As an application designed for home music production and audio recording, GarageBand has many of the components necessary for recording a podcast, which makes it a popular choice for many (also see, ‘Best Audio Recording App For iPhone‘).
What’s more, there are several online GarageBand podcast training seminars, jumping on this burgeoning new industry that seems to keep getting more and more popular each week.
But what exactly does GarageBand offer, and do these online seminars bear any fruit?
Is GarageBand Good For Podcasting?
With the increasing popularity of podcasting, which seemingly has an endlessly growing community – which sees countless podcasts emerge every single day – there has become a growing need (and demand) for simple, user-friendly software that doesn’t break the bank.
Mac Users
Many Mac computer users will tend to utilize GarageBand to record and edit any podcast episode, audio tracks, sort of like a digital audio workstation (also see, ‘Best DAW For Podcasting‘).
This is because the program comes free with Mac laptops and desktop computers, making it a simple, attainable application for those who compute that way.
ALSO SEE: Podcasting Using GarageBand
This has many benefits to Apple computer users, as it is easy to navigate and understand, requires minimal spending (aside from purchasing the computer), and has a renowned reputation for reliability.
More than anything, GarageBand is user-friendly, which makes it a popular choice for experienced podcasters, and up and comers looking to get to grips with the processes and technology involved.
In many ways, this is characteristic of Apple products, which do appear to place functionality and ease above all else.
Does GarageBand Offer Podcasting Training?
While the company itself does not offer specific podcasting training through its application, several well-versed users have created their own seminars and training sessions that are available online for people looking to learn the ropes.
Many of these consist of paid course subscriptions to sources that might not always be reputable, and generally aren’t a necessary part of the learning process, especially when you consider that there are plenty of free guides online to show you the basics of how to record and edit podcasts in simple, easy terms.
How To Podcast Using Garage Band
When it comes to using GarageBand, podcasting couldn’t be simpler. It is as easy as opening a new project on the GarageBand app. Then all you need to do is install your microphone of choice (and maybe an audio interface as you get more experienced), and you’re ready to go (also see, ‘Best Audio Interface For Podcast‘).
However, we have compiled a few simple steps you can follow to make the whole process easier.
Empty Project
Begin by clicking on ‘empty project’, as seen when the application is opened. Do not be tempted to select ‘voice’, as this simply adds unnecessary vocal FX onto the track, and is neither suitable for the podcasting format, nor will add anything specifically helpful.
Select Input And Output Devices
Now you need to select your microphone input and your output device (also see, ‘Why Is My Mic Not Working‘).
The best thing we could recommend is the headphones output option, as this will allow you to clearly monitor sound and interference levels. This will reduce the need for audio editing in post-production – or indeed further takes once you have finished.
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Choose A Track Type
Next comes choosing a track type. By selecting ‘audio’ on the line input, your new track will then be added to the GarageBand session, allowing you to get started on your podcast episodes whenever you are ready.
Recording The Track
The first thing you need to do is turn on ‘monitoring’ for your track. Then go into the settings menu, and select ‘recording level’, which can be found beside the compressor, EQ, and FX options for the track.
Here you can manually adjust the volume for the audio track, allowing you to change the playback volume within the session.
Once you are all set, and all the settings are to your liking, the next thing to do is get comfortable, have your notes in front of you, and hit the record button.
This will start the clock timer on the top of the application, letting you know how much time has elapsed since you started the recording.
Editing The Track
When it comes to the editing process, GarageBand couldn’t make it easier for budding podcasters to get their desired finished product.
Allowing you to cut, crop, and drag sections of audio across the timeline, not to mention separate them from the ‘core’ track to add effects to separate audio files, this really is one of the best ways to edit podcast audio.
GarageBand also allows you to import segments of music to your podcast track for sound effects. For example, if you wanted to have an opening or outro music, or if you wanted to play audio clips or theme music from a song or movie.
These little editing options are what really make GarageBand stand out from the crowd (see also – recording software options), and are one of the reasons that amateur podcasters flock to this free program.
How To Save And Archive A Session
Once you are happy and satisfied with your session, the next thing you will want to do is save it, ready for further editing or use in the future.
Navigate To File > Save As
To begin, select ‘save as’, and give it a name you will recognize in the future. This should really be the episode title, number, or something referencing the specific take you have just recorded.
Once you have done this, click ‘save’, and the session will be safe and secure for when you are ready to use it.
Creating A New Folder
Once you have saved the session under your chosen title, you will then notice it has been archived in a random documents folder on your computer.
While this is fine – depending on how many files you have in the folder – for better organization, you should create and designate a specific folder for your podcast in Garageband.
This way you will have everything where you need it to be for future sessions – or for any editing that needs to be done before uploading.
You could even go one step further, creating new folders for each specific podcast you are a part of, and creating subsets within those folders to differentiate between different seasons of the podcast.
What Are The Pros?
GarageBand has many benefits to both amateurs and established podcasters alike, but why exactly should you use it?
Free To Use
The pros are obviously numerous, as this article suggests, but the standout benefit of GarageBand is that it is a free software package, that doesn’t require any in-app purchases, and which doesn’t hide its best features behind paywalls.
This is great for up and comers who simply want to get used to the processes of podcasting, and removes the need for expensive podcasting software, or indeed equipment that would otherwise cost a lot of money.
Easy To Use
As with most of their software, Apple stands by a mantra of functionality and creating a user-friendly experience.
This software embodies that mantra, offering high quality, easy to use tools to create industry standard audio without overcomplicating matters.
Industry Standard
As touched on above, GarageBand is industry-standard sound recording software, which means that you can rest easy knowing you are using professional, trusted technology for your podcast.
What’s more, this software is specifically designed for creating complex pieces of music and multiple tracks, which means that creating a relatively simple audio file of your (and your co-host’s) voices is a breeze for this sophisticated program.
Are There Any Cons?
With most things, there is always a downside, and GarageBand does not escape that fact.
Mac Only
The main downside is that GarageBand is only available on Apple products, meaning that Windows users will either have to look elsewhere, or convert to the other side.
Audio Only
Another potential downside is that GarageBand is audio only, meaning that those wanting video will have to use a different application.
This isn’t a problem for audio only podcasts – of which there are many – but those wanting the full immersive experience will find it unsuitable.
What Is The Verdict?
Ultimately, GarageBand is a free, easy to use, high quality piece of software that can offer many things to the newbie podcaster.
Even if this was a subscription-based app, we would still recommend it, so the fact that it is free is merely the cherry on top of this finely crafted, reliable piece of software.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about podcasting with GarageBand, and the training that is available to those who require it.
One thing that is worth remembering is that GarageBand is a simplistic, user-friendly application, designed to be utilized and enjoyed by users of all skill levels.
This means that even amateur podcasters can get to grips with the basics, create something they are proud of, and upload it in any format they want.
So if you are an Apple product user, and fancy yourself as the next big player in the podcasting industry, then why not give GarageBand a try? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
