Intro
Listeners to your podcast are constantly engaged and any mistake in your editing can dramatically reduce the perceived quality of the podcast. We're not looking for chopping cut sequences like Youtube. We're looking for clear, consistent content that flows as if the listener was in the room.
At the end of this article, you'll have edited your podcast and ready to launch to the streaming services but here are some of the factors you need to take into account when editing your podcast.
Background noise
It's very common to capture background noise when you're recording out of a treated studio. Bedrooms, living rooms and other places are common places for podcasts being recorded and, as they're usually untreated places, they come with a lot of unwanted sounds. During recording, changes in the background noise will go unnoticed.
Cutting down sections where you are not speaking or splicing together two separate sections of the podcast can often come with changes in the background noise. If you're faced with the problem, don't be afraid to add in some music to transition the two sections together. It can really help mask changes between the transitions.
Breathing
When you're editing, be careful to not make too many cuts where there are breaths. At the same time, if you're editing two sections together as mentioned above,
There is a fine line and you're going to go through your podcast with a fine toothpick.
Your best option is to use automation and turn down the breaths that stick out.
Recording inconsistencies
Everybody has a different voice and if you're in two different locations there is a change that you will be using different microphones. It is really hard to be in control during recording but if you're conducting the podcast between two people remotely, it is highly recommended that you record both voices into a DAW. If your guest isn't familiar with a DAW, you'll need to help them a little but just assure them it is for the best.
Once you have your vocal tracks, the chances are that you'll need to use EQ and a little compression. Only EQ what feels natural for both voices whilst keeping your voice, as the host, consistent from episode to episode.
Using a little compression will go a long way too but it is crucial to not overdo the attack and release of the compression.
Last up next week, we'll look at the distribution platforms for you to get your podcast out there.
What are your go-to EQ and Compression for vocal work?