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I have used comprehensive editing software, such as Adobe Audition, to edit full-length podcasts on several occasions. However, I prefer using my phone. The microphone quality is pretty good, and by using a handful of helpful apps, it’s much better for streamlining my workflow.
How I Record Podcasts on My Phone
Since I have an iPhone, I use the Voice Memo app to record podcasts. Normally, the process involves speaking the entire way through. But if I forget what to say, a brief pause helps before continuing when I remember again.
Besides recording shows where I’ve spoken on my own, I have also conducted interviews using just my smartphone. This was actually how I recorded part of my final major project at university.
My smartphone’s microphone is, of course, not on the same level as a studio mic, but it’s still pretty good. I don’t feel like my voice is too muffled, granted I place the phone at a comfortable distance, and you don’t need much else for personal projects. It’s also easy torecord voice memos on a Mac, but in my opinion, there’s a notable sound quality difference.
Voice Memos files are sometimes difficult to track when importing them into other apps. I recommend either saving them to Google Drive or Dropbox. Alternatively, save them within another audio editing app’s folder.
My Podcast Editing Process
Regardless of the apps I use, my podcast editing process is pretty consistent. Sticking to this method makes it easier for me to keep everything organized and avoid being overwhelmed. Here’s how it normally goes.
1. Cutting the Audio
Since I record all the way through, I like to focus solely on cutting unwanted parts of my audio to begin with. I go through with a fine comb to reduce the paused areas, though I don’t cut these entirely in order to keep it sounding natural. I also get rid of anything that doesn’t add to the story; this includes things that I said wrong and passages that were largely fluff.
You can trim and crop your audio within the Voice Memos app, but I don’t like doing this for several reasons. First, it’s very easy to accidentally delete something that I didn’t want to. Moreover, I don’t like how the tool lets you replace audio in the middle—I don’t want to do this, I just want to get rid of the parts that aren’t relevant.
But if you want to cut out part of your audio in Voice Memos, select the three dots next to your voice note and tapEdit Recording. Then select the trim icon (represented by a square at the top right), drag the yellow handles over the part you want to cut, and hitDelete.
Though you canuse AI to get rid of background noise, I normally record in dark rooms, so this isn’t an issue.
2. Editing the Sound Levels
I’m not too concerned about my sound levels when recording a podcast episode because I can always edit them later. The main thing for me is to prevent the audio from peaking; this can make editing more difficult than it needs to be.
Once I’ve cut down the audio, it’s time to move on and adjust the sound levels if necessary. I attempt to avoid going over -6 dB at an absolute maximum—you’ll know when it’s too noisy because the sound waves will usually turn red in an audio editing app. While it’s easier to edit quieter audio than loud, I still trynot to distort the audio volume.
3. Adding Special Effects
Any effects you add should not distract a listener from the main part of your podcast, which is why I leave the “nice-to-haves” for later. Once I’ve finished adjusting the conversation (or just my voice if I’m speaking on my own), I will then consider adding special effects.
Sound effects can make a huge difference to your audio. For example, if you interview a coffee shop owner, you probably want to have a bit of ambient background noise. Moreover, you should think about noises like coffee grinders, kettles, and a beverage being sipped.
I may or may not add sound effects; it really depends on the story. You canmake sound effects with Audacity, but you don’t need this software to achieve your desired results; you may use a third-party audio editing app on your phone.
4. Adding the Final Touches
After adding any sound effects, it’s then time to add the final touches before exporting my audio file. This is where I add aspects like intro music. If you have any brand deals, I recommend adding these to your show at this point.
At this stage, I also listen to my podcast again to ensure that I haven’t accidentally left in any audio that shouldn’t be there. Moreover, I’ll give the whole thing a final listen before exporting the audio to my files.
Apps That I Use to Edit My Podcasts
I’d happily use Voice Memos for the entire process if Apple created something more robust, but until then (or if you don’t have an iPhone), these apps will get the job done.
1. WavePad
WavePad’s interface could do with a facelift, but I think it’s the best free mobile app for editing audio; it’s also one ofthe best audio editing apps for Android. You can drag your fingers on the screen to increase your audio size, in addition to easily amplifying the sound if needed. Moreover, you can use anEqualizertool to further adjust your sound.
WavePad also lets you change the audio speed if you feel like it’s necessary, but Voice Memos already lets you do this. Furthermore, you’re able to record your podcast within the app if you don’t have an iPhone or don’t want to use the Voice Memos app.
Download:WavePad foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
2. SoundLab
SoundLab is another tool you can use for your podcasts if you want something with a more modern UI than WavePad. The app lets you choose your audio gain and add multiple tracks to a single project if you have a lot to edit. It’s also easy to split your audio and remove sections that don’t need to be there.
With SoundLab, you can use a comprehensive equalizer. It’s also possible to record within the app if you’d prefer to do that, and it lets you view the different sound levels. By dragging your fingers, you can choose specific sections to edit.
Download:SoundLab foriOS(Free, in-app-purchases available)
Recording a podcast on your phone is easy, whether you use your phone’s native recording tool or a third-party app. And while editing audio on a computer will give you more options, adjusting the audio clips and sound levels on your phone is more convenient for those who value simplicity.
