Factors Contributing to Poor Audio Quality on a Podcast (and how to fix them)

This week, I’m going to cover several factors contributing to poor audio quality on a podcast. Knowing the following considerations might save you and your podcast from podfading that is caused by an unsubscribed audience.

Sound Quality

Depending upon what you drink before you record, some beverages may cause you to clear your throat or cough. Also, some drinks cause the vocal cords to dry up.

Therefore, how do you resolve that problem?

Hydrate. Consume lots of water so you can lubricate your vocal cords and sound amazing on your microphone.

Volume Levels

Have you ever listened to a show in which you had to turn the volume up when the host spoke just to discover yourself tossing your headphones to the ground because of the ultra-loud guest audio?

Interview shows may be tricky since two parties are involved in the conversation.

Record the interviews in a single file, and you’d have to search for a sound engineer who is able to work miracles for you.

Having separate tracks — one for your guest and one for you — is ideal. It’ll make editing out unnecessary noises much easier, like sneezing or coughing, and permits your editors to adjust the volume to the proper level.

Transitions

Having a bit of background music, particularly for outros and intros, either can keep the audience annoyed or entertained. A few podcasters make use of music so they can cue the transition from episode content to commercials. Other podcasters use certain spiels so they can prompt listeners to the transition to the various podcast segments — the show proper and the commercial.

Not executing this transition clearly and smoothly might result in an audience who is confused. Your show listeners might fail to follow your track of thought due to poor transitions. They might even get angry if you continue the talking and fail to consider that somebody else is listening.

Annoying Noises

If you’ve been tapping your foot since before you can remember, keep in mind that something as simplistic as that may affect the sound quality.

The microphone may detect this, which includes other things like sniffing, yawning, lip-smacking, and tapping a pen.

Annoying sounds, as well as having lots of fillers are some of the fastest ways to lose your audience.

Stop, Look, and Listen

Look inside and outside of the recording room. Shut your eyes and note what’s heard.

The jiggling dog tags when your pup approaches you, planes flying overhead, and the bird box by the window are a few of the things to take care of before you push the record button.

Podcasting is meant to be a great auditory experience for listeners. Prevent audio quality from being a turn off and begin to work on a sound quality which could get you five-star ratings.

By the way, have you had a chance to listen to my podcast, “Snack-sized Sales?” Please feel free to listen and subscribe here today!