How to Edit a Podcast in GarageBand

Editing a podcast in GarageBand involves many of the same tools and features you use to record and edit music. There are a few specific considerations to keep in mind, but the editing process is very similar to music projects.  

I’m an avid musician who has been making music and recording audio for years. I’ve used GarageBand to help edit several podcasts and am very familiar with the process. I also have lots of experience using the app in general.

This post will show you how to edit a podcast in GarageBand. I’ll walk you through some of the basic editing steps you should know how to master and provide you with a few other tips and tricks to help get your podcast sounding great. 

Let’s get started.

How to Edit a Podcast in GarageBand

Editing a podcast in GarageBand is very similar to editing music, and you can utilize many of the same features and tools for either type of editing. The main difference is that podcasts are typically vocal track heavy, so you’ll want to focus on getting that prominent in the mix. 

The first step to editing a podcast is to record it in GarageBand. Check out this guide on how to record a podcast to get you started with the initial tracks for the project. Once you have those recorded, you can start editing.

Below are some tips and steps to editing a podcast in GarageBand on your Mac. I think the macOS version of the app is more capable for editing purposes, so I like to use it when it’s time to edit. But you can also do this on an iPhone or iPad, which I’ll show in the next section. 

Solo the Track

I always like to solo the tracks I want to edit before I start editing them in-depth. This allows you to hear any specific track separate from the rest of the project or the mix, so it’s a good first step. 

To solo a track in your podcast project, simply click the Solo button from the main track window to the left of the recorded track. A headphone icon will turn yellow, indicating that the track is soloed. 

(Screenshot taken in GarageBand on my iPhone)

You can solo every track in the project individually, which is a good method for the initial steps of the editing process. 

Adjusting the Volume

Volume adjustments are another critical aspect of the editing process. This edit is simple to make by adjusting the volume slider also to the left of your recorded track in the main track window.

You can adjust the volume with the track soloed or with it in the mix. Hearing it with the other elements of the track will give you a better idea of how it sits in the mix. You can adjust the volume slider left for lower volume and right for higher. 

(Screenshot taken in GarageBand on my iPhone)

Splitting/Cutting a Track

Splitting or cutting a track is another integral aspect of the editing process. Sometimes you might want to split a track to put certain effects or settings on a specific part of it, rather than the entire thing. 

Knowing how to split or cut a track will also help you trim the tracks during editing so that the final project is ready to bounce and share. It’s a simple process you can make it happen with a quick command in seconds. 

Check out my post on how to cut music in GarageBand for step-by-step instructions on how to do this for a podcast. The splitting process is the same for music tracks and podcast tracks. 

Export 

Once you have made all of your edits, you need to know how to export and share the project or track. This allows you to play the podcast on other devices, upload it anywhere online or share it with others who might be helping you edit. 

Check out this post on exporting GarageBand projects for a step-by-step guide and other tips. 

How to Edit Podcast in GarageBand iPad/iPhone

Editing a podcast in GarageBand for your iPad or iPhone involves using the iOS version of GarageBand. The editing process for the mobile version of the app is somewhat different than the Mac version, but the same basic principles are involved. 

The Solo feature is the same on GarageBand for your iPad or iPhone, so just tap the Headphones icon to start editing. You can also adjust the volume with the slider in the main track window. 

Make sure to slide the main track window to the right if you don’t see the solo icon and volume slider. You want to see the window look like the image below to access these features. 

(Screenshot taken in GarageBand on my iPhone)

Check out the links in the sections above for more steps and instructions on trimming, editing, and exporting GarageBand projects. These steps are the same for a podcast as they are for other types of recordings.  

GarageBand Podcast Template

When you open a new GarageBand project, you can utilize the built-in templates for vocals to help you start recording a podcast. These templates will give you access to the built-in microphones within GarageBand to help you start making the recording. 

You don’t have to use these templates, but it makes setting up your podcast recording really easy. Templates can help you dial in a good workflow to make your entire project come together quicker and more efficiently. 

My guide for recording a podcast in GarageBand will walk you through all the steps to using the templates on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.  

GarageBand Compressor Settings for Podcast

Learning how to dial in the compressor settings in GarageBand will help you with the editing process. The compressor helps to balance the vocal track in line with all other elements of the mix, and it’s a common effect to have on most types of vocals. 

There are built-in compressors on both the Mac and iOS versions of GarageBand that you can play around with in the editing process. Check out my post on how to mix vocals in GarageBand for tips and tricks on using the compressor. 

There are several other settings other than compression that you should know how to adjust and use as part of the editing process. All of these can play an important role in how your final mix turns out. 

Look here for some of the best GarageBand settings for podcasts

FAQs

Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about how to edit a podcast in GarageBand. 

Is GarageBand good for editing podcasts? 

GarageBand is a good option for editing podcasts. It’s especially good for beginners because it is free and very easy to use. The intuitive interface of the app, combined with its many solid features, makes it a capable tool to help edit podcasts. 

Can you edit a podcast on GarageBand for iPad?

Yes, you can edit a podcast on GarageBand for iPad. The iOS version of the app works on both iPhones and iPads, so the same steps for editing a podcast apply to both of these mobile devices. The iOS version doesn’t have quite as many tools, but it’s still very capable. 

Final Thoughts

Editing a podcast in GarageBand is much like editing any other type of recording. You want to focus on a few important parameters such as volume and EQ to get your vocal track sounding great and then continue from there. 

There isn’t one right or wrong way to edit a podcast, and every podcaster has their preferences. The more time you spend exploring GarageBand and all it can do, the better you will get at editing. 

Do you have any podcast editing tips or tricks to share? Let me know in the comments below.

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