Most simply, a podcast is the digital delivery of an audio or video file. In many ways, podcasts are to the internet what “on-demand” cable is to television. With podcasting, music and video content is available by subscription download. Once downloaded, it can be viewed or heard at the user’s command.

A few months ago, I sat in on a seminar about a new audio mastering software program. It was pretty much the same old thing -- a slick GUI (Graphical User Interface) that would dance before your eyes with a new 3-D look. Let's face it -- all the programs have the same basic features when it comes to audio mastering. Sure, every program has its pros and cons, but they are all trying to compress and equalize the music to make it "jump" out of the speakers. Some programs may remove digital clicks or reduce noise. But, with digital equipment being very commonplace these days, the issues of tape noise are diminishing.

For many current recording projects, booking large professional studios for the duration of the project is no longer the norm. That doesn't mean professional studios don't have a role to play. Used smartly and efficiently, they work in concert with home-studio technology to provide artists with the high-quality product record labels demand.

There are many studio tricks musicians can perform using overdubs and additional instrumentation to give their songs a fuller sound. Overdub techniques add a 'pro' quality that major label acts take for granted - after all, those bands can afford to hire a producer to perform the tricks mentioned here. Try a few of these recording techniques to make your songs sparkle.

But don’t think your job is done yet! The mixdown is just as important as recording. As an artist, you have to approach the mixdown from an artist’s point of view and stay on the ‘creative’ side of the fence where it’s still possible to shape and mold your songs throughout the mixdown process.

When you finally do pick the perfect studio, one that you feel comfortable at, there is a certain routine that must be followed in order to get the best performance and the best recording for your budget.

Within the past decade there has been an enormous amount of musicians, singers, and songwriters investing in their home studios and multi tasking to learn every aspect ofthe production process. One priority piece of gear should be a quality microphone; every studio professional or hobbyist should have one real good mic in the house, or better yet a few to choose from to deliver the desired tone needed within a recording session.