Can I Use My Smartphone to Record My Podcast? Yes, and Here’s How to Make It Work!

One of the top questions aspiring podcasters often ask is, “Can I use my smartphone for podcast recording?” The answer is a resounding yes! While using a smartphone won’t always give you the pristine audio quality of a full studio setup, it’s more than capable of helping you get started with an affordable podcasting setup. Here’s how to get the best sound out of your smartphone, and what you should consider as you grow your podcast.

1. Why Start with Your Smartphone?

Most people have a smartphone on hand, making it a convenient and affordable option for recording. Whether you’re just testing out ideas or need a way to podcast on the go, smartphones offer flexibility and simplicity. And by following a few best practices, you can achieve high-quality podcast recording with a phone without breaking the bank.

2. Using Your Smartphone Mic vs. an External Mic

While your smartphone’s built-in mic works in a pinch, upgrading to an external mic can drastically improve your audio quality. Here are some options:

• Rode SmartLav+: This lavalier mic clips to your clothing and works well for hands-free operation with clearer sound.

• Shure MV88: Known for its portability, this condenser mic connects via Lightning and provides an impressive sound boost, making it a popular choice for iPhone users. Keep in mind that you will need to be in a fairly silent environment if you plan to record with a condenser microphone, like this one.

Recording with an external microphone for smartphones can make your podcast sound more professional from day one!

3. Find the Right Recording Environment

Recording in a quiet, controlled environment can make a world of difference. Smartphones tend to pick up background noise, so take these steps to minimize distractions:

• Choose a quiet room with soft surfaces like carpets or curtains, which help absorb sound.

• Create a DIY recording space by surrounding yourself with pillows or blankets to reduce echo.

• Try recording under a blanket if you’re in a noisy location. It may seem unconventional, but it’s effective!

This simple podcasting setup can help even smartphone recordings sound clean and professional.

4. Use a Podcast Recording App for Greater Control

While built-in recording apps work, dedicated podcast recording apps offer more features and control for podcasting. Here are a few great options:

• Ferrite Recording Studio (iPhone): Designed with podcasters in mind, Ferrite offers editing tools and level control to get the best sound.

• RecForge II (Android): This app allows you to adjust format and sample rates, providing excellent control for recording and editing podcasts on Android.

Using these podcast recording apps for Android/iPhone gives you the flexibility to tweak your sound and make quick edits on the go. If you bought an external microphone to use with your smartphone, check to see of there is a dedicated recording app from the manufacturer. This will be ideal, since it will have access to any additional bells and whistles the microphone has.

5. Boost Your Mobile Setup with Simple Equipment

Adding a few essential items to your affordable podcasting setup can make a big difference in your audio quality:

• Pop Filters: Reduce harsh “p” and “b” sounds for a smoother recording. You can find small pop filters for smartphone mics that fit right over the mic.

• Phone Tripod or Stand: Stabilize your smartphone to avoid introducing hand noise and keep it at an optimal recording distance. This is a must upgrade, but it is very affordable!

• Headphones: Always monitor your sound with headphones to catch issues like background noise before they become serious problems in post-production.

With these mobile podcast equipment essentials, you can turn your smartphone into a powerful recording tool.

6. Editing: The Final Step to Professional Sound

No matter the quality of your recording, post-production editing can give your podcast a polished feel. Some apps, like Ferrite and RecForge II, provide basic editing tools to adjust levels, trim recordings, and enhance sound quality. For more control, you can transfer your audio to software like Audacity or Adobe Audition on your computer.

Editing is where you can truly bring out the best in your high-quality podcast recording with a phone.

7. When to Upgrade Your Podcasting Setup

Starting with a smartphone is a great way to test out podcasting without committing to a full setup, but as your podcast grows, it’s worth investing in more advanced equipment. A dynamic microphone like the Shure MV7+ can make a noticeable difference in sound quality by rejecting background noise, which is ideal if you’re recording in less-than-perfect environments.

Final Thoughts

So, can you really record a professional podcast with a smartphone? Absolutely! By making smart choices with your podcasting on-the-go setup and investing in a few accessories, you can produce a podcast that sounds professional and quite polished. Starting small with a smartphone podcast setup doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a beginner testing out ideas or a seasoned podcaster recording while traveling, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to create great content.

Grab your smartphone, test out these tips, and start recording! And when you’re ready to take your sound to the next level, you’ll be prepared to grow your setup as your podcasting skills evolve.

Ready to elevate your business with a professional podcast? Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your podcast to the next level, PodLab can help you become a market leader and attract more clients. Book a FREE podcast consultation call with us today and let's discuss how we can make podcasting a powerful tool for your business. Click here to schedule your session now!

Happy podcasting!