Sound of E.L.I.T.E.

I just finished recording the seventh episode of the podcast, and it's an exciting milestone! This means I’m nearly two months into the journey. Starting with zero experience in podcasting, YouTube videos, or even TikTok, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve always been familiar with these platforms, but for various reasons, I’d never posted anything—just a silent spectator. If I had, I might feel more comfortable with the technical side of running a podcast—editing, mastering, and sound adjustments are a lot to manage.

When I first launched the podcast, I dove deep into research and learned about the essentials: a USB-compatible mic, headphones, and a pop filter. The pop filter was new to me, but after recording the first episode, I quickly understood its value. Without one, the mic picks up harsh “s,” “t,” and “p” sounds, which make the audio less enjoyable. My initial pop filter didn’t seem quite right, so I upgraded to a sturdier, higher-end version. Yet, something still isn’t perfect; there’s a faint echo that I can hear, and it’s slowly driving me crazy. Sound quality can truly make or break a listener’s experience. I want listeners to tune in, not tune out because of issues I can address.

This isn’t to say the podcast has to be flawless, but I know that improving the technical quality will elevate it. Once I sort out the sound, I can shift my focus to where my passion lies: creating engaging content and expanding the Define Yourself podcast’s reach.

Right now, I’m testing a few DIY techniques to minimize the echo, and I’m hopeful they’ll work. If these tricks don’t solve it, I may need to invest in more professional equipment, though I’d rather not add to the budget just yet.

One way or another, I’m committed to finding the best long-term solution. Sound quality is essential, and I’m making sure the podcast becomes—and stays—E.L.I.T.E.

Quote of the Blog: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." — Vince Lombardi