When I first started editing podcasts, there seemed to be a debate about the exact order of the workflow for podcast editing. The short truth is that every job will require a different sort of attention to get good results. But in very general terms, here’s a common workflow for achieving clean and professional results:
1. Backup The Source File
- Always do this first, in case something gets totally screwed up during your process.
2. Noise Reduction
- Apply Noise Reduction to the entire track to minimize consistent hums, hisses, or other background sounds.
3. Equalization (EQ)
- Adjust frequencies to enhance clarity.
- Roll off unnecessary low frequencies to remove rumble (around 80 Hz or lower).
- Resound.fm has an excellent writeup on EQ: What is equalization? A podcaster’s guide to EQ.
4. Compression
- Even out volume levels across the track.
- Use light compression to make quieter parts louder and louder parts softer, maintaining consistency.
- Glow.fm has a very good writeup on compression: How to Use Compression for Better Podcast Sound.
5. Normalization
- Bring the overall volume to a standard level.
- Normalize to around -1 dB to ensure the audio is neither too quiet nor peaks too high.
6. Limiting
- Helps your podcast sound louder and clearer without exceeding volume limits.
- Use Soft Limit for smoother results or Hard Limit for stricter peak reduction.
7. Final Listening Pass
- Listen through the entire edit to catch any artifacts or inconsistencies.
8. Export
- Export to your desired format (e.g., WAV for high quality or MP3 for distribution).
Editing Podcasts
This workflow ensures clarity and consistency while minimizing the risk of introducing artifacts or distortion.
Contact The Podcast Wizard
Do you have specific challenges with your audio editing? Don’t hesitate to contact the Podcast Wizard if I can help you with your production endeavors.