Using the Podcast Studio

We use a Røde Podcaster 2 audio interface for recording. Files are recorded to your external drive or microSD card, as the device has no internal storage.

A USB-C drive is usually more convenient in all environments, such as editing, so we recommend using one.

If you’d like to use an microSD card, you’ll need a fast card, capable of at least 100 MB/s transfer rates.

The cards are really small and are often sold with an adapter that fits a larger SD reader.

#protip: remember to take your card with you when leaving.

Find the Podcast Studio on Aalto Takeout and within the allowed times, make a booking for yourself or your group.

For including the Podcast Studio in long term planning, please consult our Course and production bookings service to make reservations outside the limited reservation window in Aalto Takeout.

For now, you’ll need either a Cliq2 key with regular Aalto staff credentials, or assistance from the Info Desk downstairs. You can reach the custodians at +358294420200 or marsio-aula@aalto.fi.

The equipment consists of the following devices:

• 1 Røde Podcaster 2 audio interface and recorder
• 4 Microphones mounted on arms
• 4 Headphones associated with the microphones (usage optional)
• A table well for plugging in your own devices

No unplugged cables should be visible, and the Røde Podcaster 2 should be on and lit up.

Headphone levels

Set the headphones volume to 0 for everybody. When listening to a sound source, turn them up to 30% first, then check if more is needed.

Headphones are not necessarily needed when recording only people in the room. However, they can help with microphone technique as you can hear your voice and catch yourself turning away from the mic.

You’ll need them when you have external audio sources, such as shared listening or a guest calling in through Bluetooth.

Playback level

When listening to recordings, the volume is controlled by the large main rotary dial below the headphone levels. Set it to a low level by rotating counter-clockwise.

Microphone levels

First set the faders (sliders) for microphone input volume to the lowest setting, then for each participant, bring the fader up to the default mark.

Faders 1-4 correspond with the microphones in the studio, fader 5 is used for a Bluetooth source and fader 6 controls the FX pads.

Also check that the Listen (green) and Mute (red) buttons are set as shown.

Green meters on the device screen should respond to sound input. If the meters jump up to orange/red levels, lower the fader for the microphone.

Position the microphones

For best results, aim the microphones directly at the participants’ mouths, and try to maintain a reasonably short distance (20cm) when speaking.

The ports are found on the rear side of the device. You can use either USB-C port (1 or 2) for your drive.

The image shows a microSD card currently installed in the device’s card slot. Install a card by firmly pressing until it locks as shown, then press again to release it.

The device may prompt you to format your storage, please note that this will erase all content. We recommend having a dedicated storage medium, preferably of high quality to ensure smooth recording.

Check that no voice altering FX pads are active. In the image, a ’Monster’ setting is currently active.

Use the big pad buttons on the device to deactivate or activate as preferred. You may need to scroll the sound/fx banks using the arrow keys at the bottom.

Record

Press the button once to start recording. The color changes to red.

Press the button again to pause the recording. The color changes to yellow.

Hold the button to stop the recording. The color changes to green again.

A blue color indicates the device is not ready for recording.

Play the recording

First locate the ’Show’ button on the interface, indicated here by an orange icon of tv screen, next to the time and date. Tap the button to enter the ’Show’ view.

From the ’Show’ view, locate the large blue ’Recordings’ button and tap it to list files on your storage medium.

In the list, tap a recording to bring up playback controls.

Use the large rotary volume dial below headphone level dials to control the overall volume.

When done, follow these steps in reverse to return to the main view.