How to Make a Podcast with GarageBand

GarageBand is an appealing program for music creation and editing, but it’s also great for podcasting. You can record a professional and high-quality podcast with GarageBand if you have a Mac OS computer. You can also use GarageBand for PC if you want to use it on a Windows-based computer.

You’ll have to use a few steps to make GarageBand work for your podcasting needs. You’ll find it is easy to get the program running when you use the right setup. GarageBand includes multiple features and controls, so you’ll need to see you have extra control over whatever sounds you wish to plan.

What Version Works?

The first point about using GarageBand for podcasts is to have the proper version of the program. As of September 2020, version 10.3.5 is the most stable release of the program.

The podcasting feature on GarageBand works only on Version 3.0 or greater. You cannot get GarageBand working on any older versions of the program.

The same can be said for when you’re using GarageBand for PC. You’ll have to use the proper virtual machine on your computer to make it work.

Click the New Podcast Episode

You can start producing a podcast on Version 3.0 or greater of GarageBand by clicking the New Podcast Episode option. Type a name for your podcast and get started in recording your work.

Use Track Controls

GarageBand provides optimization features for each track. These include separate settings for jingles, male or female voices, or any background things you wish to incorporate. You can use GarageBand to arrange whatever tracks you have and adjust them to appear either in the front or back of the audio.

Some controls include setups for how loud the volume will be and whether it should be in the forefront or background. You can adjust these features as necessary, although it might require some trial and error during the production process to make it work.

Establish a Template

You can use a template for your podcast if you want something that is consistent and fits with each episode you plan. A template can include separate settings for different sounds like these:

• Intro music
• The podcast audio
• Background effects during the podcast
• Outro effects

Your template can use many standards that produce better results. Be sure you see how well your template functions and that you have a good plan.

Including Jingles

GarageBand has a hundred jingles you can use for your podcast. You can add one in the loop browser. You can preview jingles and then select one that you can plan on a loop.

You could also consider adding a custom loop to GarageBand. You can import an existing loop to GarageBand and use the interface to adjust the content from there.

Recording Your Audio

You can record your audio when you have the proper recording equipment on hand. Plug in your microphone, and test it to see that GarageBand is recording what you are saying. You can adjust the vocal track later, but check on the preset options for male and female voices first to see that you’re recording everything well.

What about Multiple Hosts?

You will need multiple tracks if you have more people hosting a show. You can add hosts to your podcast by clicking the Configure Track Header option and then clicking the Record Enable choice. You can record multiple tracks at once. GarageBand lets you record specific tracks, but you can also record all at once if you want to make it work.

Don’t Forget Your Guests

You might have a guest who is in another location on your podcast. You can incorporate the input you get from your guest and place it in a separate track. You’ll have to adjust the guest sound, especially as the guest’s audio track might function differently.

Using a Compressor

A compressor may work on your vocal tracks. A compressor will make all your sounds appear similar, including both the quietest and loudest sounds. Most people aren’t aware of when they are raising their voices or when they are being too quiet. A compressor helps adjust the sounds and keeps a consistent volume level in your track.

You might need to add a separate compressor as a plug-in to your program, although that depends on the specific version of GarageBand you use. Some newer versions come with compressor features built into the body, but not all editions are going to make it work.

Some of the compressor settings you’ll need to notice entail these points:

• The gain you wish to read, including how much of a difference in decibels you want to record
• How quickly you want the program to respond to sudden audio changes; this may be measured in milliseconds
• The ratio for adjusting the sound, or how intense the adjustments will be when making it work

Monitor the Equalizer

You need to use the equalizer feature in the GarageBand program to keep background noise and other effects from being too noticeable while you are recording your work. GarageBand features an equalizer setup that helps you create a gate over how much noise comes on your recording. You could eliminate any sounds that are at a low decibel threshold, ensuring only your voice is heard and any background features won’t be noticeable.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

All these points are useful when recording with GarageBand, but you also have to note the materials you utilize. There are some ideas to use before you start recording:

• Keep the microphone about 200 millimeters or more from your mouth. You need enough distance to keep the microphone from producing any unappealing effects.
• Keep a mesh pop screen between your mouth and the microphone. It can be about 30 millimeters from the microphone. The screen will prevent popping sounds when you produce certain effects.
• Add covers around your recording room to prevent reverb. Keeping reverb under control ensures the audio sounds its best.
• Don’t be concerned about the back of the microphone. An average microphone is a unidirectional model that will take in sounds from one direction. Keep yourself in the proper direction to provide a good response.

What About Uploading?

Since GarageBand is a program from Apple, it incorporates with iTunes to help you upload whatever podcast you create. GarageBand lets you produce a new RSS feed and submit it to iTunes under the Apple Podcasts section. Your RSS feed may also go towards other podcast directories, although the one Apple runs is easier to follow.

Don’t Forget an Image

GarageBand also comes with a feature that lets you add a new image to your podcast for when people find it online. You’ll have to come up with a useful logo or symbol that reflects what you want to share in your podcast.

Good Luck with Your Work

GarageBand is great for your use, whether it entails working on a Mac OS or Windows PC. You can trust GarageBand when you’re trying to plan a podcast, but be sure you know how you’re going to make GarageBand work well. It won’t be hard to make GarageBand effective if you know what fits and how you’re going to plan your project.