Want a polished podcast without spending hours editing? Follow this streamlined, professional workflow to clean up your audio, stay consistent and save time every episode.
Step 1: Prep Your Files Before Editing
- Organize your raw audio: Label speaker tracks and back them up.
- Separate tracks for host, guests and music whenever possible.
- Use free tools like Descript’s Studio Sound or iZotope RX Elements for light noise reduction before opening your DAW.
Step 2: Set Up a Template in Your Editing Software
- Choose a DAW like Adobe Audition, Hindenburg Pro or Reaper.
- Create a reusable project template with:
- Intro/outro music in place
- Track settings (EQ, compression)
- Markers for common sections (intro, ad breaks, outro)
Step 3: Do a Quick First Pass
- Remove major issues: false starts, long silences, obvious filler words.
- Use tools like Auphonic, Descript, or Podcastle for AI-assisted editing and leveling.
Step 4: Polish the Audio
- EQ each voice track to remove muddiness and enhance clarity.
- Compress gently to even out volume levels.
- Normalize loudness to -16 LUFS (mono) or -19 LUFS (stereo) to match podcast standards.
Step 5: Add Music and Transitions
- Fade in/out your music tracks.
- Add light background music or stingers if it suits your brand.
- Maintain consistent volume balance between voice and music.
Step 6: Export and Finalize
- Export as MP3 (128 kbps mono or 192 kbps stereo).
- Add ID3 tags (title, show name, artwork).
- Run your final file through Auphonic for loudness and metadata.
Step 7: Create a Post-Publish Checklist
- Check audio length and file size.
- Review show notes and links.
- Listen on 2x speed for quality assurance.
- Save a backup version and archive the project.
