This article discusses recording and editing audio. It applies to podcasts, interviews, or any other audio recording.
Editing software
Choose the tool that best suits your goals using the table below.
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Ease of Use: Adobe Podcasting and GarageBand are the most user-friendly, while Audacity has a steeper learning curve.
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Capabilities: Audacity has the most comprehensive audio editing features, while Adobe Podcasting is more specialized for podcasting.
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Output: Adobe Audition stands out for professional broadcast-quality audio, whereas the others also provide high-quality output but cater to more specific needs (e.g., podcasting, video sync, or music).
A comparison of audio editors.
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Ease of Use
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Capabilities
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Output Quality
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Adobe Audition
(Included in Middlebury’s Adobe license)
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Medium
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Professional-grade audio editing; extensive multi-track editing, advanced effects, noise reduction, and restoration tools
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Broadcast-quality audio output suitable for professional audio production.
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Adobe Podcasting
(Included in Middlebury’s Adobe license)
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Easy
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Tailored for podcast production; AI-driven enhancements like noise removal; limited multi-track editing features.
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High-quality podcast output with optimized audio.
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Audacity
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Medium (steep learning curve initially)
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Free, open-source; comprehensive features for multi-track editing, effects, and plugins; suitable for advanced users.
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High-quality audio output across various formats (MP3, WAV, etc.).
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GarageBand (Apple only)
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Easy
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Designed for music production; intuitive interface with loops, multi-track support, and effects; best for music projects.
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High-quality output, especially for music creation.
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Equipment
Many of today’s phones will do a pretty good job recording audio. Phone audio can be uploaded to a computer and imported into any of the software tools noted above. Built-in laptop microphones tend to be of lower quality but may be acceptable. All recordings will be of higher quality with dedicated external microphones and when recorded in a quiet or soundproofed space.
Middlebury College (VT) audio equipment
The circulation desk at the Davis Family Library has a variety of audio hardware for checkout. Consult the Middlebury site for the most up-to-date information.
Middlebury Institute (CA) audio equipment
Media Services at the Institute has a variety of audio hardware available for checkout. Consult the MIIS site for the most up-to-date information.
In addition, DLINQ manages the Digital Learning Commons at the Institute, where students, staff, and faculty can access two networked media-recording booths equipped with Apple computers, high-quality microphones, headphones, and multimedia software, including Adobe software and Audacity. Learn more about the Media Booths on the DLINQ website.
Podcast Platforms
To deliver podcasts to listeners, you can choose from a variety of options, including:
You will need to add your podcast to Spotify and/or iTunes if you want them to be accessible through those services.
Additional Resources