The ZUGU Guide: How to Record a Podcast on Your iPad

There are thousands of podcasts being recorded every week. They’re more popular and accessible than ever.  

Shows like The Daily and Good Hang with Amy Poehler regularly top the streaming charts, proving that a solid concept, quality hosting, and entertaining guests can create fun and insightful content for all kinds of audiences.

If you’ve got a topic you’re passionate about and can’t wait to share with the world, you might be wondering: can you start a podcast from an iPad?

The short answer is yes! 

If you’re looking to record a podcast remotely, then an iPad is your go-to device. You’ll need a few things to build your recording setup though, like high-quality microphones, headphones, and a few accessories, like a sturdy iPad case.

So, here’s how to podcast like a pro.

Can You Use an iPad to Record a Podcast?

The latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models have more than enough processing power to handle the demands of recording and editing a podcast. iPads are also portable and lightweight, making it easy to set up and record at home or on location.

All iPads have native apps like GarageBand that are easy to learn how to use, even for complete beginners.

They also have multitasking features that give you the freedom to switch between note-taking, audio recording, and editing on the fly.

All of this comes at a reasonable price point. Most iPads are cheaper than their MacBook equivalents. This is handy if you’re on a budget, because you’ll need to invest in some other equipment to get your podcast up and running.

What You Need to Record a Podcast: The Essentials

Here’s everything you need to set up, record, and edit your podcast with professional results using your iPad:

• Microphones: at least two if you’re planning on having guests.

• Audio Interface: essential for hooking up microphones to record.

• Cables & Accessories: non-optional extras for your setup.

• Headphones: for monitoring and editing your podcast recording.

• iPad Case: essential for recording and editing professionally.

Microphones 

Although the iPad’s built-in microphones can handle voice notes or FaceTime, they won’t deliver the clarity and quality listeners expect from podcasts. You need high-quality microphones that capture mid-to-low frequencies, giving your voice the deeper, richer sound that listeners typically associate with professionally recorded podcasts.

You’ll need at least two microphones; one for you and another for a guest. Some popular options include:

• RØDE PodMic: At $99, this is a mid-range broadcast microphone designed specifically for podcasting. It has a built-in pop filter and an internal shockmount to reduce plosives. It offers rich, full-sounding recordings on a budget. It has an XLR connection that you’ll need to hook up to an audio interface to record.*

• Shure SM7B: At $439, this is a professional-grade microphone for podcasters looking for the highest quality sound recording. It creates smoother, warmer voice recordings that elevate the podcasting experience for listeners. 

*There’s also the RØDE PodMic USB-C option if you’re looking for additional connectivity. 

Audio Interface

In order to use your microphones with your iPad, you’ll need something to plug them into. This is where an audio interface becomes essential. 

An audio interface (or sound card) is a piece of hardware that acts as a bridge between your microphones and your iPad, converting analog audio signals into digital data for recording (and vice versa for playback). It enables high-quality audio capture, typically connecting via USB-C.

For creators serious about producing a professional podcast, an audio interface also offers multiple microphone inputs and additional headphone outputs for real-time monitoring. 

Two of the most popular options out there include:

• The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: One of the most popular audio interfaces, with auto gain, clip-safe modes, two ultra-low-noise mic preamps, and two air preamp modes for that classic console sound. Note that to use two headphones simultaneously, you’ll need a headphone splitter
  

• Zoom PodTrak P4: Don’t let its compact size fool you. It’s compatible with iOS devices, controls headphone volumes, and prevents feedback from call audio. The P4 allows up to four microphones to be connected, making it perfect for recording with multiple guests.

If you’re recording a podcast solo, you could use a USB-powered microphone, but you may need additional hardware adapters to plug in your headphones and keep your iPad charged while recording.

Cables & Accessories

There are a few more non-negotiables you’ll need to get in order to complete your podcast recording setup:

• XLR Cables: Essential for most professional microphones, like the Shure SM7B. You’ll need one cable per microphone, plus a couple of spares in case you want to expand your setup or one of them stops working.
  

• Microphone Stands: A sturdy mic stand is a must for microphones like the RØDE PodMic. Use a boom arm or desk stand depending on your space to position your microphone and reduce handling noise.

• Headphone Splitters: If you’re recording with a guest using an audio interface that has one headphone output, a headphone splitter ensures everyone can hear themselves.

• Adapters: Depending on your setup, you might need USB-C or Lightning adapters to connect your iPad to audio interfaces or headphones.

