Mastering Soundscapes: Expert Insights on Audio Post-Production in GarageBand
“Hello, I’m looking to edit a podcast for my show with GarageBand on my Mac computer, but the problem is I have no idea how the tool works. So please, if you know how to edit podcasts in GarageBand, kindly share the steps.”
Editing a podcast in GarageBand is not as difficult as many people think. Although the tool might require a learning curve, the right guide should help you navigate the app seamlessly.
So, suppose you want to edit podcasts on your Mac computer using GarageBand, but you don’t know how to go about it. This article will teach you how to edit podcasts in GarageBand within a few clicks. Then, all you have to do is to keep reading.
Part 1: Guide on how to edit podcasts in GarageBand on macOS, iOS or iPadOS
GarageBand is a free open-source digital audio workstation for Apple devices. It offers great audio editing functionalities. Also, it boasts a professional interface packed with instrument lessons, music effects, plugins, etc.
You can get free access to essential features to create high-quality podcasts when you have GarageBand at your fingertips. Also, transferring the edited podcast between your iPhone and Mac won’t be a problem as it facilitates easy file syncing across Apple devices.
Supported System: macOS, iOS, iPadOS
Key Features
Easily export files for your project through emails or add them to iTunes.
It supports over 250 loops for users to explore.
Great guitar amps and effects.
Sync podcasts between your Mac and iOS devices without any complications.
It supports third-party plugins.
Record and edit vocals using advanced tools.
How to edit Podcast with GarageBand?
The step varies depending on whether you’re working on your Mac computer on an iPhone. However, we’ve outlined simple step-by-step instructions that can help you operate smoothly regardless of what device you’re currently using.
Steps for editing a podcast on Apple mobile device with GarageBand
For iphone and iPad users, the steps are much easier than operating on a desktop. You can refer to the short video below to get started quickly.
Steps to edit a podcast on Mac with GarageBand
Step1 Innstall GarageBand on mac
GarageBand can be installed on macOS 12.3 or later. Please ensure your current mac version or keep updates before installing the latest version of the GarageBand software on your Mac.
Step2 Launch GarageBand after installing
Click Project Templates, choose the Voice option and click the Choose button from the bottom right corner.
Step3 Input podcast audio
You’ll be prompted to select your podcast audio input. Select the source from the Input pop-up menu under the Recording Settings area, then click the Input button to switch between stereo input channels and mono input channels.
Step4 Setup Work Space
The workspace to edit your podcast will be displayed on your Mac screen. You just have to navigate to the top section displaying time and beat, then change the settings so that it’ll show only the time.
Navigate to the section displaying the Audio 1 track. Then, use the Plus icon at the top left corner to add the tracks for different parts of your podcast. For example, Audio 1- Intro, Audio 2 - Intro voice, Audio 3 - Transition Music, Audio 4, Guest interview, etc.
Step6 Import the Recorded Podcast Files
Now, open the location where you saved the different parts of the podcast file and drag-n-drop it to the timeline right in front of the relevant audio track. See the screenshot below;
Step7 Adjust Audio Level
Next, adjust the audio level for each track containing different parts of your podcast according to your requirements. It helps you maintain an excellent audio balance if the audio in one track is louder than the others. For example, if your interviewed guest sounded not so loud, you can increase the audio level of the audio track containing that part of the podcast by using the relevant button.
Step8 Use Solo Tool
You can also solo specific tracks in your podcast by clicking the Solo feature. It allows you to detect unwanted noise in the podcast easily. All you have to do to use the Solo feature is to click the Headphones button next to each track to listen to a specific audio track.
You can also use the mute button to silence the audio tracks you don’t want to be heard in your podcast.
Step9 Setup File Structure
Name the folders, subfolders, and session files for each part of your podcast. Doing this will help you quickly locate all related documents anytime needed. Also, it’s advisable to stay consistent with a particular file structure.
Step10 Export Edited Podcast
Once you complete the editing operation, navigate to the menu bar and choose File > Save As. In the Save As dialogue, enter a new name for the project, then click Save.
The above steps should help you edit podcasts on GarageBand efficiently.
Part 2. GarageBand errors? Why fail to edit, and how to fix
Unfortunately, we encountered some critical errors while using the GarageBand software to edit podcasts. These errors were due to technique or file format problems. The following are the errors you might encounter while using GarageBand to edit podcasts and their perfect fix.
Sometimes, GarageBand fails to synchronize audio and MDI. It happens because the app detected an unusual sample rate that it’s unable to process.
Here are the fixes we recommend for this error
Change USB Connection
Close Background Apps
Check Sample Rate
Change the current mic you’re using
Create New Profile on the GarageBand app.
Error 2: “greyed out” MP3/audio files in GarageBand
GarageBand does not allow the upload of MP3 files with unsupported codecs. So, suppose the podcast file you try to upload is greyed out. Then, chances are GarageBand does not support its codec.
Here are the fixes we recommend for this error
To fix this error, you have to change the file from .mp3 to .wav. If you’re using your iPhone, you can use a file converter app to operate. But if you’re on a macOS, you need to locate the podcast MP3 file, right-click on it, then rename it to be in .wav format.
This YouTube video should walk you through the process better.
Error 3: The save file operation failed
Title: Mastering Soundscapes Expert Insights on Audio Post-Production in GarageBand for 2024