There are many elements to creating a great podcast, such as a compelling story, great patter, and engaging guests.
However, you can have the best content in the world, and it will still fall flat if the quality isn’t up to scratch.
The podcasting world has much to offer, and polished audio is important if you want to compete.
Getting to grips with some basic editing is a no-brainer, whether you’re just starting out or looking to kick things up a notch and expand your audience.
So let’s take a look at some essential tools and techniques, and how to choose the right software to help you navigate your way.
By the time we are through, you’ll be mastering your EQ and compressing your audio like a pro..
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Choices
A Digital Audio Workstation or DAW is your core workhorse. It acts as a center of operations for podcast editing, taking care of awkward silences, adding background music, and sound effects.
Popular DAWs Among Podcasters
Many of the top DAWs on the scene are made with music creation and production in mind. As such, they are packed full of features that a podcaster really doesn’t need.
So the good news is you don´t have to have anything flashy or part with tons of cash.
The important features are multi-track editing, fade automation, and plugin support, so if you get stuck, you have help at hand.
Fortunately, these things are pretty standard in streamlined DAWs, and so many podcasters find something simple suffices.
Two of the most popular options are Audacity, which is free to use, and GarageBand if you are using a Mac.
If you want something a little more sophisticated, then you can try Adobe Audition or Reaper.
Understanding Workflow Basics
You need to learn the ropes inside your digital audio workspace before you think about recording anything at all. You should learn the following basic workflow operations,
- How to import raw audio.
- How to organize layered tracks for voice, music, and effects;
- How to save in multiple formats.
- How to backup.
The initial setup beforehand can be time-consuming. A good tip is to create a template of your track layout for recurring podcast episodes to help make your workflow more efficient.
Striving for Pristine Audio: Reducing Noise
Most podcasters use headphones (70%) when recording and in post-production, which is the best practice.
However, it does mean that noises in the environment might be missed during audio recording.
Noise Identification & Isolation
To identify any unwanted noise, you need to listen to your raw audio attentively.
Within your DAW, you should also be able to view your audio via a spectral display.
If there is any constant noise, such as a computer fan or background hum, it should be easy to see, especially during moments of silence.
Noise Reduction Tools
You should find some built-in noise reduction tools to leverage within most DAWs. If not, there are many highly compatible third-party plugins that offer noise reduction effects, such as iZotope RX.
With Audacity, for example, you can highlight a section of raw audio where no one is speaking and create a noise profile.
With that noise profile selected, you can then ask it to reduce that profile throughout the recorded tracks.
However, you need to strike a balance because overuse can give voices an unappealing robotic or hollow quality.
Understanding How Equalization (EQ) Shapes Voice
Equalization is a balancing process that enhances the clarity and bolsters the presence.
It involves boosting or cutting specific audio frequencies, and if done right, it gives your podcast a professional quality.
A Matter of Frequency
You don’t have to understand the frequency spectrum in any real detail to make a big difference.
Essentially, you want to get rid of any low-end rumble and boost your mids to make sure the voice stands out above all else.
Human voices range from 80Hz to 12kHz. So, reduce anything below 80Hz and slightly boost the frequencies between 1kHz and 3kHz.
EQ Techniques for Podcasting
A high-pass filter is a great tool to do exactly what has been recommended. It removes any sub-bass rumble and brightens the sounds by boosting the mid-frequencies.
Another popular EQ adjustment many podcasters make is to remove 200Hz–300Hz, which are low-end frequencies that can give audio a muddy sound.
Dynamic Compression
Compression is another of the most important tools to have in your podcasting arsenal.
It can help even out your recording levels to make sure that quiet moments aren’t missed and that any loud outbursts don’t spike.
What Does Compression Do?
Podcasts are conversational in nature, and naturally, the dynamics and volume levels change.
You don’t want quieter moments lost, and neither do you want explosive laughter to ruin the listening experience. Quality.
A compressor attenuates everything to a uniform level, ensuring a consistent listening experience regardless of the playback device. This means that a whisper is as loud as a guffaw.
Suggested Compressor Settings for Podcasters
Over-compressing can get rid of dynamics completely, and you don´t want to lose everything.
Most podcasters use a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, which still gives the loudest parts a notable, natural-sounding peak.
After compressing, you will find the overall volume level is quieter, so you can raise the gain.
Additional Techniques To Employ
In addition to your noise reduction, EQ, and compression, learning a few extra moves to edit your content for pacing can elevate your podcast further.
Fades
Using fades where tracks cut in and out can prevent it from sounding abrupt, making the transitions much smoother.
Music Beds
Adding background music, referred to as music beds in podcasting, helps to set the tone and can be used for transitions.
Final Steps: Render & Publish
Once you have edited your episode and everything sounds polished, it needs exporting, and then you can share it with the world.
Export Setting Options for Podcasters
The file format you export in is dependent on the platform you will distribute it from, to an extent, but most accept MP3.
The format has a good balance; it is a smaller file size, but the quality remains intact., Your other option is AAC. Export your MP3 at 128kbps or 192kbps for stereo.
Final Steps
There are a couple of final things to do before you upload your podcast to your chosen platform.
Firstly, add the metadata and be sure to include the episode title, number, and host name so that it can be categorized correctly.
Then give everything a final listen and review it to ensure it is all in order. Do this from a variety of different devices so you can spot any issue that might be device-specific.
Remember that if, during your editing process, you work across multiple devices, reputable VPN downloads can help securely sync files from cloud services.
Conclusion
Getting your podcast audio to sound professional isn’t a mammoth task with a bit of know-how and the right tools and techniques.
It boils down to understanding your DAW and workflow steps. With basic noise reduction, EQ, compression, and a few editing tricks, your podcast will be well worth listening to, just don’t forget to hit save!