The Habanero Media Podcast Studio

Habanero Media Podcast Studio

I’ve had a number of people express interest in a behind-the-scenes look at Sales Babble. This page will share a bit about the podcast studio setup, what it looks like, the equipment used as well as the configuration.  I’m often complimented on the sound of my podcasts.  That’s great. But what I’m most proud of is the content that produces one of the finest Sales podcasts currently on the internet (OK I’m biased).  That content is deeply dependent on the many fine Sales Babble listeners.  Thank you audience.

When I started Sales Babble,   I knew nothing about Broadcasting.   But being a technical guy I was confident I could figure it out. It took much longer than I thought to get it on board. I was surprised by what little documentation there was on hardware mixers.  But over time I was able to repeatedly create a quality of sound that would meet my high ideals. It could be better!   But for now, this is more than adequate for Sales Babble.

How To Podcast

I’ve created a 3-part series on how to podcast.  This class starts by defining podcasting and the what, and why someone would podcast. Next, it explains the podcasting process from a hardware and software perspective. This includes recording and uploading the podcast into the internet. Lastly, it goes into the process of producing a high-quality sounding show.

People podcast for many reasons. Before starting a podcast, ask yourself why you want to embark on the journey. Podcasting is hard work. If you have a good answer to your “why”, it will fuel your efforts.

Podcast Studio Hardware

Here is a brief video  on YouTube describing the process

First, let me share my setup:

The mixer is configured to make Skype and phones calls on the iPad

This is the Peavey XLR mike with a pop filter mounted on a shock-absorbing arm.  It’s very convenient to move around and it stays where it’s put!

This is the Behringer Xenyx mixer. It greatly simplifies recording:

1. There is no possibility of feedback on my end of the recording
2. It eliminates the need to use recording software with Skype. Often times people use “Pamela” which I found has inferior sound quality. Pure Audacity is far far better.
3. It makes it very easy to set the levels of the call and make sure a quality recording.
4. It makes it easy to record telephone calls.
5. It makes it easy to record a Google Hangout call too.

This is the sound card, again made by Behringer.  This card bypasses the internal sound cards of the laptop and ensures recordings are directly recorded using digital USB.   These RCA jacks plug directly in to the mixer board. Both and Skype and Audacity are configured to accept the USB inputs and outputs.  Easy peasy.

Benefits of Podcasting with Mixer

Here are the pros:

• High-quality Skype calls (this is what NPR uses)
• No echo
• Simple to set up (no messy software)
• One-time setup of cost (mixer $79)
• Skype is free (no monthly subscription)
• Audacity is free (though donations are appreciated)
• Can set up two microphones
• Can record telephone calls

Here are the cons:

• Not everyone has Skype.  I only interview business guests so they all have it. If they don’t I use a phone call.

Winter Studio

Lastly, this is the Sales Babble Podcast Studio deep in the winter.  Upstairs is the office and studio where the Sales Babble podcast is recorded, created, and produced. Most interviews are done virtually over Skype but some are recorded live in the Studio. All Sales Babblers are welcome to visit anytime they are visiting the Chicago Land area. Heads up though….. this is what January looked like in 2014, as well as February, March, April, December, and parts of November.

I have notes regarding the specifics of this configuration and as I mentioned earlier, I anticipate improving the sound quality.  This is a living document so if you have questions about my configuration and are unsure of something, please contact me. I may have digressed from this design!

Sales Podcast

I started podcasting in March 2014. My real expertise and passion is teaching selling secrets to non-sellers.   I especially focus on B2B sales in technology. Startups are my favorite consulting clients.

I’m not a podcast guru but if you have any questions about podcasting, don’t hesitate to call or write anytime.

Happy Podcasting,

Pat