When you are new to the podcast industry, there may seem like there is a lot to learn. This is true, however once you pick out equipment that is easy to use and you learn the ropes, you will find that podcasting is a great hobby.
Audacity imports the music file into your project and puts it in its own stereo track. You can import music from a CD into Audacity for the podcast but it should not be recorded as it plays as that is slow and inaccurate. Instead, extract (rip) the audio from the CD to a WAV or AIFF audio file and import that audio file into Audacity. Audacity is an excellent open-source, audio editing tool that is widely used by digital audio creators. These tutorials can help you get more comfortable, so you can use Audacity to confidently edit your own podcast! How to Remove Background Noise in Audacity How to Move Audio in Audacity. Once you're ready to record your show then click the red button in Audacity. When your shows at an end click the stop button, then save your recorded audio by selecting File - Export Audio - then add your file name and the File Type should be MP3. Enter your shows information, known as 'metadata', like artist, title, and year, then continue. Audacity: Free and easy to use, Audacity is the most used amateur recording software for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. GarageBand: Widely used by musicians and podcasters alike, GarageBand is the defacto recording and editing software on Mac. Audacity is the ultimate tool for editing your podcast. It has plenty of great features that are reasonably easy to use. When recording and editing podcast audio, your needs are less demanding compared to a music producer or mixing engineer. This is good and can save you a lot of money, as DAWs can be very expensive!
After you record your first podcast, you will see how enticing it is to continue to record more. Before long, you may even be able to make some money on the side.
You will find that some platforms, such as Audacity or Reaper, require you to use multiple microphones in order to be able to upload a podcast on to their server. One of the most important things to learn is how to record your podcast with multiple mics. The reason that this is important is because you will probably want to invite guests to your podcasts to make things interesting.
To do so, you will need to invest in multiple mics, pass the mic around, or share a mic. It can be a bit cumbersome to pass the same mic around, not to mention it can cause unnecessary noise and feedback that can be distracting for the listener. This article will provide some tips to help you learn how to record a podcast with more than one mic.
Podcast With Multiple Mics: Use a mixer or preamp
Ms catalina update. The best and easiest way to record with multiple mics at the same time is by using a mixer or a preamp. The mixer is easy to use as all you have to do is plug it into your computer which will then input with Audacity.
Another option is to use a digital recorder to record multiple mics. Once you do so, you can then upload the file to Audacity and edit it from there. It is important to note that if you were to use a mixer, it wouldn't be able to record each mic as an individual track on Audacity.
Find the right hardware and software card
This can be quite a challenge and it is not uncommon for many external devices to have issues if you don't have the proper soundcard or hardware. Having the proper soundcard and hardware can make all the difference in the quality of the sound of your podcast.
If you are serious about having a podcast studio and want to be successful, it is important to provide your listeners with a stream that is clear and free of abrasive sounds that may come from bad hardware or a faulty soundcard.
Split the tracks
If you want to stick with using Audacity, there are ways to record with one mic onto one side of the track and then again onto the other side. Once you complete the process and you have finished recording, you can then split the track into 2 mono tracks. While this is a cumbersome option, it can be inexpensive and a good way to make things work without having to invest in additional equipment.
Purchase a splitter
If you want to use Audacity and you are committed to using 3 mics, another option is to use a splitter. A splitter will let you put 3 microphones into your computer mic port and record to Audacity straight from there. This is the cheapest option but it is important to note that you do lose some functionality with this option. You will not have as much flexibility in choosing the mic levels when you use a splitter.
Invest in Reaper
If you decide that you want to record podcasts with multiple mics for the long haul, it is a good idea to invest in something other than Audacity. People tend to use Audacity when they first start out because it is free. While free is always nice, it can be cumbersome and require extra work on your part. Reaper is considered to be a good platform for the money and can be a lot more user friendly when it comes to using multiple mics.
As with anything, it can take some time to learn how to do something. Podcasting is no different and at first you can feel like a fish out of water. However, the more that you record, the better you will get and the more confident that you will be in your ability to produce great content.
