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How to Start a Podcast: Record Your First Episode (Guide)

Learn how to record your first podcast episode—tips on space, mic choice, setup, levels, and editing—plus how to easily sound pro from day one.
March 14, 2023 |
Naomi Mellor

Ready to hit record? This beginner‑friendly guide shows you how to choose a suitable room, pick the right mic, set levels, and capture clean audio—so your first episode sounds polished without a studio. It builds our How to Start a Podcast series with expert tips from professional podcaster, Naomi Mellor.
How to record a podcast:

  • Use a dynamic mic and close technique: Record in a quiet, soft‑furnished space and speak 3-6 inches from a dynamic microphone, such as the Shure MV7+ or SM7B to minimize room noise and capture a warm, clear voice.
  • Monitor and set conservative levels: Wear closed‑back headphones (e.g. SRH840A), run a 30‑second test, and avoid audio clipping and keep editing simple. Alternatively, the Shure MV7+ offers Auto Level Mode, making this step even easier and saving you even more time.
  • Keep the workflow simple: Outline your episode, record in one take when possible, edit lightly for clarity, export at podcast‑friendly settings, host your RSS, and submit to major directories.

There is a 5-part video series with Naomi to help you get started; watch the full guide with Naomi below:

Shure is a proud supporter of the Skylark Collective, which is focused on empowering women in the podcast industry.

Learn more about the MV7+ Podcast Microphone and SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones in the video. For more ways to make your podcast sound extraordinary, check out our podcasting tips and gear here.

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