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13 Best Free Podcast Recording Software for High-Quality Audio
Unless you have access to a professional recording studio, you know how tough it can be to record a podcast. Background noise, wind, and echo can ruin a recording and make your podcast sound unprofessional.
And what if you have multiple guests recording from different locations? One line might be crisp and the other crackly. One host might speak loudly and the other may whisper.
What you need is free podcast recording software with audio mixing tools you can adjust while recording, and audio repair tools to remove unwanted sounds and reverb after-the-fact. Luckily, there are lots of software for podcasts with all the tools you need to deliver a well-mixed, high-quality podcast.
We’ve done all the work and compiled a list of the best podcast software, so you have time to work on other things - like that epic podcast intro you’ve been planning. All of our software for podcasts are free, so you will have money to spend on other things - like the rights to that Beyonce song you need in your epic podcast intro.
- Top 3 Free Podcast Recording Software Snapshot
- What Equipment Do I Need to Start Recording a Podcast?
- How to Choose a Free Podcast Recording Software
- 13 Best Free Podcast Recording Software for High-Quality Audio
- AudioDirector - Best Podcast Software Overall
- Reaper - Best for Recording On-the-Go
- GarageBand - Best Podcast Software for Mac Users
- Hindenburg Pro - Best for Interviews
- Audacity - Best Podcast Software for Intermediate Users
- Cleanfeed - Best for Live Recordings
- Adobe Audition - Best for Creative Cloud Subscribers
- Alitu - Best for Quick Recordings
- Zencastr - Best for Live Collaboration
- Riverside.fm - Best for Remote Recording Video
- BounceCast - Best for Interactive Guidance
- Anchor - Best Podcast Software for Beginners
- Notetracks Pro - Best Podcast Software for Team Collaboration
- Best Free Podcast Recording Software Comparison Chart
- How to Record a Podcast With AudioDirector
- Download the Best Podcast Recording Software for Free
- Free Podcast Recording Software FAQ
Top 3 Free Podcast Recording Software Snapshot
1. AudioDirector - Best Podcast Software Overall
AudioDirector is the best podcast software on our list because it offers up to 99 audio tracks, pro-level audio recording and mixing tools, and a full-fledged audio editor. It is also incredibly easy to use and affordable, making it a great podcast recording software for first-timer or veteran podcasters. Detailed Review >
Click the button below to download our pick for the overall best podcast software today.
2. Reaper - Best for Recording On-the-Go
Reaper is a portable podcast recording software where you can record, edit, process, and mix audio and MIDI tracks. It has professional recording and editing features for podcasters and musicians. Detailed Review >
3. GarageBand - Best Podcast Software for Mac Users
GarageBand is a free podcast recording software for Macs that intermediate users can use to record and edit high-quality audio. Detailed Review >
What Equipment Do I Need to Start Recording a Podcast?
Fortunately, recording a podcast does not have to cost a ton of money, or require a lot of space. Below we broke down the podcast equipment you need to record a successful podcast.
Microphone - These come in all kinds of price points. The important thing is to get a mic that’s best for podcasting. Below are some of the best microphones for podcasting that are under $100:
Pop Filter - This is the black metal ring that hangs in front of the microphone. This is not an absolute necessity, but helps to eliminate plosives, hums, and hisses. Some microphones come with a pop filter, but if yours doesn’t, here are options around $10:
Connector - A connector is simply a chord connecting your microphone to your recording device. These come in two types, USB and XLR. While the XLR cable is more professional, it requires added hardware. A USB will plug directly into your computer and still give you high-quality sound without added cost. Many microphones come with a connector, so you may not need to purchase this separately. Below are three options for USB Connectors, but please make sure the connector fits your microphone before purchasing.
Computer - You probably already have one of these. Your audio will go directly into your computer where it can be recorded, monitored, and edited.
Headphones - While you don’t technically have to have headphones to record a podcast, we highly recommend you add them to your podcasting equipment. Headphones will help you get an accurate picture of how the audio sounds, so you don’t have any awful surprises when you listen back later. Here are our top 3 choices for podcasting headphones under $100:
Podcast Recording Software - Choose one of the free podcast software from our list and download it to your computer before you start.
How to Choose a Free Podcast Recording Software
Here’s our list of qualities and features to look for in good podcast recording software.
