Here’s the question for today: why do podcasters wear headphones? And what impact do headphones have on the recording and editing of the show?
In 2021 alone, 120 million Americans were listening to; you guessed it right, podcasts!
You can educate yourself, listen to a fantastic story or immerse yourself while doing your daily “boring” tasks.
But if you have seen any podcaster on the screen, you will notice a device always around their head.
So are headphones the must-have tool in your podcasting kit or do pros wear them just for show? This is what we will know in this updated guide.
(You may cut the chase for the best podcasting headphones by clicking on the blue link.)
Our updated guide begins here:
🤔Why Do Podcasters Wear Headphones: Does it Really Help?
There are many benefits of wearing the over-ear device while conducting and editing a successful podcast. Some of them include:
And more! I have arranged the various benefits of wearing headphones for any podcaster here:
😎(Pro Tip: Read this table in desktop mode)
| How Do They Help | Importance | What If Headphones Are Skipped | Advantages | Any Prerequisite |
| Aids In Audio Monitoring | 5/5 | Low quality audio experience | Saves post-production time, makes editing easy | Adjustable headband in headphones is needed |
| Better Presentation | 4/5 | You can never know how do you sound to others | Blocks excessive noise, smooth podcast sessions | Choosing a design which is comfortable |
| Guests Are Dealt Efficiently | 4/5 | More hindrances in conversations | Guests can self-adjust making it for a smooth conversation | Guests will need to know self-monitoring |
| Editing Becomes Easy | 4/5 | A lot of time will be wasted in post-production phase | Saves time in editing | Studio headphones with noise cancellation works the best |
| Prevents Sound Leakage | 3/5 | Extra noises and unclarity of sound | High-quality clear sound | Choosing a headset with suitable features of blocking extra noise |
⏺️#1: Crystal-Clear Podcast Recording
As a podcaster, you have to achieve the best possible audio quality so that you can stand out among the sea of 2,000,000 podcasts.
The only way to determine if a podcaster has the best audio experience is to monitor it throughout the recording process using interchangeable headbands.
An adjustable headband in a professional headphone blocks external noise effectively works like magic to help you live record engaging podcasting sessions. And guess what, they are not that expensive!
Also, high-quality audio record saves time in the post-production phase. The more attention you pay to the recording phase, the less headache you will have in editing.
Recommended Reading: Best Music Recording Headphones [Tested and Rated]
🎙️#2: Present Your Podcasts Like Never Before!
One of the many problems of a newbie podcaster is: they have never heard their voice in a group discussion.
If you can’t hear yourself, you will never know if you are too quiet or loud.
Result? Your idea of hosting a warm podcasting discussion turns into a disaster! Well, worry not as headphones can come to your rescue.
They give you great control when adjusting audio during conversations to change your presentation styles as per the tempo of the discussion.
🎧#3: Better Engage With Your Podcast Guests!
Imagine this:
You have finally caught hold of a prominent entrepreneur for your newly set-up business podcast. The Q&A has just started when you realize his voice can’t be heard or recorded from your end.
It’s the last thing you didn’t want for your first show. That’s why you should keep quality headphones in your podcasting kit to maintain an excellent first impression.
If your guests wear a headset during a phone conversation, they are more likely to self-regulate using their over-ear device, so you can focus attentively on what they say.
😏#4: You Will Be Able To Edit Podcasts Like A Pro!
It’s high time you realize that meticulous editing determines the success of any form of digital content, let alone podcasts.
Now, what’s meticulous editing, I hear you ask?
Step #1
Step #2
A gentle breeze, the humming of the vending machine or coiled cables, the air conditioner; it’s all on tape, and you must hear it while recording so you can make any necessary adjustments.
And there is no better way to achieve all this feat without a pair of recording headphones.
🩸#5: Prevent Audio Bleeding, What’s That?
“Bleeding? So we have to commit murder and crimes and make an amazing podcast. That’s the secret I was looking for, thanks!”
If your reaction is like my other friends running this blog, then hold on, I am not that foolish!
Audio bleed is the leakage between the output and input of the audio’s source. It’s a problem of audio transmission and can happen both on-stage and live recording.
