If you own a music studio, you would want professional music production output. In today’s time, many editing and recording software is free that allows music producers to create their podcasts from scratch. Also, a podcaster needs to have expertise and knowledge to use such software. It is also essential to know how to use Audacity for podcasting effectively to get a professional output.
Here we will provide you vital tips on effectively getting a clean and sleek final product like a professional. You can learn everything from recording to editing by following the mentioned tips. So let us start with the journey of audacity podcast editing and recording settings in the below content:
Table of Contents
Audacity for Music Producers
Before we move ahead, the first step that every podcaster must know is downloading Audacity.
If you have not done yet, go ahead, download and install Audacity. You can easily download the application online free of cost; many websites offer free audacity software.
However, when it comes to safety and downloading the latest version, it is essential to download the audacity software from its official website. It is easy to use and is well used in Windows, macOS, and many other operating systems.
Audacity is a great multi-track audio editor and recorder, most recommended for podcasters. Once you have downloaded the Audacity from its site, make sure you install it to complete the process. You might also like our write up on what mics youtubers use.
Advantages of Using Audacity
- Audacity is open-source software that is equipped with strong community backing. It is an easy and free-to-use software for music editing and recording.
- The main advantage of Audacity is it is compatible with many popular operating systems, like Windows, Linux, macOS, and more.
- Due to its small size, it requires a small space for your system.
Features of Audacity
- Audacity is a great software to convert music tapes into MP3. The software is a reliable source for changing the pitch and speed of the recorded sound.
- It records live sound and then playback on the PC.
- It edits many audio formats, such as MP2, MP3, WAV, and more.
- It helps in blending, cutting, or grafting different audio documents.
How To Use Audacity For Podcasts?
Once you have Audacity in your system, you must move ahead in preparing your great audio content. Here are a few essential tips that you must follow to provide a great final product.
# Load Your Audio File
If you already have recorded audio content in any other Digital Audio Workstation, it is essential to start using Audacity by loading the file in the software. So the first step to begin with Audacity is to load your audio file by following few steps:
- Once you open the software, on the top menu bar, click on the file and then open.
- Here you will get a list of audio content in another DAW, double click on the audio you want to edit in Audacity.
# Get the Right Mic For recording audio in Audacity
As you have the Audacity to get high-quality audio content, do not disappoint yourself by using the wrong mic. It is essential to get the right mic for recording audio in Audacity. Using in-built microphones will not give you clear and clean notes, as they tend to capture computer noise and further provide poor audio production quality. While you think which is the right mic for Audacity, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars.
At an affordable price, you can always opt for a Fifine USB microphone. This USB mic is easy to use; all you have to do is plug and play. It is made up of solid metal construction and offers good quality sound. Many more affordable mics are present in the market; you can choose any of them as per your need. To make the mic work with Audacity, you need to click down the dropdown menu of mics present in the top menu bar and select your microphone. For example, if you are using a USB podcast microphone, then click on the same option.
# It is never a bad idea to use a Pop Filter
You can always add a pop filter with your audacity software to eliminate the chances of entering unwanted sounds of the computer or plosives in your mic. Adding a pop filter is a perfect and low-cost method to clean up the audio. There are many pop filters present in the market; if you are looking for a high-end range pop filter, nothing is as great as Stedman PS101; while you are on a budget, go for Nady MPF-6 that works well and is adequate like high-end range. Many pop filters come with a clam that you can easily attach to your mic. The best way to fit a pop filter or the correct position is close fist distance from your mic.
# Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts will help you in easy navigation within the program. Shortcuts save your time, and usually, they are best when they are used in windows.
Podcast Settings Using Audacity
Here are some essential tips that you must consider to level up your podcast settings in Audacity. The following are the ones:
# Check your mic levels
Before you start recording audio in Audacity, it is critical to check the mic levels. On the top middle of the menu bar, you will find an option of meter, so always check the mic level by clicking on the meter, and once you click start monitoring, the meter is revealed. You must adjust the recording volume up and down as per your requirement, but it is recommended to hit -3DB constantly while recording is done.
You need to drag the volume towards the right to increase and towards the left to decrease the volume. When a meter turns red, it is clipping, and you must avoid it—changing the volume before podcast recording is a much simpler and better way than repairing clipping audio.