Headphones

When choosing headphones, prioritize brands that offer a neutral and natural sound. This ensures you and your guest(s) hear a faithful reproduction of the original audio, giving you a more balanced final recording that sounds good on any device. Be sure to also factor in comfort and weight for longer recording sessions.

Some of the best headphones for podcasting include:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: At $79, these are popular yet affordable studio headphones. The closed-back design helps reduce sound leakage and improve noise isolation. They’re also highly comfortable for long recording sessions.
  

• Sony MDR-7506: At $114.99, these are popular, mid-range headphones. Known for their comfort and practicality, they’re used by thousands in broadcasting and recording. They’re comfortable and compact, making them great for podcast recording.
  

• Beyerdynamic DT 770: At $199, these are the top-of-the-range, industry-standard headphones used by leading audio professionals. They offer superior comfort and durability, as well as clear, punchy sound reproduction. They’re some of the best headphones for podcasting and recording.

An iPad Case

A sturdy iPad case is essential for remote recording. ZUGU cases offer multiple viewing angles, letting you position your iPad perfectly for reading scripts, taking notes, or editing. 

Built-in airflow vents keep your iPad cool during longer sessions, while the secure magnetic mount lets you attach it to any metal surface for added convenience. The case’s lightweight, compact size also makes it easily transportable.

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How to Set up Your iPad for Recording a Podcast

Now you know what gear you’ll need, it’s time to think practically. Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting started with podcast recording using your iPad:

Step 1: Find the Right Location

Choose a space with minimal background noise, plenty of soft furnishings, and enough room for all your equipment and your all-important guest(s). For example, it might be better to record in your living room instead of your kitchen as there are soft furnishings (like sofas and armchairs) that will absorb more noise and reverberations.

Step 2: Connect Your Equipment 

Set up your iPad near you so that you can access it during the recording. Plug your audio interface into the iPad, then connect your headphones and the microphone into the interface. Ensure there’s enough room for everything and that cables are tidied away to avoid tripping hazards.

Step 3: Minimize Interruptions

Enable Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb to prevent notifications from interrupting your recording. For Airplane Mode, simply open your iPad's Control Center and tap the Airplane Mode button. For Do Not Disturb, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Focus.

3. Select Do Not Disturb.

4. Set a Schedule.

Step 4: Test 

Check one-two! First, check your input settings to ensure your recording app is using the external mic, not the iPad's internal one. Then, capture a short sample recording to identify any potential issues. Listen for clarity, background noise, and consistency across multiple microphones.

Step 5: Give It a Go! 

Practice makes perfect, and when it comes to recording, you’ll learn plenty of lessons along the way. Plan out your podcast episodes and ensure you have plenty of talking points to-hand and a rough structure or script to follow. The best moments come naturally, so relax and enjoy making content you’re passionate about!

Top iPad Podcast Recording Apps

Now you have your podcasting essentials and top tips, you just need a podcasting app:

• GarageBand: A popular choice for beginners. Its user-friendly design features various smart controls, record mixers, and a sound library. 

• Spotify for Creators: Best for beginners who want to record, edit, and publish all in one app.

• Riverside.fm: Best for recording remote guests with high-quality video and audio. 

• Ferrite Recording Studio: A powerful app that lets you record directly from your iPad and makes editing simple, whether you’re trimming clips or adjusting levels.

Each app offers something different, so try a few to see which one is your favorite.

Top Tips for Recording

A few small checks before you hit record can save you running into technical issues mid-session:

1. Check your location: Aim to record in a quiet environment or at quiet times during the day to get the best quality recording. And remember, hard surfaces create echoes; soft surfaces absorb sound.
   

2. Check your devices: Make sure your iPad is fully charged, or connect it to a power outlet if it’s likely to run out of juice mid-recording. Check that all of the connections to your audio interface are secure, including microphones, headphones, and any other connector cables.
   

3. Test your equipment in advance: Run a full audio test at least a day before the planned recording. This will reveal any potential issues, giving you time to replace faulty cables or find solutions to problems that could arise.
   

4. Have backups: Spare cables and a backup pair of headphones could save the day. Cables don’t cost much, so it’s worth having a couple in reserve.
   

5. Secure your iPad: A stable iPad case prevents wobbles or collapsing while you read, take notes, record, and edit. 

Related: iPad Not Charging: Common Causes and Fixes

Record Podcasts like a Pro

You don’t need a professional studio to create a professional podcast. With your iPad, a couple of microphones, headphones, and a ZUGU case, you can record from anywhere.

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