The Art of Podcast: Where to Start?

For several years now, large microphone manufacturers have supported and developed the blogging trend, forming a whole segment of “Prosumer” – a derivative of the words Professional and Consumer. That is, devices for end users, but with professional technologies at the heart of the design. One of the trendsetters of the genre is the Austrian brand AKG as part of the HARMAN company, which once produced only professional microphones into which Sinatra, Clapton and a whole galaxy of rock stars sang. Now the brand continues to release studio equipment, but also turned towards more affordable solutions, for example, the AKG Lyra model, which was created with an eye to novice content producers.

In favor of versatility and ease of use, at least the built-in interface speaks, which allows you to simply connect a microphone directly to a computer without an audio card and use it as a plug-n-play device. Inside there is an ADC that converts the received signal to digital and transmits audio in high resolution 24 bit / 192 kHz via USB Type-C. The second feature that makes this microphone as convenient as possible is a four-capsule array that allows recording in four scenarios at once: Front (recording only “in front of you”, for one person), Front & Back (ideal for interviews, sitting opposite each other), Tight Stereo (one-way recording of two signals independently, for interviews on one side of the microphone, or for recording instruments), Wide Stereo (independent recording of all sides for a wide range of interviewees or recordings of a group of musicians). Thus, by understanding your podcast or blog format, even if you decide to move away from the usual scenario, the microphone will allow you to do it in the right way without the headache of upgrading your toolbox.

Speaking about other conveniences, it is worth mentioning the Mute button with a completely understandable purpose, the signal volume control, an adapter for mounting on a bracket, a convenient stand in the kit and a headphone jack. The latter comes in handy if you are recording vocals or a solo podcast so that you can hear the voice without the delays that can occur if you pass the signal through a computer. And about the headphones, the brand also has its own solution, which will make a worthy company to the Lyra microphone – AKG K371 BT.

This model also belongs to the Prosumer segment – its filling is based on a very serious and long history of the production of professional AKG headphones, but they will be useful to anyone who wants to record content. The model is quite lightweight, comfortable, fully covering the ears, it is easy to spend several hours in it. 50mm drivers with titanium-coated diaphragms and oxygen-free copper coils deliver sound that many find boring, but perfect for work, transmitting a signal without staining and dips in frequency response. The frequency range is declared in the range from 5 Hz to 40 kHz – it is clear that it is given with a large margin, allowing the headphones to confidently play out sounds in the audible frequency range. What is the special charm of this model is the presence of a built-in battery, which can last up to 40 hours of operation on a single charge, and touch controls. That is, by recording a podcast on a tablet, or via a computer to the cloud, you can mount it on the road with the same headphones. Or just getting used to the sound AKC K371 BT, take your device from your home studio with you wherever you go.

Summing up, it is worth saying that the AKG Lyra kit with AKG K371 BT headphones is a very self-sufficient kit that will close the issue of sound in the production of any blog or podcast quickly and for a long time. There are a lot of convenient little things and solutions that will allow you not to be distracted by the technical part and experiment with formats, gradually discovering your creative potential.