Video podcasting

Podcasting in the Rapidmooc Studios (H2.46)

Podcasting has exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming a powerful tool for both creators and listeners. With its on-demand format and ability to delve into niche topics, podcasts offer a unique space for learning, entertainment, and community building.

Digital Learning and Audio Visual Services have collaborated to set up 2 podcasting stations within our Rapidmooc Studios in Westwood (WA0.21) and Central Campus (H2.46).

In addition to the RØDECaster Video in H2.46 we also have a RØDECaster Pro II in WA0.21 available for audio Podcasting.

The equipment in the room comprises a Rodecaster Pro IILink opens in a new window, 4 x Rode Podmic's Link opens in a new windowon PSA1+ Link opens in a new windowstands and 4 x Nth 100 headphonesLink opens in a new window

This space allows for 4 in-person participants to be recorded simultaneously on separate microphones.

FAQs

Where can I get help?

Contact the Digital Learning team for support with using the podcasting equipment for teaching and learning. We will give you an introduction to using the equipment and can talk to you about developing a podcast.

Contact the Audio Visual team for technical supportLink opens in a new window if the equipment is not working e.g. one of the microphones or headphones stops working or if there are cabling or power issues.

Visit the Rode Support and Documentation pagesLink opens in a new window for more information on the Rodecaster Video, especially if you want to dig into the more advanced features of the equipment

Who can use the podcasting equipment

At the present time, access to the studio is staff only. By default, this includes:

Staff - all academic and professional services staff
PGR - all PhD students, GTAs etc.

With the support of a Staff member, this service is also available to:

PGT - for departmentally sponsored events or projects only (at the request of the Department)
UG - for departmentally sponsored events or projects only (at the request of the Department)
Students Union Societies - at the request of the relevant SU Officer/staff member

Please note that only Staff members are able to access the RapidMooc studios.

Choosing Between RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Video

Use the RØDECaster Pro II to:

Create traditional audio podcasts for listening on the go
Focus on intimate, voice-driven storytelling or conversations
Maximize the number of in-person participants (up to 4 people with dedicated microphones)
Distribute content through podcast apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Maintain a simpler production workflow focused purely on sound quality

Use the RØDECaster Video to:

Create content where visual elements enhance the story (demonstrations, reactions, body language)
Reach audiences on YouTube or social media platforms where video performs better
Include visual aids, presentations, or screen sharing in your podcast
Generate more engaging promotional clips from your recordings
Conduct interviews where seeing the guest adds value to the conversation
Offer your audience a choice between watching and listening

H2.46: Getting started (in fewer than 100 words)

Book and access the H2.46 Rapidmooc studioLink opens in a new window.
Turn the Rodecaster Video on using the red button on the back.
Insert a micro SD card to upload images/media.Link opens in a new window
Insert an external SSD into the USB-C socket to record content.
Connect external presenters using the USB-C or bluetooth.Link opens in a new window
Put on the headphones and position the cameras.
Press the record button.
Speak into the microphone.
Press and hold the record button to stop recording.
Turn off the Rodecaster and remove your SD card and SSD storage.

What does the podcasting equipment look like?

H2.46: Rodecaster Video
H2.46: Room layout
H2.46: Rodecaster Video
Equipment overview

RØDECaster

Video Tutorial

COMING SOON

Plan your podcast

Book the studio via the Rapidmooc Booking page for H2.46
Confirm how external presenters will connect and check that your device supports HDMI, Bluetooth or USB-C (or you have a suitable adapter).
Bring a bottle of water and any notes or resources you need.
Decide on your camera setup and positions - 3 cameras are provided (left, right and center).
Plan your scenes and camera angles in advance.
Prepare any graphics, lower thirds, or logos you want to overlay and store them on a SSD card.

Note: the RV is set to record multitrack at 30fps by default i.e. ISO video with each camera and audio track separate so that you can edit them individually as required.

