Do you have big dreams of becoming the next podcasting star?
If you’ve decided to start up your very own podcast, the good news is that making your own podcasts are far easier than you might at first think.
In fact, if you want to record your very own podcasts from the comfort of your own home – you can do so with just your Macbook and Apple’s free digital audio workstation, Garageband!
Even though there are many ways you can record a podcast, we’re going to be focusing on GarageBand (also see, ‘Podcast Production Tips‘).
In this article, we are going to be taking a closer look at how to record a great audio quality podcast using GarageBand.
Along the way, we are also going to be sharing with you some additional tips and tricks to make sure that you are able to end up with professional podcast production results – each and every time.
So, are you ready to learn how to create a podcast in Garageband? Just keep reading!
How To Record A Podcast In Garageband: Preparatory Steps
As we have already briefly mentioned above, creating a Garageband project is not only an affordable way to start up your podcast – but it is also one of the easiest ways to start up a podcast, too!
Still, it’s a good idea to make sure that you are using it correctly in order to make sure you can get the best results when making audio tracks for your podcast (also see, ‘Podcasting Using Garageband‘)
Let’s take a look below:
1. Make Sure You Are Using The Latest Garageband Version
Before you begin using Garageband to create your very own podcasts, you are first going to need to make sure that you are using the latest version of Garageband on your Macbook.
In order to do that, you should take a look at your current Garageband to see if there are any updates that your current version of Garageband requires.
ALSO SEE: How To Start A Podcast Ultimate Guide
If there are any updates outstanding, then you will need to follow the on-screen instructions to make sure that you are able to install the outstanding updates correctly on your Macbook.
By making sure that you are running the latest version of Garageband on your Mac, you will be able to make use of all of the latest features while both recording and editing audio clips for your podcast.
2. Get The Right Microphone
After you have set up your Garageband and run all of the necessary updates – you will then be ready to go ahead and get yourself a microphone!
Even though Macbooks do come with their own microphone already built-in, if you are able to purchase a slightly more advanced external microphone you will be able to enjoy a much more professional sound and clearer audio track.
Many podcasts can run upwards of an hour, so it is important that you are as comfortable as possible when recording a podcast episode.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s take a look at how to use Garageband to record your own track!
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How To Record A Podcast In Garageband: Step-By-Step Instructions
Now that we have outlined some basic preparatory steps you should take in order to make sure that you are ready to begin recording your podcast – we are now going to be showing you how to go about recording your very first one!
Let’s take a look at the steps below:
1. Open Garageband And Navigate To “Voice”
First things first, you are going to need to open up Garageband and then locate “Voice”. You can locate this in the Project Templates area of Garageband.
2. Connect Your External Microphone
Once you have done this, you will have the option of choosing between using your internal microphone or your external microphone.
As we have already mentioned above, if you want to use an external microphone – opting to use one will be able to ensure that you are able to enjoy a far greater sound quality than if you were to only use your Mac’s built-in microphone.
3. Click The Record Button On Garageband
After you have selected “Voice” via the Project Templates section, you will then see a project window open up on your screen.
After this has opened up, you can then go ahead and click on the record button.
4. Begin Making Your Podcast
You can begin with an empty project or open up an existing one, and begin editing the audio.
Creating a podcast episode is similar to creating any other type of content: You need to create an introduction, flesh out the body of the episode with topics or stories, and then wrap up with closing statements (also see, ‘Podcast Intros‘).
After you have hit record, all that will be left for you to do is begin recording your podcast!
While you are recording, there will be a variety of different buttons that you can use while creating your podcast – including pausing it, playing selected soundbites, sound effects or audio files, and much more.
You can find these controls in the left-hand corner of your screen, as well as at the bottom depending on what controls you are using.
As a side note, keep in mind that you will be able to also trim, modify and rearrange various voice recordings or multiple tracks to make up your podcast. Alternatively, you can opt to go for one long, single audio file recording.
It is entirely up to you, but the first method is the most common way podcasters record their shows.
5. Adding Music
You can also add music to your podcast to help emphasize different sections.
You can add intro music or sound effects, segue music between segments, or just have some background sound. Keep in mind that you will either need copyright-free music or have the proper licenses for any copyrighted works.
Once you have added all of the elements, such as recording and adding music, that makes up your podcast, it’s time to move on to the next step – which is editing your podcast.
Sound editing will involve trimming, splicing, and fading different audio pieces together in order to create a smooth flow for your podcast.
Using Garageband ‘s audio editing tools, you can easily adjust the volume of different sections, and add music or pre recorded sound effects and other elements to make your podcast stand out.
Once you have finished the editing process and are satisfied with the final product, it’s time to save and export your podcast file in order for it to be shared with others.
You can save your podcast as an audio recording, or you can export it as a podcast to be shared on popular websites such as iTunes and SoundCloud.
With these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a great podcast!
Final Thoughts
There we have it! You have made it to the end of the guide.
Now that you have taken the time to read through all of the above, we hope that we have been able to help you learn how to record your very own podcasts in Garageband.
Not only is this a super easy way to record your very own podcasts, but it is also completely free and is totally compatible with your Macbook!
Of course, it might take some time to get the hang of it if this is going to be your first time using Garageband – but with a little bit of practice, you should find yourself using Garageband like a pro while making your own podcasts.
Thank you for reading, and good luck with your show!