Using tools to help you record with multiple mics such as a splitter, mixer, or preamp are convenient but also cost money. If you have a small budget, you can split the tracks, but that can also be time consuming. The best option is to consider investing in Reaper and it will be so much easier to record with multiple mics. Stick with it and before long you will find a routine that will work best for your podcasting goals.
If your microphone costs you an arm and a leg, don't worry: you can find free good-quality podcast editing software. Take Audacity for instance. Countless podcasters now use it as a reference for recording and editing. Countless is an open-source and user-friendly application software. It's no wonder beginners love it.
Recording your voice with Audacity
Open Audacity and make sure your microphone has been set as a source (settings can be found in the top-left corner, next to the microphone icon). Now, the recording volume has been configured appropriately. Take a deep breath and click on that big and sexy red button. Your recording is now on and will end when you click on Stop. Easy, isn't it?
Recording a remote podcast
You'd like to record a show with friends or interview someone – but cannot meet in person? Don't worry: there is a solution, already adopted by some of your favorite podcasters.
So you know how to record your voice and chat with your friends over a long distance. But, how can you do both simultaneously and gather everyone's track? Whichever instant messaging application you choose to use (e.g. Skype), it is strongly advised not to record the sound coming out of it. You probably know why out of experience: not to mention the not-so-great sound quality, but also the microphone cuts out and other inconveniences often occur.
The best option is to ask each contributor to record their own voice. They will also need a recording software (Audacity or whatever else) and set it so that it only records the sound captured by their own microphone. Ideally, the contributors should synchronize and all press start recording at the same time. However, any lag can be fixed easily afterwards.
Once you are done recording, remind the contributors to save their tracks straightaway under the same format (such as WAV). You can now use a file-transfer software, such as DropBox, to gather all the tracks.
Editing each track in one click with Levelator
Now that you have one or several tracks properly recorded and exported under the WAV format, let us introduce you to Levelator. While this software may not have been updated since late 2012, it is still the first thing that Reddit's podcasters think about when asked which tool they (now) couldn't do without.
Levelator will become your new best friend if you are not yet an expert in editing or if you want to improve the quality of your files quickly. It is the best all-around editing software: it works as a compressor, a limiter, and a normalizer, among other things. But best of all, you don't need any special or complex skill to use it. Just drag and drop your WAV file in the application window and you will get a file with perfectly set and adjusted audio levels. It only takes a few seconds or minutes of your patience, depending on the size of the file.
To do so, you will need to invest in multiple mics, pass the mic around, or share a mic. It can be a bit cumbersome to pass the same mic around, not to mention it can cause unnecessary noise and feedback that can be distracting for the listener. This article will provide some tips to help you learn how to record a podcast with more than one mic.
Podcast With Multiple Mics: Use a mixer or preamp
Ms catalina update. The best and easiest way to record with multiple mics at the same time is by using a mixer or a preamp. The mixer is easy to use as all you have to do is plug it into your computer which will then input with Audacity.
Another option is to use a digital recorder to record multiple mics. Once you do so, you can then upload the file to Audacity and edit it from there. It is important to note that if you were to use a mixer, it wouldn't be able to record each mic as an individual track on Audacity.
Find the right hardware and software card
This can be quite a challenge and it is not uncommon for many external devices to have issues if you don't have the proper soundcard or hardware. Having the proper soundcard and hardware can make all the difference in the quality of the sound of your podcast.
If you are serious about having a podcast studio and want to be successful, it is important to provide your listeners with a stream that is clear and free of abrasive sounds that may come from bad hardware or a faulty soundcard.
Split the tracks
If you want to stick with using Audacity, there are ways to record with one mic onto one side of the track and then again onto the other side. Once you complete the process and you have finished recording, you can then split the track into 2 mono tracks. While this is a cumbersome option, it can be inexpensive and a good way to make things work without having to invest in additional equipment.