Using the control keyboard

Input Buttons (1 – 6): The bottom row of buttons labelled 1-6 are the Input Buttons and correlate to the 6 possible input sources that can be simultaneously assigned on the RØDECaster Video.
Scene Buttons (A – G): Each of the seven scene buttons can be completely customised with different configurations of input sources, images, videos, graphic overlays and keying layouts, allowing you to quickly switch between pre-configured setups on the fly.
Display and Encoder: The touchscreen display, along with the encoder above it, are used to navigate and adjust the RØDECaster Video’s settings and controls. Tap on the icons and turn the encoder to navigate menus, select items, confirm settings, cycle through pages, or return home.
Multisource Button: It allows you to quickly create multisource arrangements of your inputs and media, such as in picture-in-picture or split screen configurations. A default layout scene is already set for convenience (CV suggests better way to phrase this?)
Cut, Auto and Transitions: The 'Cut' feature allows you to
immediately switch between inputs, scenes, and media. 'Auto' will switch between your input, media or scenes using your transition settings. To change transition type, tap the on-screen icon to the left of the stopwatch and use the encoder to select Fade, Dip or Wipe (the latter of which has multiple sub-types)

Record your podcast

Prepare the recording equipment

Please note: You will need a microSD card to upload media and a fast external SSD to record on the RØDECaster Video.

The Digital Learning Team does not have external SSD drives available for loan, you will need to acquire an SSD drive yourself in order to record from the RØDECaster Video.

Turn on the RØDECaster using the small red button on the back of the unit.
The monitor screen will show the current inputs with a media library on the left.
Adjust desk, camera and microphone positions until they show what you want to record.
Make sure that all cameras and microphones are firmly connected to the Rodecaster panel.
If you are using a laptop you can connect this to the Rodecaster using the HDMI cable and the RODE_RCV socket.
Upload media clips, lower thirds and other media from the microSD card into the media library.
Connect your SSD drive and the recording button will go green to show that it has been recognised.
Check the inputs and scenes and practice changing between these. All changes are recorded live to your SSD once you press record. You can edit this afterwards as required.

Perform audio checks

Check the microphones are properly positioned for each speaker - ideally about 10 to 15cm from your mouth (but not blocking the camera).
Ask participants to speak into their assigned microphones and adjust levels as needed. Tip: for a 'warmer' sound, speak across the end of the microphone to reduce sibilance and 'pops'.

Check the headphone monitoring levels for all participants.

Record your session

Press the record button on the top left-hand side of the Rodecaster. Press it again to Pause, and hold it to stop recording. Red means recording; Amber means paused; Green means not recording.
Make a test recording if possible to confirm everything is working
Press the button on the top left-hand side corner to stop the recording.
It will turn from red back to green once the recording has ended and the file is automatically finalized.
After the recording is done in the RØDECaster Video, the file is saved automatically to the connected SSD or USB storage device as soon as you stop the recording

Edit and publish your podcast

Edit and post-process the audio

Import your recorded files into your preferred editing software:
- For audio-only podcasts: Use audio editing software (Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition)
- For video podcasts: Use video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve) which can handle both video and audio tracks
Remove any unwanted sections, such as long pauses or mistakes.
Apply noise reduction and leveling to enhance the audio quality.
Add intro and outro music, if desired.
Export the final audio file in a suitable format (e.g., MP3, WAV).

Video-specific post-production

Review and trim video content, ensuring smooth transitions between camera angles
Colour grade footage if necessary for consistency between cameras
Add titles, graphics, or chapter markers
Sync additional audio if recorded separately
Consider creating both a full video version and an audio-only version for wider distribution
Export in appropriate formats (MP4 for video, MP3 for audio-only versions)

Create show notes and metadata

Write a brief episode description and create show notes with timestamps for important topics or segments.
Include relevant links, references, or additional resources mentioned during the recording.
Add appropriate metadata, such as episode title, description, keywords, and artwork.

Upload and distribute the podcastLink opens in a new window

Upload the final audio file and accompanying metadata to your preferred podcast hosting platform.
Submit your podcast's RSS feed to major directory platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.
Share the new episode on your podcast's website and social media channels.

For video podcasts:

Upload video versions to YouTube, Vimeo, or video podcast platforms
Consider creating an audio-only version to submit to traditional podcast directories
Video file sizes are much larger - ensure your hosting platform supports the file sizes
Many podcast platforms now support video podcasts including Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Promote and engage with your audience

Encourage listeners to leave reviews and ratings, which can help increase visibility and attract new listeners.
Respond to comments and feedback from your audience, fostering a sense of community.
Consider creating additional promotional content, such as video teasers or blog posts related to the episode topic.

Teaching and Learning with Podcasts

Digital Pedagogy Library - Representing History Podcast AssessmentLink opens in a new window

LDCU - Talking Online Learning Link opens in a new window(created using this equipment in WA0.21)

Help and Community

Please join our Teams channelLink opens in a new window to discuss and learn from other users of our Podcasting service.