ACS Podcast Studios

Resources, policies, and procedures for the library podcast studios

Step-by-Step Guide

Podcast Recording Checklist

  1. Log in to the iMac

    • Use your UARK username (do not include @uark.edu).

  2. Power on the RØDECaster Pro II

    • Check that all mics and headphones are connected.

  3. Open your recording software (DAW)

    • Choose GarageBand, Audacity, Adobe Audition, or any supported app.

  4. Set the RØDECaster as your audio input/output

    • In your DAW’s audio settings, select RØDECaster Pro II for both input and output.

  5. Create a new track in your DAW

    • Make sure it's ready to record from the correct mic channel.

  6. Adjust settings on the RØDECaster

    • Set mic gain, headphone levels, and apply any effects or processing you want (see setup guide if needed).

  7. Press record and begin your podcast

    • Speak clearly and monitor your levels.

  8. When finished, save and export your audio file

    • Save your project and export the final audio to your OneDrive.

 

Detailed Guide

Quick Setup Guide: RØDECaster Pro II


1. macOS I/O Setup

Ensure your Mac is using the RØDECaster Pro II for input/output:

  1. Go to System Settings > Sound.

  2. Under Input, select RØDECaster Pro II Stereo.

  3. Under Output, select the same.

  4. (Optional) Open Audio MIDI Setup (Utilities folder) to confirm sample rate (typically 48 kHz).


2. Mic Input Settings (SM7dB)

Phantom Power

  • If your SM7dB is set to -38 dB mode, turn phantom power ON.

  • If it’s in -18 dB mode (active), leave phantom power OFF.

Set Gain

  1. Tap the Mic channel strip on the touchscreen.

  2. Tap Input > Microphone.

  3. Set Gain:

    • ~30–35 dB for -18 dB mode

    • ~55–60 dB for -38 dB mode

  4. Speak normally and aim for peaks around -12 to -6 dB on the level meter.


3. Headphone Levels

  1. Tap the Headphones icon on the top bar.

  2. Adjust volume per channel.

  3. Use physical knobs next to each headphone output for quick control.


4. Signal Processing

Compressor

  • Smooths vocal dynamics.

  • Use default Vocal preset or set:

    • Threshold: ~-24 dB

    • Ratio: 3:1

    • Attack: 10 ms

    • Release: 100 ms

Noise Gate

  • Cuts background noise between speech.

  • Set threshold just above room noise.

  • Don’t overdo it — test with natural pauses.

EQ

  • Enable EQ for tonal shaping.

    • Low Cut (~80–100 Hz): Cuts rumble

    • Mid Boost (2–4 kHz): Adds presence

    • High Shelf (~8–10 kHz): Adds clarity (use sparingly)

De-Esser

  • Reduces harsh “S” sounds.

  • Enable with moderate setting.

Reverb / Delay

  • Optional; keep off or subtle for spoken word.

  • Room or Plate reverb at low mix levels if desired.


5. USB Multitrack to Mac (Optional)

If you're recording into a DAW:

  1. On the RØDECaster:
    Settings > Outputs > USB > Multitrack > On

  2. Choose Pre-Fader (dry) or Post-Fader (processed).

  3. In your DAW, select RØDECaster Pro II as input/output device.

  4. Route individual mic channels as needed.

Audacity

1. Selecting I/O Devices

  1. Open Audacity.

  2. Use the Device Toolbar at the top:

    • Select the Recording Device (microphone icon).

    • Select the Playback Device (speaker icon).

  3. Alternatively, go to Edit > Preferences > Devices for more detailed settings.

  4. Confirm your selections and click OK.

2. Creating a Track

  1. Click Tracks > Add New > Mono Track or Stereo Track from the top menu.

  2. A blank track will appear in the timeline, ready for use.

3. Arming and Recording a Track

  1. Audacity does not require manual arming.

  2. Click the Record button (red circle) in the toolbar.

  3. Recording begins immediately on a new or existing track.

  4. Press the Spacebar or click Stop to end recording.

4. Exporting a Final Audio File

  1. Select the audio (or press Cmd+A to select all).

  2. Go to File > Export and choose an option:

    • Export as MP3

    • Export as WAV

    • Export as OGG

  3. Enter a filename and choose the destination folder.

  4. Click Save, then adjust metadata if prompted, and click OK.

Adobe Audition

1. Selecting I/O Devices

  1. Open Adobe Audition.

  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio Hardware (Windows) or Audition > Preferences > Audio Hardware (Mac).

  3. Set the Default Input to your microphone or audio interface.

  4. Set the Default Output to your playback device (headphones or speakers).

  5. Make sure the Device Class (MME, ASIO, etc.) is appropriate for your system.

  6. Click OK to apply changes.

2. Creating a Track

  1. Go to File > New > Multitrack Session.

  2. Name your session and choose a sample rate, bit depth, and location.

  3. In the track area, click the Input section of the track to assign the correct input (e.g., mono or stereo from your audio interface).

  4. The track is now set up for recording.

3. Arming and Recording a Track

  1. In Multitrack View, locate the track you want to record to.

  2. Click the R button to arm the track for recording.

  3. Click the Record button in the transport bar at the bottom of the screen.

  4. Begin your performance or recording.

  5. Press the Spacebar or click Stop to end the recording.

4. Exporting a Final Audio File

  1. Once you're done, go to File > Export > Multitrack Mixdown > Entire Session.

  2. Choose the export location and file name.

  3. Select the desired file format (e.g., WAV, MP3).

  4. Adjust sample rate and bit depth if needed.

  5. Click OK or Export to create the final file.

GarageBand

1. Selecting I/O Devices

  1. Open GarageBand.

  2. Click GarageBand > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar.

  3. Go to the Audio/MIDI tab.

  4. Under Audio Output, choose your desired playback device (e.g., speakers or headphones).

  5. Under Audio Input, select your microphone or audio interface.

  6. Close the settings to apply.

2. Creating a Track

  1. Launch GarageBand and select Empty Project.

  2. When prompted, choose the microphone icon for an audio track.

  3. Click Create.

  4. The new track will appear in the workspace.

3. Arming and Recording a Track

  1. Select the audio track.

  2. Click the Record Enable button (a red circle) in the track header.

  3. Press R on your keyboard or click the red Record button in the control bar to begin recording.

  4. Perform your audio.

  5. Press the Spacebar or click Stop to end the recording.

4. Exporting a Final Audio File

  1. Go to Share > Export Song to Disk.

  2. Choose your desired format: MP3, AAC, AIFF, or WAV.

  3. Name your file and select a destination folder.

  4. Click Export to save the audio file.