I am starting to compose my solo piano pieces but I'm having trouble recording. I would like to know how to get the best quality using my blue yeti mic and audacity. I know this mic isn't great for recording the piano, but there have been recordings that have surprised such as this one:
youtube.com/watch?v=PY-lLrclanw
I don't know how he made such a great quality video using this mic, but i would like to find out.
I believe the problem is the laptop that I am using, I'm using a Chromebook (probably one of the cheapest laptops out there) and it is running on chrubuntu so i can use audacity. It also might just be a piano problem, I'm playing on a winter upright piano that hasn't been tuned in about 7 months. You guys have any ideas on how i can improve the quality of my recordings?
Here is a short recording of me playing some improv in Bb min:
soundcloud.com/michael-marques-fernandes/improv-in-bb-min
  1. Yeti Blue Microphone Software Download
  2. Audacity Blue Yeti Settings
  3. Audacity Blue Yeti Settings
  4. Blue Microphones

Yeti Blue Microphone Software Download

Yeti
  • Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac, 3 Condenser Capsules, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Output and Volume Control, Mic Gain Control, Adjustable Stand, Plug & Play – Blackout 4.7 out of 5 stars 18,012.
  • The Blue Yeti Nano is like the younger sibling of the Blue Yeti. Its more compact size makes it easier to stash away or ignore on your desk, but only one of our testers rated this microphone in.
  • I compared it against the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, Samson G-Track Pro, HyperX QuadCast, and the Blue Yeti. After comparing the mics, I was honestly very impressed. After comparing the mics.
  • Photo by Blue Another crucial piece of equipment that will help you capture great-sounding vocals is a pop filter or windscreen. Its main purpose is to minimize or prevent “plosives,” such as your P’s and T’s, by absorbing those powerful blasts of air before the sound reaches your microphone.

The Blue Yeti is one of the best USB microphones you can buy. Even though it was launched at the end of 2009, it’s still the go-to USB microphone for people starting out podcasting, live streaming, and recording audio for YouTube. It’s not surprising. The Yeti is a versatile microphone, offers good quality, has a reasonable entry-level price, and provides the convenience of USB.

It can be hard to figure out what all you need to start your own podcast. There seems to be so many working pieces, including equipment and software, among many other decisions and options for how you want to make your own podcast. So, let us help you with figuring out what equipment and software you need to start your podcast as well as to grow it in the future.

To begin, if you would like a more general, quick overview of how to record a podcast, check out our article here.

For more details about the equipment you need, keep on reading!


The Basics

  • Computer (with Internet access)
    • You need a reliable computer with Internet access to record, edit, and upload your podcast. Although many of us have smartphones that can access the Internet, a smartphone will not be sufficient for podcasting, so a computer is needed in order to be able to start up your podcast.

  • Recording Software
    • In order to record your podcast, you need to find the right recording software for you. The two varieties of recording software to choose from are: cloud-based and local recording. Cloud-based means that the recording is done completely online and is stored there as well, meaning you do not need to save anything to your computer nor download an application. Local recording means that you need to download an application if it is not already available on your computer and you will have to store your recordings on your computer as well. Both varieties of recording software have free options as well as versions available for purchase that include more advanced features, including editing features and higher quality audio.
      • Cloud-Based & Free:
        • Zencastr: There is a limited free version available as well as an unlimited version for $20/month.
      • Cloud-Based & Available for Purchase:
        • Ringr: They offer a Basic version for $7.99/month as well as a Premium version for $18.99/month.
      • Local Recording & Free:
      • Local Recording & Available for Purchase:
        • Adobe Audition (MacOS & Windows): $20.99/month
          • Note: Adobe Audition also has Cloud storage, so you are able to record and save your audio files online.
        • Logic Pro (MacOS): One-time purchase of $199.99
        • Riverside.fm: They support local audio and video recording all from your browser, and they offer 3 different plans: $19/month for audio recording only, $39/month for audio+video recording, and $49/month for audio+video+live call-in recording and livestream capabilities.

Note: Many of the recording software options have editing capabilities as well. Audacity, Garageband, Adobe Audition, and Logic Pro all have editing features, so if you are looking to also edit your podcast, these are great all-in-one recording and editing software options.


