The College Libraries have two freestanding Podcast Studios on the first floor of Addlestone Library. These studios are ideal for recording podcasts, videos, interviews, and presentations. Each studio contains audio and video recording equipment and can seat up to 4 people.
Podcast studio equipment is compatible with most recording software. Some popular free options are listed below.
The Marantz Turret is an all-in-one, high quality webcam and microphone. It connects to your laptop via a single USB output for ease of use. Once connected to your laptop, you can record in the program of your choice.
Each studio contains a RODECaster Pro sound board with two connected Shure SM7B Cardiod Dynamic Vocal Microphones. This equipment can be used by connecting the RODECaster Pro to your laptop using the provided cable or by inserting a SD card into the RODECaster and recording to the card.
The Shure Mics in the room are already connected to Channels 1-4. Sliders (the faders) on the front panel allow you to adjust the volume of the channel in your recording. You can also mute/unmute a channel using its red button. For more microphone settings, press a channel's numbered button to open that channel in the touchscreen.
Two pairs of headphones are also connected to headphone jacks #1 and #2. Using headphones while recording ensures you can hear what is being recorded and clearly interact with other speakers and sounds. Adjust the headphone volume using the dials in the top right. It is recommended to check the volume level before you put on the headphones to ensure it is at a safe level.
The RODECaster Pro can store audio to play at any time while recording. They have pre-set sounds, but you can also add custom sounds. To hear the sounds, turn the fader for the sound pads channel up to the fifth line from the top and tap one of the pads.
The sound pads have different playback modes that change how the sounds play back and interact with your other channels. To learn more about using and customizing sound pads, see the user guide.
The library provides basic recording equipment, but you still have an important decision to make–which program(s) to use to record, edit, and share your recording. There is no single best program for every project. Here are some considerations.
DAWs allow you to record, usually in a multi-channel format, and typically offer advanced editing and production tools. They offer professional-level recording and editing but have a steeper learning curve than some other tools, and you will need an additional tool if you want to publish and share your recording online. Examples include GarageBand, Audacity, and Adobe Audition.
Some tools offer all-in-one recording, editing, and publishing/hosting. Most of these tools are cloud-based and require you to sign up for an account. These can be easier to learn than DAWs, but editing features may be more limited, and most require a subscription for full access. Examples include Podcastle and Podbean.
Many podcasts include conversations between participants in different locations that need to be combined in a single recording. Remote studios enable you to invite guests to your digital recording room for audio and/or video sessions. Some all-in-one podcast makers offer remote studios, and there are standalone remote studio programs, as well. Another option for remote recording is to connect a cell phone to the RODEcaster in the podcast studios. The call will record to a devoted track.
Interested in learning how to make a movie or podcast? Need to learn more about XCode for an assignment? Interested in learning Canva to make buttons? Want to use Photoshop to edit images or Illustrator to draw digital illustrations?
LinkedIn Learning is a great resource for learning and it is available for free for College of Charleston students, faculty and staff.
