I needed to sound in audio, and what it takes to make that occur.

• My podcast sound replace in 2021 MORE

• Chasing the proper microphone sound MORE

This put up mainly updates and replaces quite a lot of what I talked about in these, though a lot of what I stated earlier than nonetheless holds.

First I’ll hit you with the science / actuality stuff after which I’ll provide you with some samples.

• Dynamic mics have much less vary however are extra forgiving of noises.

• The Shure SM7b is probably the most well-known dynamic mic proper now, and just about each main podcaster makes use of it.

• The SM7b produces a lovely, rounded, deep, however somewhat bit lifeless sound. It makes you sound authoritative.

• Condenser mics are extraordinarily clear however very noisy as a result of they choose up every part.

• Condensers seize mouth noises, any room sounds, and just about something VERY clearly and precisely.

• In addition they pull in rather more sound vary, which means approach up in the direction of 20,000 hz and past, which makes them sound much less lifeless and extra reasonable.

• Examples embody the Yeti sequence on the low finish (lower than $100), and the Neumann U87ai on the excessive finish ($4,500).

• Numerous podcasters—particularly males—like a super-deep sound as a result of they assume it makes them sound cool and authoritative.

• Sadly, all that further bass sounds synthetic over time and is definitely fairly fatiguing to take heed to.

• It’s additionally actually arduous to take heed to in a automobile, the place a lot of folks take heed to podcasts, as a result of the low rumbling mixes with the street noise.

• Sam Harris makes use of an SM7b (or the USB model) and retains it fairly clear with not an excessive amount of post-production. He’s had the identical signature for years now. It’s mainly mid-range, with some first rate bass however not an excessive amount of, extraordinarily clear by way of mouth noises and background noises, and a bit sterile. It really works effectively for him as a result of it’s like an understated clear sound.

• Chris Williamson is a super-popular podcaster now and he additionally makes use of SM7b’s, however he mixes his personal mic with quite a lot of post-production to have heaps extra highs and “atmosphere” added in. Which mainly means character. In case you take heed to his podcast his voice all the time has a powerful mixture of deep but in addition shiny. Actually good manufacturing, and I’d be shocked if he or his workforce ever shared his post-production chain. I wager he considers it a commerce secret.

• Joe Rogan additionally makes use of the SM7b and he has a sound profile that’s very impartial and pure. I’m undecided if Jamie enhances the highs or not, however the total combine could be very clear and clear.

• Lex Fridman can be on an SM7b and he has a reasonably impartial sound with some highs probably added in.

• I imagine Scott Galloway is on SM7b’s as effectively, and he undoubtedly has some added in highs after the very fact. His sound is much more pure and shiny than one thing like Joe’s.

• The final rule for audio is to do as a lot as doable at recording time and as little as doable in post-production. Meaning 1) room remedy, and usually having a quiet room if doable.

• Eradicating echo is a superpower for making audio sound wonderful. Undoubtedly do that if you wish to sound skilled. I’ve been utilizing DeVerberate for years and like it.

• In case you’re going to make use of the SM7b, my advice is to make use of the it with bass rolled off and the highs raised on the microphone itself. This can nonetheless have loads of bass nevertheless it’ll make the mic sound rather more pure and vibrant vs. sterile and lifeless.

• Do as little put up processing as doable.

• Deal with your room if doable.

• Be certain to take away echo, even in the event you don’t assume you’ve got a lot.

• Loudness is misleading and an enhancer. Principally, being louder sounds higher to most ears, however watch out with the way you obtain it.

• Watch out with loudness with out compression as a result of you can begin clipping (slicing out from being too loud).

• Watch out with an excessive amount of compresssion as a result of it could possibly take away the pure sound and make it sound extra sterile and lifeless.

My present setup is sort of clear and easy. I’ve moved away from my Neumann U87ai as a result of it picks up an excessive amount of noise. Most significantly my mouth noises, shaking ft, the sound of my clothes rubbing, and so on.

• SM7b

• Absolutely handled studio / workplace the place I work

• Bass rolled off (on the mic {hardware})

• Highs enhanced (on the mic {hardware})

• RODECASTER PRO for my mixer

• The one mod on my RODECASTER PRO is a noise gate

• Put up-production after I document in Hindenburg and never OBS:

  • DeVerberate for echo elimination

  • Nectar 4 for noise gate

  • Nectar 4 for bass cutoff under 80

  • Nectar 4 for a slight raise in mid bass

  • Nectar 4 cutout at round 1500 hz to take away unhealthy mids

  • Nectar 4 minor excessive shelf added after round 7000

Right here’s what that feels like

1. It’s best to in all probability use a dynamic mic until you’re a skilled studio speaker.

2. It’s best to in all probability use a dynamic mic in the event you don’t have a handled room.

3. Resist the urge so as to add bass. It solely sounds cool for a second, after which is unhealthy for listeners.

4. When you’ve got any doubts, go along with the SM7b. It’s a workhorse. And in the event you can’t afford one but (round $400), get the little brother USB model.

5. In case you do get an SM7b you’ll want an audio interface to place it in, and/or a sign booster.

6. Give attention to getting a clear, pure sound out of your voice, not making it sound deep or booming. That’s what will minimize by the listener’s setting and make it to them one of the best.

7. Do as a lot as you possibly can throughout recording, and attempt to modify it as little as doable in put up.

8. Lastly, don’t stress it an excessive amount of. The content material issues extra anyway.