  • Microphone
    • A microphone is obviously essential to being able to record your voice for your podcast. If you are just starting out, some quick options for testing out podcasting are built-in mics, earbuds, and headsets. Most computers and smartphones have built-in mics that you can use to record and earbuds and headsets are affordable and easily accessible options that include a microphone. However, built-in mics, earbuds, and headsets will provide the lowest audio quality. So, a traditional microphone is your best bet at getting a great sounding podcast and it is an essential piece of equipment, especially if you are really serious about continuing your podcast. Some high quality, afforable microphones are:

To see our full list of top-rated microphones, click here.

These are the basic pieces of equipment that you need to start up your podcast, however there are many other pieces of equipment that you can add to your setup to improve the audio quality and ease of your podcasting process even further.


Equipment to Further Improve your Podcast

  • Headphones
    • Headphones help you prevent mistakes while recording. You are able to monitor what the audio is like as well as ensure that your setup is working properly. Earbuds can certainly work, however, over-ear headphones are recommended for the best results. Some great budget headphones include:

  • Audio Interface
    • Audio interfaces allow you to expand upon and improve the audio capabilities of your computer. This piece of hardware allows you to connect inputs, such as microphones, and allows for a variety of outputs as well. Along with a mixer, discussed below, an audio interface will help improve the quality of your audio.

  • Mixer
    • A mixer gives you more control over levels, inputs, outputs, etc. If you want to improve the quality of your audio, adding a mixer to your setup can really help you gain the control to take your podcast quality to the next level.

Audacity Blue Yeti Settings

  • Headphone Amplifier
    • If you ever have any guests on your podcast, a headphone amplifier will come in handy because it allows you to plug in multiple headphones at once. Not only does it allow you to plug in and control multiple headphones, it also allows for the best audio quality, even at the maximum volume levels.

If you are looking for information about how to record podcast interviews, check out our article here.


  • Microphone Boom Arm/Mic Stand
    • A microphone boom arm or a mic stand can be really helpful so that you can move the mic around and adjust it to your liking. Also, it helps to clear up table space so that you can better utilize the space that you have for your setup.
      • Note: Boom Arms tend to be a bit pricey, so mic stands are a very affordable alternative. Also, you may need to purchase mic clips/clamps to accompany your microphone setup, so read the product description fully to ensure that you know what is included with your purchase.
        • Boom Arm: NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand
        • Mic Stand: On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand

  • Shock Mount
    • Shock mounts help to prevent unwanted sounds in your recording, including movements of the mic, tapping, typing, and other vibrations.
      • Note: Sometimes these are included with your mic, so be sure to check the description of your mic beforehand. Also, most shock mounts need to be compatible with your specific microphone.
        • Rode PSM 1 Shockmount
          • Note: This shock mount is only compatible with some microphones, so read the specifications carefully.

  • Cables
    • You may need to purchase a variety of cables to connect all of your pieces in your setup. Some of these cables may include:
      • 3.5mm to ¼ inch audio cable
      • 3.5mm audio cable
      • XLR mic cables
      • ¼ inch speaker cable
      • ¼ inch insert cable

  • Pop Filters/Windscreens
    • Pop Filters/Windscreens help protect your microphone from picking up any harsh noises. For example, when you say the letters b, p, and t, there are bursts of air that the microphone picks up. Adding this to your setup helps to keep your audio levels under control so that those bursts of air do not show up on your recording. Some affordable options are:
      • Pop Filter: Premium 6-inch Pop Filter
      • Windscreen: AT2020 Foam Windscreen

  • Acoustic Treatment
    • Adding an acoustic treatment to your podcasting area can really help to improve audio quality if your recording area has a lot of reverb or echo.

We've listed a few high quality, affordable options for each piece of equipment, however, there are tons of options out there. So, consider your own price points and your own requirements for your podcast and some simple Google searches will produce numerous options for whatever you are looking for. Also, it is extremely important to read the descriptions of the products that you buy to have a full understanding of everything that is included with the products as well as to ensure that all of the pieces are compatible with each other. The last thing that you want is to be missing an essential piece to your setup or to have pieces that are not compatible. And, remember, it is your podcast and your setup, so start off with what works for you and build up from there. Happy podcasting!


Want to learn more or ready to start your own podcast? Send us an email at sales@live365.com!

Looking for info on how to actually set up a home studio? Check out this article.


Audacity Blue Yeti Settings

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Blue Microphones

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