Purchase a splitter
If you want to use Audacity and you are committed to using 3 mics, another option is to use a splitter. A splitter will let you put 3 microphones into your computer mic port and record to Audacity straight from there. This is the cheapest option but it is important to note that you do lose some functionality with this option. You will not have as much flexibility in choosing the mic levels when you use a splitter.
Invest in Reaper
If you decide that you want to record podcasts with multiple mics for the long haul, it is a good idea to invest in something other than Audacity. People tend to use Audacity when they first start out because it is free. While free is always nice, it can be cumbersome and require extra work on your part. Reaper is considered to be a good platform for the money and can be a lot more user friendly when it comes to using multiple mics.
As with anything, it can take some time to learn how to do something. Podcasting is no different and at first you can feel like a fish out of water. However, the more that you record, the better you will get and the more confident that you will be in your ability to produce great content.
Using tools to help you record with multiple mics such as a splitter, mixer, or preamp are convenient but also cost money. If you have a small budget, you can split the tracks, but that can also be time consuming. The best option is to consider investing in Reaper and it will be so much easier to record with multiple mics. Stick with it and before long you will find a routine that will work best for your podcasting goals.
If your microphone costs you an arm and a leg, don't worry: you can find free good-quality podcast editing software. Take Audacity for instance. Countless podcasters now use it as a reference for recording and editing. Countless is an open-source and user-friendly application software. It's no wonder beginners love it.
Recording your voice with Audacity
Open Audacity and make sure your microphone has been set as a source (settings can be found in the top-left corner, next to the microphone icon). Now, the recording volume has been configured appropriately. Take a deep breath and click on that big and sexy red button. Your recording is now on and will end when you click on Stop. Easy, isn't it?
Recording a remote podcast
You'd like to record a show with friends or interview someone – but cannot meet in person? Don't worry: there is a solution, already adopted by some of your favorite podcasters.
So you know how to record your voice and chat with your friends over a long distance. But, how can you do both simultaneously and gather everyone's track? Whichever instant messaging application you choose to use (e.g. Skype), it is strongly advised not to record the sound coming out of it. You probably know why out of experience: not to mention the not-so-great sound quality, but also the microphone cuts out and other inconveniences often occur.
The best option is to ask each contributor to record their own voice. They will also need a recording software (Audacity or whatever else) and set it so that it only records the sound captured by their own microphone. Ideally, the contributors should synchronize and all press start recording at the same time. However, any lag can be fixed easily afterwards.
Once you are done recording, remind the contributors to save their tracks straightaway under the same format (such as WAV). You can now use a file-transfer software, such as DropBox, to gather all the tracks.
Editing each track in one click with Levelator
Now that you have one or several tracks properly recorded and exported under the WAV format, let us introduce you to Levelator. While this software may not have been updated since late 2012, it is still the first thing that Reddit's podcasters think about when asked which tool they (now) couldn't do without.
Levelator will become your new best friend if you are not yet an expert in editing or if you want to improve the quality of your files quickly. It is the best all-around editing software: it works as a compressor, a limiter, and a normalizer, among other things. But best of all, you don't need any special or complex skill to use it. Just drag and drop your WAV file in the application window and you will get a file with perfectly set and adjusted audio levels. It only takes a few seconds or minutes of your patience, depending on the size of the file.
Levelator is perfect in case of major gaps in volume in your recording or if you have to match several tracks. But these technical points aside, it still features two characteristics you'll benefit from nonetheless:
- It offers a comfortable sound for the audience to listen to.
- It is quite helpful for you as it minimizes the time spent editing. Nice, right?
Be careful though: you should only use Levelator for 'spoken' or audible tracks. The only drawback of this software: it does not have an ear for music and may amplify the volume for melodies inappropriately. But if you stick to chats, debates or monologues, then you won't be disappointed!
Putting the tracks together with Audacity
Have you noticed how things have been pretty simple so far? The good news is that it won't really get much harder. Now that you have one or several tracks recorded, your next task is to unify them as one project using Audacity. This is where the actual editing phase begins.
