Podcasters use Audacity, which is free and open source software for editing sound. It has many tools for recording, editing, and improving audio, which makes it a popular choice for podcasters who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget.
Here are some of the advantages of using Audacity to make podcasts:
It’s open-source and free.
It is simple to use.
It has a wide range of tools for editing audio.
It works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
It works with different kinds of recording gear.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to podcast with Audacity step-by-step, so you can make a great podcast that your listeners will love.
How to Podcast with Audacity: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get Audacity and install it.
You’ll need to download and install Audacity before you can start making podcasts. Here’s what you need to do:
Where to get Audacity: The Audacity website (https://www.audacityteam.org/) is where you can get Audacity. Click on “Download” to go to the page where you can get the file.
How to install Audacity: Once you’ve downloaded the installer file, double-click on it to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to get Audacity set up on your computer.
When you open Audacity for the first time, you will be asked to set your preferences. The default sample rate should be set to 44.1 kHz, and the default bit depth should be set to 16 bits. You can also choose whether you want to use the default playback and recording devices or a specific device.
By downloading and installing Audacity and using the recommended settings, you can set up the software for the best podcast recording and editing.
Set up your recording equipment
You’ll need to set up your recording gear before you can start making your podcast. Here’s what you need to do:
Choosing a microphone: The quality of your recording will depend on the microphone you choose. Think about whether your recording setup will work with a dynamic or condenser microphone. The Audio-Technica ATR2100x, the Blue Yeti, and the Shure SM7B are all popular choices for people who make podcasts.
Connecting your microphone to your computer: Once you’ve decided on a microphone, you can use a USB or XLR cable to connect it to your computer. Make sure that the cable is securely attached to both the microphone and your computer.
Monitoring your recording with headphones: Headphones allow you to listen to your recording in real time and make sure you’re getting good sound. Connect your headphones to the device you’re using to record, and adjust the volume so you can hear the recording clearly.
By setting up your recording equipment correctly, you can make sure that your podcast sounds great and is ready to be edited and put out.
Audacity lets you start a new project.
You’ll need to start a new project in Audacity before you can start to record your podcast. Here’s what you need to do:
Creating a new project: To start a new project, open Audacity and click “File” > “New.” You can also use the “Ctrl+N” (Windows) or “Cmd+N” (Mac) keyboard shortcut (macOS).
Setting the sample rate and bit depth: In the “Edit Preferences” menu, make sure the sample rate is set to 44.1 kHz and the bit depth is set to 16 bits. This will make sure that your recording has good sound.
How to name your project: Give your project a name and save it where you want on your computer. This will make a new folder for your project where your audio files can be saved.
By making a new project in Audacity, you can organize your recording and make it easy to find. You can also adjust the audio settings so that the recording is of high quality.
You can make a podcast.
Once you have set up your recording equipment and made a new project in Audacity, you can start recording your podcast. This is how:
How to start and stop recording: To start recording your podcast, click the “Record” button in Audacity. You can also use the “Ctrl+R” (Windows) or “Cmd+R” (Mac) keyboard shortcut (macOS). To stop recording, you can either click the “Stop” button or use the “Space” bar as a shortcut.
How to monitor your levels: It’s important to keep an eye on your levels to make sure you’re getting good audio. Using the “Recording Meter Toolbar” in Audacity, you can check how loud your recording is. This will show you if your recording is too quiet or too loud, and if you need to change your microphone or recording settings.
Advice on how to record good audio: Consider the following tips to make sure your recording is the best it can be:
Say things clearly and at the same volume.
Sit in a quiet room or use soundproofing to cut down on background noise.
Place the microphone close to your mouth, but not so close that it distorts the sound.
Record in small chunks to make it easier to edit.
By using these tips and keeping an eye on your levels, you can make a high-quality recording that is ready for editing and production.
Edit Your Podcast
Once you have recorded your podcast, you can use Audacity’s editing tools to make your recording sound even better. Here’s how:
Using the selection tool to delete unwanted sections: Use the selection tool to highlight any sections of your recording that you want to delete, and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
Using the cut, copy, and paste tools to rearrange your audio: Use the cut, copy, and paste tools to rearrange your audio. You can highlight a section of audio and use “Ctrl+X” (Windows) or “Cmd+X” (macOS) to cut it, “Ctrl+C” (Windows) or “Cmd+C” (macOS) to copy it , and “Ctrl+V” (Windows) or “Cmd+V” (macOS) to paste it.
Adding and adjusting fades: You can use fades to smooth out transitions between sections of audio. To add a fade, highlight the section of audio where you want to add the fade, and go to “Effect” > “Fade In” or “Fade Out.” You can also adjust the length and shape of your fades.
By using these editing tools, you can create a polished and professional-sounding podcast that your listeners will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different editing techniques to find what works best for your podcast.
Enhance Your Podcast
After you’ve edited your podcast, you can enhance it further by adding music, sound effects, and adjusting volume levels. Here’s how:
Importing music and sound effects: To import music or sound effects into your podcast, go to “File” > “Import” and select the audio file you want to add. This will import the audio file into Audacity, and you can then use the cut, copy, and paste tools to position it in your podcast.
Using the time shift tool to position your music and sound effects: Use the time shift tool to position your music and sound effects. This will allow you to move the audio file to the exact point where you want it to start playing.
Adjusting volume levels: To adjust the volume of your music and sound effects, use the “Effect” menu to increase or decrease the volume. You can also use the “Amplify” effect to boost the overall volume of your podcast.
By enhancing your podcast with music and sound effects, you can make it more engaging and interesting for your listeners. Be sure to adjust the volume levels of your music and sound effects so that they don’t overpower your voice.
Export Your Podcast
After you’ve finished editing and enhancing your podcast, you’ll need to export it in a file format that can be uploaded to podcast hosting sites. Here’s how:
Choosing the file format and quality: Go to “File” > “Export” and choose the file format that you want to export your podcast in. For podcasting, the recommended file format is MP3. Choose the desired quality, such as 128 kbps or 192 kbps, depending on your preferences.
Naming and saving your file: Choose a name for your file and save it to your desired location on your computer. It is recommended that you include the episode number and title in the file name for easy organization.
Uploading your file to podcast hosting sites: Once you’ve exported your podcast, you can upload it to podcast hosting sites such as Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or Podbean. Follow the instructions provided by your chosen hosting site to upload your podcast and make it available to your listeners.
By exporting your podcast in the right file format and quality, and uploading it to a hosting site, you can ensure that your podcast is available to a wide audience. Be sure to promote your podcast on social media and other channels to increase its visibility and attract more listeners.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have provided a step-by-step guide to podcasting with Audacity. We covered how to download and install Audacity, set up your recording equipment, create a new project, record and edit your podcast, enhance it with music and sound effects, and export it in the right file format and quality.
Here’s a recap of the main points:
Download and install Audacity and set the recommended audio settings
Choose a microphone and monitor your levels during recording
Use Audacity’s editing tools to delete unwanted sections, rearrange audio, and add fades
Enhance your podcast with music and sound effects, and adjust volume levels
Export your podcast in the right file format and quality, and upload it to podcast hosting sites
By following these steps, you can create a high-quality podcast that your listeners will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for your podcast.
We encourage you to start podcasting with Audacity today and share your voice with the world. Good luck!
