How To Record a Podcast

Published March 1, 2024 | By Matt

Ready to record a podcast? This post will equip you with everything you need to know to record and launch your podcast, regardless of whether you use a Mac or Windows computer.

Essential Gear for Podcast Recording

Before you hit record, you’ll need to gather some basic equipment:

Microphone: This is the most critical piece of gear. There are two main types:
- USB Microphones: Plug directly into your computer and are great for beginners.
- XLR Microphones: Require an audio interface (discussed below) but offer better sound quality.
Headphones: Essential for monitoring your audio and preventing feedback.
Audio Interface (Optional): Connects XLR microphones to your computer and enhances audio quality.
Pop Filter (Optional): Reduces plosive sounds (“p” and “b” sounds) for clearer audio.

Choosing Your Recording Software

Mac:
- GarageBand: Free and user-friendly, great for beginners.
- Logic Pro X: Powerful professional software.
- Hindenburg Journalist: Designed specifically for spoken-word audio.
Windows:
- Audacity: Free and versatile, but has a steeper learning curve.
- Adobe Audition: Professional-grade software with advanced features.
- Reaper: Affordable and customizable option.
Cross-Platform Options:
- Riverside.fm, Zencastr, SquadCast: Ideal for remote interviews with high-quality audio.

How to Record a Podcast with GarageBand: A Step-by-Step Guide for Mac Users

GarageBand is a free and surprisingly powerful audio editing software tool. It’s also a fantastic tool for beginners to record, edit, and publish their podcasts. This guide will walk you through the process.

1. Launch GarageBand, Then Create a New Project:

Open GarageBand and select “New Project.”
Choose “Voice” from the project templates.
Click “Choose.”

2. Connect Your Microphone:

Plug your microphone into your Mac (usually via USB).
GarageBand should automatically detect your microphone. If not, go to “GarageBand” > “Preferences” > “Audio/MIDI” and select your microphone under “Input Device.”

3. Set Up Your Tracks:

You should already have a “Male Basic” or “Female Basic” track. If not, click the “+” button in the bottom left corner to add a new audio track.
On the right side of the screen, adjust the “Input” settings to your microphone.
Test your microphone by speaking into it and checking the level meters in the track header. The meters should be peaking in the green zone, not the red.

4. Record Your Podcast:

Click the red “Record” button at the top of the screen.
Start talking into your microphone!
When you’re finished, click the “Record” button again to stop.

5. Edit Your Podcast:

GarageBand offers various editing tools, including:
- Trim: Cut out unwanted sections of audio.
- Split: Divide a region of audio into multiple parts.
- Join: Combine separate regions of audio into one.
- Fade In/Out: Gradually increase or decrease the volume of a region of audio.
You can also add music and sound effects using the loop library.

6. Export Your Podcast:

Once you’re happy with your podcast, go to “Share” > “Export Song to Disk…”
Choose “MP3” as the file format and select your desired quality.
Click “Export.”

How to Record a Podcast with Audacity: A Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Users

Audacity is a free, audio editor with a wealth of features for recording and editing podcasts.

1. Download and Install Audacity:

Head to the official Audacity website (https://www.audacityteam.org/) and download the latest version for Windows.
Follow the instructions to install the software.

2. Connect Your Microphone:

Plug your microphone into your PC (usually via USB).
Launch Audacity. It should automatically detect your microphone. If not, go to “Edit” > “Preferences” > “Devices” and select your microphone under “Recording.”

3. Set Up Your Recording:

Click the “Audio Host” dropdown menu and choose “MME.”
In the “Recording” section, select your microphone as the “Device.”
Click the “Start Monitoring” button (the microphone icon next to the recording device). This is so you can hear yourself through your headphones as you record.

4. Adjust Input Levels:

Before you start recording, do a test run to check your input levels. Speak at your normal podcasting volume.
The input meters should peak in the yellow/green area, not the red (which indicates clipping).
If your audio is too loud or too quiet, adjust the input level using the slider next to the microphone icon.

5. Record Your Podcast:

Click the red “Record” button to start recording.
Speak clearly and confidently into your microphone.
When you’re finished, click the yellow “Stop” button.

6. Edit Your Podcast:

Audacity offers a wide range of editing tools:
- Selection Tool: Click and drag to select portions of audio.
- Envelope Tool: Adjust the volume of specific sections.
- Zoom Tool: Get a closer look at your audio waveform.
- Noise Reduction: Remove background noise.
You can also import music or sound effects by going to “File” > “Import” > “Audio.”

7. Export Your Podcast:

Once you’re happy with your podcast, go to “File” > “Export” > “Export as MP3.”
Choose a file name and location for your podcast.
Click “Save.”

Tips for Recording with Audacity:

Use headphones: This helps you monitor your audio and prevent feedback.
Record in a quiet environment: Eliminate background noise as much as possible.
Speak at a consistent volume: Avoid sudden changes in volume that might require extensive editing later.
Save regularly: Audacity doesn’t have an autosave feature, so get in the habit of saving your project frequently.

Editing and Production (Audacity)

Cut and Trim:
- Use the Selection Tool (shortcut: I) to highlight unwanted sections like mistakes, long pauses, or background noises.
- Press “Delete” to remove them.
- Use the “Zoom” tool to get a closer look at your waveform for precise editing.
Adjust Levels and Normalize:
- The “Amplify” effect (under the “Effect” menu) can boost or reduce the overall volume.
- “Normalize” (also under “Effect”) will make your audio consistent in loudness, ideal for ensuring your voice doesn’t fluctuate in volume.
Noise Reduction:
- If your recording has background hiss or hum, use the “Noise Reduction” effect.
- First, select a quiet portion of your audio where only the noise is present.
- Then, use “Noise Reduction” to create a noise profile.
- Finally, select your entire audio track and apply the noise reduction.
Compression:
- The “Compressor” effect helps even out the volume of your voice, making quieter parts louder and louder parts quieter. This can make your audio sound more polished and professional.
Equalization (EQ):
- Use the “Equalization” effect to adjust the balance of different frequencies in your audio. This can help your voice sound warmer or brighter, or even remove unwanted frequencies like rumble or harshness.

Section 6: Publishing and Sharing Your Podcast

Once your podcast is edited and polished, it’s time to share it with the world:

Choose a Hosting Platform:
- A hosting platform stores your podcast files and makes them accessible to listeners. Popular options include:
  - Buzzsprout
  - Podbean
  - Anchor
  - Libsyn
Create an RSS Feed:
- Your hosting platform will generate an RSS feed for your podcast, which is a special file that contains information about your podcast and episodes. This feed is what you’ll submit to podcast directories.
Submit to Podcast Directories:
- Submit your RSS feed to podcast directories like:
  - Apple Podcasts
  - Spotify
  - Google Podcasts
  - Stitcher
Promote Your Podcast:
- Share your podcast on social media, embed it on your website, and reach out to potential listeners.
- Consider creating a dedicated website or landing page for your podcast.
- Engage by responding to comments and feedback.