High-Quality Recording - This is probably the most important job of podcast recording software. Make sure your podcast recording software offers tools to deliver high-quality sound for the way you typically record. If you like to record outside, your free podcast software should have wind and background noise removal. If you record in a large auditorium, make sure it has a DeReverb tool. If you record guests remotely, your podcast recording software should have tools to make cell phone interviews sound like they were recorded in a studio.
Compatibility - Your podcast recording software needs to be compatible with your OS and preferred web browser. Also check any equipment you have such as microphones, or audio editing software (if your podcast recording software lacks editing tools), and make sure they are also compatible with your free podcast software.
Easy to Use - Make sure your podcast recording software won’t take you a week to figure out. You have a lot on your plate already! A beginner-friendly software for podcasts is also helpful for any first-time guests you might be interviewing. Additionally, a clean user interface that doesn’t hurt your eyes is a plus since you’ll spend a lot of time staring at it.
Built-in Audio Editor - When so many software for podcasts offer both recording and editing tools, why settle for one that doesn’t? Save yourself time and money by getting an all-in-one free podcast software.
13 Best Free Podcast Recording Software for High-Quality Audio
1. AudioDirector - Best Podcast Software Overall
Compatibility: Windows
Creative Bloq Rating: 4/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.33/month
Key Features:
- Extract vocals from music tracks
- Adjustable countdown timers
- Standard or loop recording
- Batch processing
AudioDirector is our choice for the best podcast software overall because of its versatility, affordability, usability, and high-quality output. This is not only podcast recording software, but an audio editor as well, so you can record, edit, and upload your podcast with one program, saving you time and money.
Whether your podcast has a single host or a full panel of guests, you’ll have no problem recording everyone with AudioDirector’s multi-track recording. You can record up to 99 audio tracks with this podcast recording software. We loved using Track Alternatives, which made it easy to record additional takes. All of our takes were organized and labeled to make the editing process easier.
This podcast recording software also comes with Punch and Roll recording, which allows you to easily roll back a short distance and quickly re-record sections to fix mistakes. With AudioDirector’s audio restoration tools like wind and background noise removal, you can record podcasts in a public place or even outside. Don’t be tied down by a recording studio - record where and when you want with our #1 choice for best podcast software, AudioDirector.
Click below to download the best podcast software for free today and finally make your podcast dreams a reality.
2. Reaper - Best for Recording On-the-Go
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
PCMag Rating: 4/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 5/5
Price: 60-day free trial, then $60 for a discounted license (personal use, businesses that make under $20,000/year, schools, and nonprofits) or $225 for a commercial license
Key Features:
- Tape-Style varispeed recording
- Support for third-party plug-ins and extensions
- 64-Bit internal audio processing
- Multichannel support
Reaper is an entirely portable podcast recording software that runs from a USB and doesn’t require installation on your computer. Put it in your pocket and run it from anywhere. This is a good option for podcasts that record “on location” or interview guests outside of the home studio. Simply add a hardware audio interface and mic and you have a professional recording studio wherever you are. Even editing can be done on the fly - you can add effects and edit while still recording, and punch and roll recording means there won’t be many edits required.
Record, edit, process, and mix audio and MIDI tracks with this podcast recording software. We especially liked that you can record any bit depth and record directly into a dozen supported audio formats with this free podcast software. You can also record arm and disarm tracks without stopping the playback, record in a loop, record multiple takes or layers, and record directly to stereo or surround sound.
Reaper has a customizable layout, but we found this podcast recording software to be too intimidating for beginners. It is full of advanced features, but many of those are geared toward the music industry and unnecessary for podcasts. Although it has the same ratings as AudioDirector, we chose AudioDirector as the best podcast software because it is much more beginner and podcaster-friendly.
3. GarageBand - Best Podcast Software for Mac Users
Compatibility: Mac
TrustRadius Rating: 4/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- 225 Audio tracks
- 24-Bit Recording
- Third-Party plug-in support
- Drag-and-Drop interface
GarageBand is a popular music recording program that can also be used as software for podcasts. It is free for Mac users and available as a free app on iPhones and iPads. Users can also get the Logic Remote app, which turns their iOS devices into a GarageBand remote. It comes in handy when you need to control a recording from across the room.
There have been successful podcasters who use this free podcast software to record, such as Marc Maron. To use GarageBand as podcast recording software, simply turn off the tools you don’t need for voice recording, such as the metronome, and you are off and running.