First of all, open your own track in Audacity (File, Open). Then, upload your contributors' tracks in this very project (Import, Audio). Save your project under a new name (Save As) then press Play to see if all your tracks have been synchronized. If they haven't, the easiest solution is to spot the track that is late, then select a silent part that is as long as this gap (long left click on this track), and finally cut off this part (Scissor icon).
There are other ways to fix this but they are less instinctive. You can either use the time slide tool or spot the track that is in advance and create a silence that would be long enough (Generate, Silence). Anyway, if you can't get the expected result, remember that nothing is final and that you can cancel the effects of your last actions (Edit, Cancel).
Fixing the discrepancies of your tracks
Once you have saved your recording and are satisfied with your content, there are a few basic editing steps to go through. Here are some of the problems you may face and how you can fix them:
Recording A Podcast In Audacity
Silences that are too long
In podcasts as well as in radio shows, silence is a friend only when used with caution. We call 'dead air' the unintentional silences that break the rhythm of a show. These words speak for themselves, don't they?
In order to avoid dead air, the major radio stations use silence detectors that launch a safety soundtrack after a few silent seconds. For podcasters, editing remains their best asset. If you think a silent phase is too long, you just have to select it and delete it. You can do it with the Scissor icon in Audacity.
Unnecessary bits to delete
As they say in Spain, words sometimes lose what silence gains. In fact, when listening to the recording with fresh ears, you may decide that a message you deemed relevant at the time actually sounds redundant or unclear. If you can delete it without affecting the whole conversation itself nor its understanding, go for it. For the conversation to remain smooth, you only have to use the useful fade-in / fade-out tool. Select the end or beginning of a sentence, then select Effects and let the magic happen. If you do it right, the audience won't notice it and won't realize there is a bit missing.
Background (or mouth) noises to delete
As far as recurrent flaws are concerned, such as background noise (like the buzzing of a computer or the air conditioner) or mouth noise (like a deep breath between two spoken phases), it would be quite tedious to delete them manually. Don't worry: with Audacity, you can erase similar discrepancies in a single move, in the Effects column. You'll find a Noise reduction tool that works in two steps: first, select the 'noise profile' on a short passage of your recording. Then, apply the noise reduction to the whole recording. The software will then spot all the bits featuring the same flaw and fix them equally. Handy, right?
Jingles or extracts to add
Adding audio extracts is important but it is so easy that there is no need to write too much about it. There are two things to do: 'Import/Audio' to include the extract to your project (just like when you add tracks together – see above), then 'Effects/Time slide' to insert said extract where you want it to be. If it is meant to feature between two conversations, you only need to create a silence where it can fit. However, if the jingle is meant to be heard over a discussion, then add it on top and lower the volume of the extract with the Amplification tool (Effects column).
Amplification, Normalization, Compression, Equalization : the final touch
Audacity To Record Podcast
Once you are done editing and finished with Levelator (or not), it is time to put the final touches on your project. To do so, use the various tools in Audacity's Effects column:
Amplifying
With the Amplify tool, you can adjust the volume of one or several tracks while preserving the general balance of your project, through a suppression process. Beginner podcasters often have problems with a very low volume. This can be fixed through amplification.
Normalizing
Normalizing is about increasing or lowering the volume of the peaks (and only peaks). The aim is to set a regular level. The volume will then be adapted to reduce the gaps. You can test various parameters to find the best settings, and this also applies to the other steps of the editing process.
Compressing
The Audacity compressor will help you set the link between the minimal and maximal range in your recording. Set it properly (there are great tutorials online) and you will be able to amplify the sound without saturation.
Equalizing
Audacity Record Podcast Youtube
The word speaks for itself: equalizing is about emphasizing or reducing one or more frequencies. Again, try and see what works best for you. Test some of the predefined curves in Audacity, even adjust them if needed, and then compare what you get to what you had before. If it works, then save your new settings so you can apply them in no time for your next project. Your audience might notice and enjoy the fact that your sound improves between episodes.
