Podcast
In podcasting, several technical terms describe the process of creating, editing, and distributing digital audio content. Key terms can be organized into categories related to production and distribution.
Production and audio: These terms relate to the equipment and software used to record and edit the raw audio files.
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): A software application used for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio files. Examples include Adobe Audition, Audacity, and Apple's GarageBand.
Audio interface: A hardware device that bridges your microphones to your computer. It converts analog microphone signals into digital data and can provide phantom power for certain microphones.
Microphone (USB vs. XLR): The device that captures sound.
USB microphones: Plug directly into a computer's USB port and are simpler for beginners.
XLR microphones: Are higher-quality, professional microphones that use an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or mixer.
Clipping: Distortion that occurs when an audio signal is too loud and exceeds the maximum input level of the recording equipment.
Dynamic range: The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of an audio recording.
Compression: A process that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder for more consistent volume.
EQ (Equalization): The process of adjusting the balance of frequencies in an audio signal to improve its quality. For example, you can use an equalizer to remove low-frequency rumble or enhance high-frequency clarity.
Normalization: A process that adjusts the overall volume of an audio file to a target loudness level.
Show notes: A written summary of a podcast episode. It often includes key topics, links to resources, guest information, and timestamps.
Double-ender: A recording technique where each participant records their own audio locally on their computer, and the files are later combined during editing for higher quality.
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