Critical Dissection #1- Audio Editing

We interupt your regular program with a brief analytical discussion on software relating to audio editing and the editing process.

(Please note that what will be discussed in here as well as future Critical Dissections will be taking on a LIS perspective - focusing more on the changes that have developed since the first known record of a LIS related best practice model on podcasting was published back in 2007. A literature review on the context of podcasting in library/information institutions can be found here.)

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If you've been thinking of starting a podcast, you'll probably start to realize that it's not as simple as recording a discussion session with friends and putting that online.

Of the copious amount of DIY guides and webpages that talk about podcast production, a lot of them will generally discuss on the importance of content quality presented and being aware of your intented audience first before deliving into the technical aspects of production. This emphasis on content quality versus quantity has existed since the earlier days of podcasting - especially when the medium was experiencing a significant boom in popularity during the late 2000s; and not much as changed since those earlier days on that regard, unlike the technical aspects of production.

Technological development has always been a constant process with each passing year. So it's not surprising to know that there is a greater wealth of software and online platforms for podcasting now than there was a decade ago.

The usual suspects - such as Audacity and Garageband, are still recommended for audio editing by members of the podcasting community. This is partly due to their status as open-source/freeware programs - which is helpful for the monetarily conscience or as a way to get you're feet wet with audio editing.

Of course there are several audio/recording programs that you can use for podcasting. And while I could probably go on about the merits and disadvantages of freeware programs versus something more high-end like Adobe Auditions or Pro Tools - but for simplicity sake, here's some key points to know about what these two softwares have to offer:

Audacity

• As an open-sourced program, users can download the latest version of the software at no cost. There's also no limit to how many times you can install the program on different devices.

• Has several features (such as noise reduction, cross-platform functionality, multitrack editing) which are all relevant and helpful for podcast audio management

• Requires installation of additional extensions to have a greater scope of functions available

• For example, in order to export/import audio as an .mp3, .wav or .aiff file, you'll have to download and install the LAME extension.

• Supports audio effects at the recording level of 32-bit or 64-bit only

• This can be problematic in the context of podcasting - since we don't actuallly need high-audio fidelity recording; based on my conversation with a number of people working in the recording industry - podcasts really only need 16-bit recording, unless if live music performance is involved.

• Recorded audio can become corrupted if there's not enough diskspace for file saving

• Usually there'd be a prompt telling you that's low though, unless it's been explicitly turned off.

Garageband

• Part of an audio production suite software package for Apple computers

• Mainly for music production, but a lot of the editing features within the program are synonymous with podcasting; plus, having access to music instrumentals in program can be helpful when creating your podcast intro/outro

• Can record audio at 16-bit or 24-bit, at the rate of 44.1 kHz - which is usually recommended due to the problem of audio file storage (ie the bigger the bit-size, the more digital space you'll need). HOWEVER -

• Does not export files in mp3 - which can be problematic depending on what type of media player potential listeners will be using; some hosting platforms may also be incompatible with certain media types.

The editing process in and of itself while using these programs is moderately straight forward.

Record, save the raw file and edit out any thing you don't like, add other pre-recorded segments in through the use of a multi-track (optional - depending on how you're structuring things with your podcast), save the edited version, and then post onto online multimedia platform.

Production tip: Noise reduction is hugely useful in removing background noises from your audio. If it's available in your chosen program, be sure to check out how to use this feature effectively in your prefered program.

Of course, there can be a lot of additional steps in-between depending on the narrative structure you're trying to achieve. Like having short segments with sound effects, and music interspered as transitions or whatnot. Having clearly defined parts to each recording make things somewhat more time flexible, since you wouldn't need to record everything all in one session. But this can also be problematic in terms of keeping track of every audio segment, making sure that segments are recorded using the same bit-rate and frequency, as well as being completed on time.

(Keeping bit-rate and recorded kHz consistent throughout each of the record segments removes the need for potential audio conversion - this is important because the audio quality can degrade during the change over to the different bit-rate/frequency. Changing over from stereo to mono sound or vice versa can also be problematic the same way.)

Also, be aware that the more audio elements you want to have will likely increase the amount of time spent on developing the final edit during post-production. A common adage on the approximate length of time for podcast editing usually states that it'll typically take three times the length of the audio being edited; this doesn't account for any sound effect or equalizations need to make the audio sound better overall...

Training on how to use each program is ultimately reliant on how many hours you put in with a given software. I find that the best form of training for this is the hand-ons experience, and using the software as much as possible to reinforce what you've learned. Many aspects of each editing software tend to be very translatable, so by learning the basics of one - you'd be able to pick up on how to another program. Plus, you're likely to find multiple video tutorials on the more advanced techniques and how to implement them via Youtube or the mildred of DIY guides online.

Compared to Audacity, I personally like using Adobe Auditions - mostly due to their interface layout, and the fact that I've gotten training on how to use it when coupled with a sound mixer board. Pro Tools - to my understanding, is substantially more powerful in terms what it can do with audio editing. But it does require extensive training on how to use it; and from what I can tell, it's normally meant for studio level productions and whatnot - not to mention the costs associated with having the proper setup for using that type of program.

So it's really comes down to preference, budgets, and what you're trying to do for your own podcasts. I talk a little about some aspects of the physical recording setups here.

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Next critical dissection, we'll be looking into the different hosting platforms for podcasts and other multimedia files - as well as debunking some of the myths associated with audio publishing.

'Til then,

- V.

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