Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software

🤔 Norman from Antifool asks, "What is your take on non-traditional recording software like Descript?"

🎧 You can listen to Norman's podcast at https://thatsthenorm.com/antifool/

TL;DR
In recent years the number of new software options for podcasters has increased quite a bit. Some of them are great for experience podcasters that want every bell and whistle imaginable. While others are focused on streamlining the process as much as possible.

So in this episode, we'll share the pros and cons of the top five recording software options that we use and recommend at Buzzsprout to help you decide which one is best for you.

#1. Audacity

Audacity is the most popular podcast recording and editing software in the world (and for good reason). It's free to download, it's available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and has the full suite of audio editing features.

Just be aware that Audacity tends to be a bit buggy (like, won't work because Apple updates their OS kind of buggy) and does destructive editing. Destructive editing means that if you delete a portion of your audio and then save your project file, you can't get that audio back.

Download Audacity for free: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

#2. GarageBand

GarageBand comes pre-installed on just about every Apple device you can imagine (Macbook, iPad, iPhone, etc.). Like Audacity, it's free to use. Unlike Audacity, it's easy to learn quickly so you spend less time learning the software and more time editing your episodes.

One thing to keep in mind is that GarageBand's export settings are severely lacking, so if Loudness Normalization or bit rate modes are important to you you'll need to pair it with some additional software.

#3. Alitu

Alitu is an internet-based recording and editing software that makes it super easy to create episodes. You can automatically add your intro and outro to every episode, it applies mixing and mastering effects to your audio files as you upload them, and you can publish your episodes directly into podcast hosts like Buzzsprout.

But all that efficiency and ease of use means there are fewer things to customize. So if manually setting your compression levels is important to you, look elsewhere. But if you are a busy podcaster looking for ways to speed up your workflow, Alitu is a great solution.

Try Alitu for free: https://alitu.com/

BUZZSPROUT PODCASTERS - Use the coupon code in the Resource tab of your Buzzsprout account to get 50% off your first 3 months of Alitu.

#4. Hindenburg Journalist Pro

Hindenburg Journalist Pro is everything you could possibly need in a podcasting editing software. It's intuitive, easy to work with, and allows you to publish episodes directly to Buzzsprout.

Because it's a pro-level software, Hindenburg Journalist Pro is a more sizeable investment, but if you're a Buzzsprout podcaster you can use the link in the Resources tab of your Buzzsprout account to get a 90-day free trial and test drive it for yourself before deciding if you want to invest in it longterm.

Learn more about Hindenburg Journalist Pro: https://hindenburg.com/products/hindenburg-journalist-pro

#5. Descript

Descript takes a fresh and innovative approach to editing podcasts. Rather than generating a waveform of your audio files, Descript creates an accurate transcript of your recordings. Then to edit your podcast episode you just edit the words on the screen. How cool is that?

Just make sure to listen back to your episode from start to finish before you export it as sometimes the algorithms aren't as precise as you'd like them to be.

Try Descript for free: https://www.descript.com/

Record your podcasting question at https://www.speakpipe.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

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✅https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/podcasting-qa-859980

==== Time Stamps ====

00:19 - "What recording software do you recommend?"
01:30 - Audacity
03:03 - GarageBand
04:29 - Alitu
06:02 - Hindenburg Journalist Pro
07:42 - Descript

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INTERESTED IN STARTING A PODCAST?

You can watch our "How to Start a Podcast" video series to get up and running in no time: https://bit.ly/2L25sAW

Start your podcast for free with Buzzsprout at https://bit.ly/2pGU2ux

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Top 3 Podcasting Equipment for Superior Audio Quality

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone

Perfectly suited for both project and home studio applications, the Audio-Technica AT2020 delivers high-quality audio at an affordable price. This studio XLR microphone is versatile, ideal for podcasting, streaming, and recording. With its low-mass diaphragm, it provides extended frequency response and superior transient response, offering a standard for professional studio sound.

Click here to get the Audio-Technica AT2020 on Amazon

MAONO USB Microphone Professional Mic Kit

Delivering studio-level sound quality, the MAONO USB Microphone kit is an ideal match for podcasting, singing, gaming, and even YouTube. With a simple plug-and-play set up, a professional sound chipset, and a quality condenser microphone, you can trust this kit to perform brilliantly, capturing every nuance of your voice perfectly every time.

Acquire the MAONO USB Microphone on Amazon now

FIFINE Gaming PC USB Microphone Podcast Condenser Mic

FIFINE's Gaming PC USB Microphone for Podcasts comes equipped with a boom arm and pop filter to ensure the best possible audio recording quality. This is an excellent choice for streaming, Twitch chatting, and for YouTubers and gamers due to its mute button, which provides additional control during live broadcasts. The vibrant RGB lighting complements any gaming setup while adding fun to the recording experience.

Check out the FIFINE Gaming PC USB Microphone on Amazon now