Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last year, you've probably at least heard the term "podcasting." While the term refers to sending downloadable MP3 files to portable music players such as the iPod, you don't need to own an iPod to listen to or even create your own podcasts.
With the release of Apple's latest version of iTunes, which allows you to search for podcasts, the genre is taking off like wildfire. Thousands of people are creating their own, and that number may soon grow into the millions.
So you want to jump on the bandwagon, but don't know how to get started? Read on to learn about recording and producing podcasts of your very own.

A podcast is essentially just an audio file, usually in mp3 format. To get started you're going to need a microphone, software to record sound from that microphone, and possibly a mixer if you want to record more than one sound at a time. You will also need software to publish your podcast on the Internet.
All in all, this is a fairly simple process. The hardest part of getting started is deciding what you need, while keeping your budget in mind. Some people prefer "guerilla podcasting," which can make the most of free tools, while others prefer a more professional approach. On the one hand, the file is going to be an MP3, which has limits in terms of sonic quality to begin with. On the other hand, if your recording sounds like junk, will people even listen to it?
Let's start with a microphone. If you are feeling cheap, you could make a microphone by speaking into headphones plugged into your computer's mic input. But while this really does work, I don't recommend it; be prepared to drop at least 20 bucks on a mic. Although your average Radio Shack dynamic microphone will sound better than, say, talking through tin cans connected by string, I recommend checking out the Plantronics 90 for $37. This is a headset style microphone which is a good value, because you are getting headphones and a decent mic in one package.

Of course, if you want to go up to the next level of quality, you might want to consider a nicer microphone, like the Shure SM- 58 . Generally speaking, a higher quality microphone will have increased dynamic range and better frequency response, making it more sensitive overall. For the purposes of most podcasters, though, getting a microphone much better than this might be overkill.
If you're going to shell out the cash for a microphone; a very practical addition would be a mic stand. Although you may not mind holding your microphone throughout your recording, think of your listeners! Moving the microphone around as you speak - even a little bit - will lead to annoyingly inconsistent volume levels.
Mixers
A mixer is essential for any podcaster looking to record more than one channel at a time. For example, if your show has co-hosts, you will want a separate mic for each speaker. Or, you could have background music playing on one track, while recording on another. A simple mixer allows you to take inputs from two or more channels, and send the resulting output to just one channel. Again, a basic Behringer UB802 . It will give you the flexibility of a built-in equalizer, has more flexible routing options, and is built to last.

The next step in your podcasting odyssey is to actually record! Once again, your options range from free (Audacity), to overkill (ProTools HD). And once again, I recommend a rational, middle of the road solution, like Sony's Acid Music Studio . It offers everything you need to record, and even comes with a few goodies, including support for the latest drivers, as well as some basic signal processing (effects such as reverb, flange, etc.).
If you already know a bit about recording and editing sound, I'd recommend Sony Soundforge . It has lots of high quality customizable effects, and powerful editing tools that allow to you to clean up even the most distorted recordings.
If you cannot justify spending money on software yet, don't despair, because there's a pretty decent freeware program called Audacity . This cross-platform program has been gaining popularity, and its open source architecture means that users are constantly making it better. If you are a Mac user, you should look no further than Garageband.
Broadcasting Your Podcast
After recording your podcast, the next step is to upload it to the net. It is important when picking a host for your podcasts that you make sure you aren't being charged for bandwidth. The last thing you'd want would be for your podcast to become very popular, only to find that it is costing you lots of money because of increased bandwidth use due to the extra downloads.
Luckily, there are a variety of host that have no bandwidth restrictions. One of the bigger sites is Libsyn.com . Another option is to post the podcast to your blog with Podlot.com . And there are more and more companies popping up all the time. An interesting choice can also be found at slapcast.com . This host not only offers you the option of unlimited bandwidth, it also allows you to call in 60 minutes of podcast(s) over a standard telephone line.
Now that you have your file uploaded, its time to take care of the RSS feed. If you aren't sure what this means, don't worry. Many blogging sites such as Blogger now support podcasting, so they have the "enclosure" tag, into which you enter the URL of your blog. Pretty simple actually. Here is a more in-depth explanation of RSS feeds .
The final step is promoting yourself. There are many Internet directories dedicated to promoting your podcasts. Start with Podcast Alley and
Podcastpickle.com , and also check out Apple's iTunes Music Store. All are excellent, and most important, free!
A really good way to network with people, and improve the number you hits on your site would be to setup a myspace.com profile. There are an almost infinite number of ways promote your podcast - find one that works for you.
OK, you've figured what you need in terms of software and hardware, so now what? Just press record? That will work, but I have a few tips before you dive in, to help you get the best results.
The most important thing to remember is to trust your ears. What matters at the end of the day isn't what mic you used, or which effects you applied, or even how much time you spent compulsively tweaking your recordings. All that matters is how it sounds. That said, here are some reminders:
- Don't ever record into a microphone that is positioned where it can pick up sound from your speakers. Turn those speakers off and plug in some headphones.
- Record at a high level. You will have less background noise if you record loud, compared to recording soft and turning up the volume later. Just remember that if you make the signal too "hot" by turning the level up too high, that will cause the recording to "clip," resulting in unpleasant distortion.
- Try adding a little bit of an effect called compression, if your program has it. This will help your levels stay consistent.
- All of the mentioned programs have noise reduction features that can help clean up a noisy recording.
- Using an EQ and other effects judiciously can help to color your sound, but don't overdo it.
- Either buy a windscreen for your microphone, or if that isn't possible, cover your mic with a sock. This will block out hard "P's" and "S's".
- Try converting to higher bitrate MP3s * 128kbps or above. Many programs default to 64 kbps, which sounds horrible.
- If you include background music, make sure that it is "podsafe," meaning legal to broadcast. Most songs have a copyright license, which means you can't use it without permission. Good sources for music you can use without getting sued are Creative Commons and the The Podsafe Music Network .
- Never yell into the microphone... unless you're a punk rock podcaster.
Happy Podcasting!
Special thanks to Christiaan Stoudt for contributing his expert knowledge to the preparation of this article.