GarageBand is often compared to Audacity since both are completely free podcast software that intermediate users can use to create professional audio recordings. We think GarageBand has a more intuitive user interface and better audio editing tools. However, since it is not optimized for podcasts, it is missing some handy tools (such as an automatic mute button for guests who aren’t speaking). Also, the project files are extremely large, as it’s used to dealing with a 3-minute song and not an hour-long recording. Since it is not as beginner and podcast friendly as AudioDirector, but not as advanced as Reaper, we placed GarageBand at #3 on our list.
4. Hindenburg Pro - Best for Interviews
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
App Store Rating: 4.2/5 (for Field Recorder App)
Audio Mixing Tools: 4.5/5
Price: 30-day free trial, then $399 for a lifetime license or $120/year
Key Features:
- Automatically fix bleed
- Noise reduction
- Cross-Compatible with other DAWs
- Automatic audio ducks
Hindenburg Pro was named after Herbert Morrison’s eyewitness report of the Hindenburg disaster and the subsequent birth of mobile recording. This software for podcasts has its own audio device so you can connect a phone call, Zoom, Skype, or other kinds of remote interviews directly into the software. It also comes with multitrack recording so you can interview multiple guests at once, making it our choice for the best podcast software for recording interviews.
With this podcast recording software, you are free to stop in the middle of a recording and come back later. Hindenburg will auto-level your mix, so no one would guess it was recorded at different times or locations. Our favorite feature is Voice Profile, which learns each individual voice and automatically makes the appropriate level changes. It’s a great free podcast software if one of your podcast hosts always speaks louder than the other.
Hindenburg Pro comes in at #2 on our list of best podcast software because it has been used by professionals for years for its high production value and yet remains user-friendly. However, it doesn’t match AudioDirector in terms of recording and editing features, it only offers a free trial and not a free version, and its premium version is much more expensive.
5. Audacity - Best Podcast Software for Intermediate Users
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
PCMag Rating: 4/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Punch-In recording
- Automatic ducking
- Automatic crash recovery
- Supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit audio processing
Audacity is an entirely free and open-source podcast recording software that is a great choice for those with some audio recording experience. It has extremely low system requirements (it will even work on very old computers), can record from a variety of devices such as a microphone, mixer, line input, and USB, and will digitize recordings from other media. This saves those starting a new podcast from spending a ton of money on fancy equipment. Too simple for professionals, but too complicated for beginners, Audacity is perfect for users at the intermediate level.
Users can easily import, mix and combine audio tracks with this free podcast software. Audacity has unlimited audio tracks and automatically converts tracks with different sample rates and formats in real time. Level meters show volume levels before, during, and after recording. It can also capture streaming audio.
We like Audacity better as a podcast recording software than editing software, so if you need both, try our top choice, AudioDirector. It is missing some recording tools that more advanced users would want, but moderate users will find it more than satisfactory to use as a free podcast software.
6. Cleanfeed - Best for Live Recordings
Image from Cleanfeed.
Compatibility: Web Browser
SourceForge Rating: 4/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $34/month.
Key Features:
- Scheduled invites for guests
- Aux outputs
- Intros, jingles, and beds
- Channel mixer
Cleanfeed is known for its high-definition live recordings. Hosts and guests can be located anywhere in the world, but sound like they are in the same room. The podcast recording software also has studio tools so you can host a live panel show or quiz (complete with sound effects), have guests comment on interviews, or play voicemails from the public.
With this podcast recording software, you can save at any time during a recording, and access quick checks on recordings whenever you need. The technology is so good, it is being used by not only podcasters but radio stations and professional broadcasters as well. The creators even won an Engineering, Science, and Technology Emmy.
Cleanfeed is definitely the best podcast software for live recordings. The free version has no limits on recording time or number of sessions, and you can use it commercially. However, it only has basic recording features and does not include multitrack recording. The premium version is so cost-prohibitive that we only recommend it for professionals. It’s also why we placed it below the completely-free Audacity on our list.
7. Adobe Audition - Best for Creative Cloud Subscribers
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
PCMag Rating: 3.5/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 4.5/5
Price: 7-Day free trial, then $20.99/month
Key Features:
- Multitrack recording
- Audio ducking
- Podcast templates
- 128 audio tracks
Adobe Audition is one of the only pro-level digital audio workstations that has features specifically for podcast recording. Because it only offers a 7-day free trial and the price per month is very expensive, we think it’s the best podcast software for anyone who already has a creative cloud subscription. Audition sends audio back and forth with its video editing software, Premiere Pro, making it a good choice for anyone already working in the Adobe universe.
