There are many ways to create an .mp3 file. Some methods include creating an mp3 directly from your editing system including Audacity, Garageband and others.
My preferred method is to use the free iTunes software. This gives you a better sounding file due to the technology (Fraunhoffer (best for voice)) that iTunes is using to compress your audio into the .mp3 format.
The video below shows you how to setup your iTunes software for compressing an uncompressed file (.wav or .aiff) into the .mp3 format.
The settings shown are my preferred settings for audio only (mostly voice) for podcasting. You can change the bit rate to your desired setting for the best compromise between size and quality.
After properly setting up the iTunes software to create mp3′s, I’ll show you how to add in metadata to your file. ID3 tags are the information that helps identify your podcast episode within someone’s portable media player such as an iPod, iPad, or Android device.
This information will display each episode’s title, description and album cover art as well as any other information you choose to include.
I’ve spent hours culling through all the video tutorials I could find to help you get a better understanding of specific audio production concepts.
The videos on this page all deal with the concept of compression and help you understand how to go about using this effect in your audio editing. Underneath each video, I’ve described what, for me, was the primary takeaway from each video (i.e. what made me post it here).
William gives a great breakdown of the basics, explaining compression controls very clearly. His demo is on a drum track but you get a chance to really hear what he’s talking about.
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Continuing where I left off in part one of this two part series, I wrap things up with a discussion about the remaining basic pieces you’ll need to start a successful podcast. I’m defining a successful podcast here as a podcast that starts off with all the core elements in place so that you don’t have to go back and fix the foundation of your show in the future. Often times, mistakes are made when setting up a podcast (understandably due to excitement and the rush to get started) that will often require an entire rework of the core elements of your podcast.
In this episode I guide you through creating artwork for your podcast, establishing an RSS feed, getting your show on various podcasting directories such as iTunes, marketing and promoting your podcast and a few extra elements to add to your show as you grow.
Most important of these factors is the proper setup of your RSS feed. The best way to ensure that you don’t run into major problems in the future is to use Feedburner to enhance your originating feed. This will not only help create a valid feed, add extras to your feed while allowing you to easily control its appearance but most importantly it will give you the ability to move your audio and/or video file host anytime you want without affecting your audience.
This episode, in combination with episode 050 (part 1), provides a solid foundation on which to build your show. You’ve learned how to produce a podcast and with this episode you learn how to enhance, deliver, and promote your show. All of these factors will set you up for a long lasting show that can be built upon as your grow your podcasting skills, knowledge and library.
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Learn the basics of podcasting from how to decide on a topic to choosing gear, software and hosting for your website and media.
You’ve decided you want to start your own podcast and now you need to know how to proceed. In this episode we go back to the beginning and walk you through the basic elements needed to create a podcast.
Your first step is to decide on a topic. Pick something you know well and love to talk about to no end. This will help to keep you motivated over the period of many episodes.
Are you going to produce an audio only show or a video podcast? In both cases you’ll need gear that allows you to capture, edit and compress your digital media into a podcast friendly format. The basic gear for an audio podcast is a microphone (I recommend a dynamic mic), a mixer and some headphones. I’ve made the basic assumption that you already have a computer.
For video, at a minimum, you’ll need a video camera and some editing software. However I highly recommend including an external microphone that plugs into your camera. Good audio, even in video podcasting, is as or more important than the image you are capturing.
Finally you’ll want to purchase some basic hosting for a website and your media files.
Make sure to listen to part two of the basics of podcasting (episode 52) where you’ll learn about creating a graphic identity that represent your show, creating a future proofed RSS feed for submitting across the web, and how to get your podcast listed in podcast directories such as iTunes.
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If you use WordPress to create your podcasting RSS feed then you may have noticed that only ten or less of your most recent episodes are showing up in podcatchers such as iTunes. There’s a simple fix. Simply adjust the default syndication setting (10) in the Reading section of your WordPress settings. Click here to [...]
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When choosing a mixer for your podcast there are some special considerations that I think each podcaster should think about before making their purchase. Some of these include the number of mic inputs your mixer will allow. Can you grow your show with the mixer you are planning to buy? Can it power condenser microphones [...]
Best viewed in full screen mode. Press play then select 720p HD version in the bottom right of the video player and then view full screen. In this tutorial I show you how to create a podcast ready RSS feed using either wordpress.com or your own installation of wordpress. I combine the power of wordpress [...]
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On this episode I’m talking about new gear in the studio including a Mackie ProFX12 mixer and the Zoom H4n. I also discuss how I do a mix-minus setup for recording Skype calls. And I’m curious as a podcaster, do you apologize to your audience when you miss your regular schedule? Learn about why I [...]
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On this episode I give you a Feedburner refresher course. What it’s used for, what it does, and why you might want to use it to add some spice and flexibility to your podcast RSS feed. I also take a few minutes to discuss some of the issues that can arise when choosing a video [...]
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Learn about why I like having a gmail account for each show I produce. The importance of having a recognizable avatar across all your online communities, and how to use Paypal for free. right-click to download subscribe to The Podcasters Studio Podcast
