Editing podcast audio files can be a complicated task. Normally, every beginner podcaster is unfamiliar with the basic and important principles of editing the podcast audio file. With practical and helpful instructions and with the help of a guide like this one, you can become a good sound editor from the start and grow step by step.
Basics of sound editing
The first step to editing a podcast audio file is understanding the process and how to do it. Editing audio files involve manipulating recorded sounds, music, special sound effects, dialogues, etc. This method is used to improve and beautify the output file of podcasts.
There are two ways to edit the audio file of podcasts:
Malicious: This method of editing the audio file has several advantages. For example, changes are quickly applied to the file, and a lot of processing power is not needed to apply sound effects. But the drawback of this method is that it makes it difficult to fix mistakes while editing, and they can only be done in reverse.
Non-destructive: The advantages of this method are that the editing is done in real-time. Sound effects can be changed without directly applying to the original sound file. So you can easily change or remove effects regularly. But the drawback of this method is that you need a system with high processing power.
As you can see, in destructive editing, the original sound file is constantly changed. In the non-destructive method, the original version remains unchanged. So the changes are applied to the copy of it. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. You should choose one of them according to your purpose and needs.
Audio editing techniques
Some basic techniques in audio file editing will help you produce the best outputs from the beginning with the least possible knowledge.
Cut: This is done when you want to cut or delete a part of your audio file. Cutting is the most important and basic technique for editing podcast audio files that you must learn.
Add or Insert: This is done when you want to add new audio files to an existing audio file. For example, adding a music file to the main audio file of the podcast is considered adding.
Fade: This technique in podcast audio editing occurs when you gradually decrease the volume. According to the type of fading, this technique is usually used to exit one section and enter another section of the podcast. For example, you may have seen in some podcasts that music is played at the beginning. Then the volume slowly fades, and the podcast host begins to speak. This model is the same as fading.
How to cut audio files?
Now that you know the basic techniques of audio file editing, it is better to talk about podcast production tips and how to cut audio files. Cutting is done when we want to remove unnecessary parts of an audio file. For example, the sections where repeated sentences are expressed, a long pause or a special interruption has occurred, etc.
How to add sound to a video?
Adding music to a podcast or video file is very easy. This will make your project look much more professional than you think. Depending on what software you use to edit audio files, there are a few different ways to do this.
For example, if you use Adobe Premiere Pro software, you can easily add audio files to your project. Then place it on the timeline to add it to the video. If you’re using Final Cut Pro, you’ll need to go to the File menu and select Import Media. Then add a new file to your project.
How to transmit sound
Transitions are a great way to smooth out different parts of an audio file. Types of Transitions include the following.
- Crossfades is a sound transfer method at the end of which the sound gradually fades. Using this method, the beginning and end of each audio track will fade and create a uniform state in your podcast audio file.
- Fades: The volume of the song increases and decreases in this method. This method often creates a dramatic effect or simulates two pieces of music together.
- Hard cuts: This method is a transition in which the current sound is suddenly cut off, and the next sound is played suddenly. This method can be used to create comedy effects or to create a sense of tension.
Principles and techniques of sound mixing
- Panning: Panning occurs when sound is played from the left or right channels, giving the illusion that the sound is coming from different directions.
- Equalization: It is related to the time when you adjust the frequencies of each audio file so that they are the same and harmonious.
- Compression is when you reduce the dynamic range of a podcast audio file, allowing the quiet parts to sound louder and the loud parts to sound quieter.
- Reverb: Refers to when you add an artificial echo to an audio file, creating the illusion that the sound was recorded in a large, open space.
- Delay: This is similar to Reverb but has a repeating echo that fades each time.
- Pitch correction: It is used to correct audio podcast files with incorrect pitches.
Professional audio editing software
To edit the podcast audio file, you are free to choose an audio mixing program. Now that you have learned the basic principles of sound editing, you can use this software.
Choosing the right software for editing audio files depends on your use purpose. Many of them have advanced options that you may not need. It is better to use normal and simple software if you are at the beginning of making podcasts and know how to work with this software.
Final word
The audio editing tutorial for the podcast ends here. But this is not the end of the road! Getting information about how to edit a podcast audio file or how to make a podcast is only one part of the story. To become a professional podcaster, you must start making money and making your first podcast episodes.