# Record Your Podcast
To start recording your podcast, the first thing you must do is locate the audio buttons in the top left corner of the menu bar. Now set your microphone and headset, and you are all set to record. Then simply click the record button, and you will see sound waves on the software as the speech is going on. You will see corresponding waves to your speech or recording audio content.
# Add an Introduction to the music
Intro music is a perfect way to grab the attention of an audience. The proper intro can build your identity, so always find an opening that complements your audio content. The right way of introduction could be instrumental audio that draws attention to your podcast. You can get a free online intro from online sites like freesound.org and audiojungle.net.
If you will take the content from such sites, it saves you from copyright issues. So now, once you have decided where to get into music, add it into the software. To import the intro, click on the file of the menu bar, then import and audio. Now double click on the option to load the audio, and there you go, you will get two tracks in your software.
How to Edit a Podcast in Audacity?
As we said above, along with the recording, you can edit your audio content in Audacity. Here we are providing the best ten tips that help you edit your podcast effectively and efficiently.
# Always keep a copy of the original content
It is highly advisable to keep an original copy in your system to be on the safer side during editing.
# Consolidate Tracks
If you have two different separate mics on every subject while recording a podcast, you have to combine all tracks. By doing so, this editing tip of Audacity helps in consolidating all tips into one single track. You must select the audio tracks that you want to consolidate by using a shortcut Ctrl + A. Then go to the top menu, and you will get an option of Tracks, click on it, then click on Mix, here your mixing starts to render. This step will help you to have great audio content by mixing different recorded content.
# Compression
A compressor is an essential tool of Audacity that is used often. It is used for reducing the dynamic range of the audio track and helps in providing a more consistent value for the podcast. You must select your podcast using the shortcut key, Ctrl + A, or simply select all, then click on effect and compressor. Here are few parameters of the compressor:
- Threshold- It is a parameter where the compressor is applied to all audio content above this audio level.
- Noise Floor- This is helpful in level increases during pauses and sound which is under the noise floor is known as background noise, and it is not compressed
- Ratio- Ratio is the amount of compression level it is applied to the audio content.
- Attack Time- It refers to how quickly the compressor starts.
- Release Time- It is a time when the compressor releases the volume back to its average level.
- Makeup gain- It is an amplification of the podcast to a certain peak level.
- Compress on Peaks- If you check this parameter, the audio content is amplified above the threshold instead of below.
# Amplify
If you apply an amplified effect to the podcast, it will change the volume of your audio track. This effect is responsible for raising the volume along with preserving the relevant volume. You can select the entire track using Ctrl + A, click on effect on the menu bar, and click amplify. You must set the New Peak amplitude to 0 and then click on OK.
# High Pass Filter
A high pass filter is well used for editing a podcast, where it allows frequencies to be set above the value to pass; at the same time, it attenuates frequencies below the cutoff frequency. There is a high probability of unwanted sounds in your podcast, so when you use the high pass filter, it cleanses the podcast. Once you click on the effect, then high pass filter. And now it is time to set the parameters like 80Hz or more and then click on OK.
# Trim
Trimming your podcast is an essential part of editing podcasts; it cleans the podcast. It helps well when you want to edit the silence from the starting or end of the podcast. With many audacity features, trim is simple and easy to apply. You must use the selection tool to highlight the audio content that you want to keep. You can anytime press the spacebar when you want to listen to audio back. Then go to the option of edit, click remove special and then trim your audio; you can use the shortcut key “Ctrl + T. ”
# Fade In and Fade Out
To offer a sleek display of professionalism to your podcast, fading is a perfect feature. Using the selection tool, the audio content is highlighted that you wish to fade in or fade out. If you want to use fade at the start of the audio, then choose fade-in. If you’re going to fade the part from the end, use Fade out.
# Truncate Silence
Truncate silence is a feature that reduces the length of the highlighted section where the sound is not below the specified level. It is a perfect tool for Audacity. You need to pick the duration of the audio content that you need to be treated in silence.
# Noise Reduction
It is recommended to lower down the noise before you start recording. Noise reduction is an editing feature of Audacity that cleans the audio from annoying background noise like fan noise or air conditioner noise.
Audacity Is The Best Editing and Recording Tool
Audacity is an excellent tool for editing and recording the podcast. It comes with plenty of features that are reasonable to provide professional podcasts. This is an excellent DAW that is easy to use, and it saves a lot of money. If you’re using your iPhone to record a podcast, check out our article on the best podcast recording apps for iPhone.