Podcasting and Audio Production: Audio Editing Techniques

Introduction

This section covers a few different audio software applications to edit your audio files. Even if you have a completely flawless recording session with nothing you want to cut out, you may still have music, sound effects, ambient sound, archival sounds, or narration that you want to add to your podcast episode.

WHEN EXPORTING YOUR COMPLETED PODCAST AUDIO: export it as an .mp3. These files take up far less space than .WAV files (which is probably the format you recorded and edited your audio in). While the compressed audio of .mp3 files is of slightly lower quality, most untrained ears would never notice a difference. Depending on which podcast host you choose, having smaller file sizes is an advantage. 

REMEMBER: the ultimate goal of a good audio editor (in most situations) is to not be noticed. Whatever cuts and edit you make, always try and make these as seamlessly as possible. 

Editing Software

This is by no means a complete list. This is merely the most commonly used audio editors for podcasters:

• Audacity: a wonderful open-source audio recorder and editor that works on PC or Mac. Small footprint yet surprisingly robust audio editor; a great choice for beginning podcasters.
• Garageband: a great option for those more familiar with Mac applications. Very user-friendly and intuitive for recording and editing audio. Mac only; there are also versions for iPad and iPhone. 
• Adobe Audition: for more advanced users, Adobe Audition gives you complete control over every aspect of the audio recording and editing experience.