It’s a genuine concern and can be prevented with a few precautions and a proper pair of headsets with an acoustic seal, preventing the inaccurate frequency representation.
Also Read: Why Autistic Kids Should Wear Headphones
🔥Headphone Vs. Microphone: Which Is Better For Podcasting?
Studio headphones and microphones are essential for podcasters to have an excellent audio response. It is always the responsibility of the podcaster to use the microphone to ensure good sound isolation and quality.
I Am Not Going To Lie to You But:
Microphones are far more essential for a podcaster as compared to headphones. But you know what, the combo of podcasting studio headphones with a mic can insanely improve your production quality, giving you crystal-clear highs and minimal compromise of audio experience.
Then, there is a headphone amplifier.
Coming to the type of microphones you should use, know this:
When it comes to high-quality sound isolation, there is no competition. Dedicated USB microphones outperform headset microphones on any day of the week in terms of flat frequency response. USB microphones include great internal features for recording narration, podcasts, and more.
😍Some Benefits of USB Mics Include:
Long story short: If audio quality is a priority, a USB microphone is a perfect choice.
If you want to record narration, create podcasts, or do anything else that requires high-quality audio and a good design, a cable microphone is a better option.
You have already known that USB mics are great because they strike a balance between audio quality and comfort. Headset mics are great for communication and gaming, but if you want to take your voice to a new level, it’s worth investigating studio mics.
😢When Should You Not Wear Headphones As A Podcaster?
There are many wide range situations where podcasting headbands are not required. A few scenarios are listed below:
😮Podcasting Headphones Used by Experienced Podcasters!
Here are three top choices, handpicked after due research:
Pros
- Excellent build quality.
- Comfortable Fit.
- Remarkable noise cancellation.
Cons
- The cord can be a hassle, obstructing usage.
Aha! Whenever I hear “Audio-TECHNICA Ath…” the only thing that comes to my mind is brilliant noise isolation at an affordable price. They are insanely comfortable, so your long hours of tedious editing work can get a lot easier!
Pros
- Noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear.
- Pocket friendly
Cons
- No added bass
Reddit trolls can hate Sennheiser, but it’s Joe Regan’s all-time favorite. The HD 280 Pros are comfortable, too, but I appreciate their flat frequency response. You will get an ambient sound response at a price tag that in no way breaks your bank.
Pros
- Remarkable audio performance.
- Lightweight to carry.
- Comfortably rests on the head.
Cons
- Quite expensive
If you have a big budget (I always wanted to say this!), the Shure SRH1540 has everything that a podcaster can ask for. Brilliant build quality, comfort delights, and…. (click on the yellow box link to find more customer reviews!)
🤐Why Do Podcasters Wear Headphones: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Youtubers always wear headphones?
Ans- You may have seen hosts of gaming youtube channels wearing headphones. The reason is simple: you can stream your voice without creating a feedback loop with headphones.
Are you supposed to hear yourself when recording?
Ans- Even though one might think that it’s good to understand how well you sound, it’s not a requirement at all. If you hear back your voice with minor tweaks, that will create feedback, a loop where you hear your voice coming back at you, as an echo which is not good when recording.
Are earbuds good for podcasting?
Ans- They are not the first choice, but if you find your guests using earbuds rather than the headphones you just offered, it’s OK!
Why do streamers wear earbuds under podcast headphones?
Ans- Earbuds are small with negligible weight so that streamers can wear them for hours. Also, they can eliminate leakage of sound to a reasonable extent.
Are podcasts popular in 2022?
Ans- It is predicted that every 1 out of 3 Americans will listen to podcasts in 2022. It’s difficult for a beginner to have a sizeable audience for a podcast. Still, one can upload their videos on mediums like YouTube, which runs on SEO-based algorithms to drive referral traffic to your Spotify show. It can be tricky, but worth the effort!
[Quick Update: Linkedin will debut its own podcasting network, reports Engadget on 23rd February 2022. This can be quite a motivation for any budding podcaster!]
About the Author
Rach Wellard
Rach Wellard is the driving force behind Sound & Solitude. Her mission is to help you discover the profound impact of sound in your daily life and to explore the beauty of solitude. With a deep passion for the connection between soundscapes and emotions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and personal dedication to our platform.
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