Once you've got your podcast recording equipment, next it's time to get voice recording software on your computer so you can record, and edit your podcasts.
The developers also have a call recorder app in case you need one of those. This works perfectly for the occasional idea, lectures, recording some basic instrument stuff, and more. The app is free. SoundCloud is ideal for those who want an app that offers recording, listening and hosting of the podcast for free. Using the app, you can listen to the fresh new music uploaded and customize it as per your wish.
There's lots of different types of software you can use, depending on whether you use a Mac or a PC, including:
Free
Audacity (Download for Mac or Download for Windows)
GarageBand (pre-installed with Macs)
Reaper (Download for Windows)
Paid
Adobe Audition
Reason (Windows + Mac)
Logic Pro (Mac)
Pro Tools (Windows + Mac)
If you're getting started, we suggest free software like Audacity as a good place to start - however if you're more experienced and want more advanced features and control over your sound quality then a paid option may be better for you.
Below we'll go through the process of getting started with Audacity, but note that most recording tools will follow a similar process.
Using Audacity
Step 1. Download Audacity
You can download Audacity from the links above depending on whether you own a Mac or PC. For this how-to we'll be using a Mac.
Step 2. Select your Input.
The input is where the sound will be coming from (ie. your microphone.) Click the dropdown titled 'Built-In Input' to choose your input
If you have an external microphone or mixing board that's plugged in to your computer through a 3.5mm/ AUX jack, select 'Built-in Input'
If your computer has a built-in mic and you'd like to use that, select 'Built-in Microphone'
If you have a microphone or mixing board that's plugged in via USB, you should see another option that says 'USB' or the make/ model of your equipment.
Podcast Recording App Free
Step 3. Start recording
Hit the Record button to start recording a track. If you followed Step 2 correctly you should see your voice being recorded in a wave form on-the-fly.
When you're finished recording, press the Space Bar on your keyboard, or use the Pause button or Stop button next to the Record button. To listen back, press the Play button.
If your recording is displaying a straight flat line, you may need to adjust your input volume, or check your inputs from Step 2.
You can adjust your Microphone Volume, or Playback Volume at the top of the screen, or the Gain for each individual track or even Mute a trackon the left of the screen.
Step 4. Recording Multiple Tracks and Basic Editing
When you hit Stop or Space Bar between recordings, you'll notice your next recording will appear on another track.
To drag Track 2 to start after Track 1 press the Time Shift button then drag Track 2 to where you want it to start.
Remember to Save your work before you do any editing, so you have the raw files handy if you ever need to go back to them in the future.
If you want to remove bits of audio, or spaces in your recordings you can do so by clicking the Selection Tool, then dragging on the stretch of audio you want to delete. Once you've selected the piece of audio you want to remove press the Delete Key on your keyboard.
Before you begin, it's a good practise to make a duplicate of your raw audio file to edit on. That way if your edit doesn't go to plan you still have a copy of the original recordings. This practise will save you a lot of time in re-recording alone.
You may find things don't sound quite right if you cut out audio, so we recommend the following quick tricks:
Zooming in to your track so you can see in more detail
Use the Undo and Redo when you make mistakes
Select where you want the audio to start playing before you edit by using the Selection Tool
Also, have patience! Editing is a process of trial and error, and you will get faster at it the more often you do it.
Once you're done remember to Save.
Step 6 - Export to an MP3 file
Once your show has been edited you'll need to export it to an MP3 file so you can upload it to Whooshkaa. To do so click File > Export Audio
Click Format > MP3 Files to save as an MP3 file. Audacity may require you to download additional software to do so - follow the prompts to install, then close Audacity, reopen your project and follow Step 6 again.
Once you're done, Learn how to easily upload your show to Whooshkaa
Creating podcasts doesn’t not have to drain your time and money. There are several apps for both Android and iOS that allow you to record on the go. Don’t expect perfect audio quality though! Sometimes we are after progress over perfection – so this may be what you are looking for.
Podcast Recording apps for iOS
Apple has two iOS only applications perfect for recording on the go. Neither will allow you to post to your hosting site, but both are easy to use. You can save the audio to your mobile, transfer it to your computer or upload to your podcast host (see notes about podcast hosts with apps below).
iRig Recorder — Available in the App Store, this app is easy to use. You can also edit your recordings inside the app. You cannot upload your recording to your hosting service. Instead, you download the files to your preferred device and then publish.
Voice Memo on iOS — comes pre-loaded on all iPhones. Easy to use, and it’s available for free! Voice Memo will not allow you to edit within the app. Moving recordings from the app to your preferred editing device can be difficult, but the audio quality produced is passable. Important note – when recording you have to hold the iPhone as close to your mouth as possible – when you leave the device on the table – the recording quality is rather poor.
Podcast Recording apps for Android
Making A Podcast App
Android users also have several options for recording on the go. Most Android devices come with a recorder built into the device, but there are other better options available in the Play Store. Many of these options allow you to edit in the app, but none will allow you to upload to your hosting platform.
Podcast Recording App For Windows 10
Civilization 5 complete edition free download. Voice Recorder — This is not the same application that comes standard on your Android device. This app allows you to save your recordings in MP3 format and adjust your microphone sensitivity. If your recording conditions are subpar, changing your mic sensitivity will help. Voice recorder also allows you to make simple edits within the application. You can then upload the files via Dropbox or Google Drive.
Record A Podcast App
Easy Voice Recorder — One of the best features of this app is that it will continue to record even when the screen shuts off. There’s no need for you to worry that the recording may have skipped out. The app also allows you to edit in the app and is easy to access with several widgets and shortcuts for easy access. You can also upload new recordings automatically to your Google Drive or Dropbox. Paid version allows you to save files as mp3 (worth an upgrade in my opinion!).
Dual Platform Podcast Recording Apps
Many of the podcast hosting platforms now provide applications in which you can record, edit, and publish your podcast from the app and are available on both iPhone and Android devices. We discussed several of these inPodcasting for Free – The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide, which also elaborates on the various items you need to get your podcast up and running for free. Using your podcast host app for recording is by far the best option. It will save a lot of hustle with moving the files around between directories.
Spreaker will allow you to record, edit, and publish from the app. Spreaker app comes equipped with a suite of tools that allow you to create a podcast that sounds good, maybe not polished depending on your recording environment, but good. It’s unique feature is that it also allows you to go live and share your recording in real time and provides access to your podcast analytics from the app.
Podbean’s recording app is easy to use with a friendly interface. Once you create your account, you can record, edit, upload to your hosting site. From there, the service pushes your podcast to all the major listening platforms. Podbean also provides pre-recorded music for intros and outros and will allow you to upload your own music or produced intro.
Anchor is a free hosting platform with a corresponding app that allows you to record your episodes into the platform. Anchor is one of the best podcast host recording apps for recording guest interviews. Adding and editing tracks is a breeze with a full editing suite accessible in-app.
Recording and editing on the fly allow anyone with a mic and a message to get started. It’s time to get heard!
If you are considering podcasting or have just started, check out the other posts in our “Start with podcasting” series.