Podcast Recording & Editing Guide

Recording Your Podcast

Microphone Technique

How you use your microphone makes a big difference in sound quality.

• Position yourself about 6 inches from the mic — roughly a fist’s distance away.
• Keep a consistent distance from the mic. Don’t lean in and out while you talk.
• Avoid tapping the table or touching the mic while recording.

Speaking Clearly

• Speak at a steady, natural pace — similar or slightly slower than a normal conversation.
• Pronounce your words clearly.
• It’s okay to pause and re-read a section.

Editing Your Podcast

Cleaning Up Your Recording

• Listen through your entire recording before making any cuts. Take notes on what needs to be fixed.
• Remove long pauses.
• Remove the most distracting “umms,” “uhhs,” and false starts. It is OK to leave some of this in. Its normal.
• Remove background noise with the noise reduction tools in Soundtrap.

Adjusting Audio Levels

• Make sure your voice is at a consistent volume throughout the podcast. If one part is too quiet or too loud, adjust it.
• Music and sound effects should be quieter than your voice. Your audience is there to hear you talk — the music supports you, it shouldn’t overpower you.
• Use the volume controls in Soundtrap to balance the loudness

Adding Music and Sound Effects

• Place your intro music at the beginning and fade it out before you start talking (or lower it under your voice).
• Add transitions between major sections to help your podcast flow smoothly.
• Use sound effects sparingly. They should support your content, not distract from it.
• Add outro music at the end to wrap up your podcast.

The Podcast Workflow: Start to Finish

Here is the full process from start to finish:

1. Write your script (already done!)
2. Record your voice tracks following your script.
3. Listen back and take notes on what needs to be fixed.
4. Edit — remove mistakes, trim silences, and adjust levels.
5. Add music and sound effects to enhance your podcast.
6. Listen to the full podcast from start to finish one more time.
7. Export as MP3 and share!

Professional podcasters rarely get a perfect take on the first try. The editing process is where a good podcast becomes a great podcast.