Podcasting Studio Introduction
Podcasting has become hugely popular due to the low barrier to entry. If you have something to say, you no longer need to search for the high mountain to shout it from. The mountain or megaphone is right there on your desk, and if it's something relevant, people will listen.
Podcasting, in its simplest form, involves just a mic and camera on your PC. If you want your message taken seriously, you'll need the best possible video and sound. However, to keep folks engaged, you can mix up your content with multiple camera angles, background audio, images, and videos of something other than just you sitting by the fireside.
As with most great things, there is usually a progression or Evolution. We recently completed a podcast studio that illustrates many key factors and considerations. I want to take a few minutes to highlight this installation and educate those aspiring to take their place at the podium…
As a technologist, I break down complexity and keep things simple. I don't expect that my clients share my nerdy interests. To that end, they need just enough relevant information, presented ideally quickly. I don't usually put the proverbial cart before the horse, but my CTA is simple: "We got this for you." Please reach out if you have questions or think something may have been left out. At a high level, I want to provide a few design considerations and expand your vocabulary to help you manage your expectations down the road. This is what we do: Consult, Design & Install.
Features and System Description
Our Podcasting studio features a table with seating for up to four people. You could squeeze in a fifth person, but he's not getting his own mic. Speaking of mics, there are four booms with mics and headsets. We located the mixer at the table for easy access to session-level adjustments.
At the end of the table is a 50" monitor with an HDMI camera located directly underneath. The camera has a wide angle 120-degree viewing area; this is wide enough to capture everyone sitting around the table. The camera also offers digital pan/zoom functions to get in close when it counts. Two HDMI inputs at the table can also be used for a second camera or laptop.
There are a total of 4 available sources (HDMI inputs)
- Two HDMI table inputs that can be used for a laptop and or portable PTZ camera
- The fixed camera mounted under the display
- The room's local PC can be used for both web conferencing and editing
The additional PTZ camera can be plugged in at the table and arrayed around the room. It's great for flipping presentations from the front to the back or offering alternate camera angles to improve production quality.
A desk with the Local PC is located just out of shot accompanied by a small form factor production switcher that is the system's heart (Black Magic ATEM Mini Pro ISO). This simple device puts the power of a TV studio at your fingertips. The Mini ISO will ingest and record all four HDMI inputs and the microphones at the table. The simple one-button capture function creates an editable file automatically downloaded to a portable USB drive (sold separately). The movie file can be edited using standard editing software like Final Cut, Davinci, or Premier Pro.
If you're interested in Live Streaming, the ATEM Mini can be connected directly to the local PC and provides simple access to all the room's elements, just like a standard webcam. Black Magic gets a big thumbs up for balancing simplicity, functionality, and price. The switcher lets you mix audio/video sources and provides editing effects usually reserved for post-production (PIP, wipes, fade-to-black, and slides).
With one button Rec and a price tag of around $500, there is much to love about the ATEM Mini ISO…
Bla Bla Bla, what does it all mean?
I am all about the workflow, so here is a brief list of the scenarios this configuration covers
- 1-4 people gathered around the table and engaged in conversation
- Multiple available camera angles along with HDMI computer content
- In a casual environment, the Moderator can engage with participants through web conferencing at the monitor or the monitor can be used as a backdrop with signage or sharable content.
- Podcasts can be pre-recorded or Live-streamed.
- With one-button record capability or live stream record/capture through conferencing solutions like Zoom or Google Meets, a single person can run the space with a minimum technical requirement.
You can purchase a mic with a boom and mixer on Amazon for under $100, but this is the next level that supports multiple participants, camera, and content options. The environment features acoustical treatments, enhanced lighting, and a whisper-quiet HVAC system. These should be considerations when planning where and how you will use your space.
Only some have room for a dedicated studio, but these considerations should be part of the planning process.
How many participants do I want to engage with? You can web conference folks into your podcast and use a "picture in picture" function to include them or any content you want to share, but this becomes flat.
We provide systems to folks who are not technicians but need to get in and use the gear. The functionality should be simple, and some options should be provided to keep broadcasts fresh and engaging. This room is exceptionally flexible and wasn't all that expensive.
We suggest Evolution as the best means of identifying your needs and workflow; very few folks buy a yacht just to see if they are into boating. That being said, video today, especially on the web, is an incredibly powerful tool in educating and communicating both the individual and institution's voice. As with any medium communicating your brand, you want the best, most polished product possible. For companies today, we see more users leaning on GoPro cameras to curate their video content libraries. These are shared on websites, social media, and digital signage. The power of video messaging can't be understated. There is excellent engagement through Facebook Live and YouTube.
If you're curious about leveraging innovation, look no further; we can discuss a campaign and messaging strategy that helps enhance your brand and stand out above the rest. When an enterprise steps forward to commission a communications lab, it is taking proactive steps toward the future of communicating its brand and value.