This podcast recording software has a Loudness Meter with the correct settings for broadcast audio standards and specific streaming services. It also offers useful visualization tools during the recording, so you can see if and when your audio is peaking.
Although Audition offers better sound quality than completely free podcast software like GarageBand and Audacity, it’s not $21 a month better. It also has a steep learning curve. Most podcasters would do well with a much cheaper option, but if you already subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud, this is definitely worth trying as a podcast recording software.
8. Alitu - Best for Quick Recordings
Compatibility: Web Browser
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 3/5
Price: 7-Day free trial, then $32/month or $320/year
Key Features:
- Fades from music to voice
- Automated audio cleanup
- Theme music creator
- Drag-and-Drop interface
According to our research, it takes a brand-new user about 10 minutes to create a podcast using Alitu. It’s the best podcast software for those who want the entire podcast process to be as quick and easy as possible. This all-in-one podcast recording software will record, edit, and upload your podcast.
When you start a podcast with Alitu, first you input your episode details - episode name, number, author, and description. Record directly into this software for podcasts with a microphone, and add guests with its Record Call function. Then add some music, use the simple editing tools, and upload to your podcast hosting site.
Alitu is podcast recording software for users who aren’t comfortable with more advanced programs, or who need a quick fix. It is not for anyone with experience, or someone who likes complete control over their audio. This podcast recording software doesn’t support multiple microphone inputs, so you can’t record multiple hosts or guests recording in the same room. We recommend AudioDirector as a better tool to record and edit podcasts. It is beginner-friendly, but also has manual options for more experienced podcasters. It also has a premium version that is almost one-eighth the monthly cost of Alitu.
9. Zencastr - Best for Live Collaboration
Image from PCMag.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web Browser
G2 Rating: 3.9/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Pro version available for $20/month
Key Features:
- Lossless 16-bit 48k WAV recording
- Loudness normalization
- Noise and hum reduction
- Cloud-Based soundboard for live audio mixing
If you’ve ever needed to communicate with your guests, co-hosts, or producer during a recording, but didn’t want to interrupt the flow of conversation, then Zencastr is for you. This podcast recording software has built-in VoIP so you can chat and leave live footnotes during a recording. There’s also a handy mute button for any producers on the line who need to communicate with their hosts without being heard.
This free podcast software records locally, so you don’t have to worry about a bad internet connection, and automatically uploads to the cloud so your files remain safe. This software for podcasts goes a step further, by downloading your files locally so you can access them immediately, even without an internet connection.
Zencastr and Riverside.fm are very similar. Both are podcast recording software that provide high-quality remote audio and video recording. However, Zencastr offers a lot more at the free price point. Zencastr has 2 free versions - a very robust version that includes Zencastr branding, and a version with no branding. All versions include unlimited audio and video recording, unlimited audio tracks, and up to 12 guests. The one thing the free version doesn’t offer, however, is audio mixing, which is a shame because the premium version is very expensive.
10. Riverside.fm - Best for Remote Recording Video
Image from techcrunch.
Compatibility: Web Browser
G2 Rating: 3.6/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $15/month for Standard or $24/month for Pro
Key Features:
- Screen recording
- Chat function
- Automatic audio/video editor
- Producer mode and controls
Riverside.fm is a podcast recording software that records audio and video simultaneously on two separate tracks. Invite up to 8 guests to join the discussion from anywhere on their desktop or smartphone. With this free podcast software, you can live stream your podcast recording to Facebook, Youtube, Twitch, LinkedIn, and a custom RTMP destination simultaneously. The site also creates audience links so you can share the live stream.
In our test of this free podcast software, we were most impressed by two things - that you never have to worry about losing a valuable recording, and you never have to worry a recording will be choppy because of a poor internet connection. All audio and video are instantly saved in the cloud with this software for podcasts, and it records locally uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio, even for guests calling in.
Riverside.fm offers much higher-quality video for podcast recording than other live-streaming software for podcasts. However, its tools and features tend to be buggy, and our test had video and audio get out of sync. The site is constantly updating and making improvements, but we would not recommend this free podcast software if you only need to record audio.
11. BounceCast - Best for Interactive Guidances
Image from bichodegoiaba.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
AppSumo Rating: 4.1/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $109.90/year
Key Features:
- Import audio from a range of sources
- EQ and Resonance control
- Level normalizer
- Can record audio for videos
Like our #1 choice, AudioDirector, BounceCast is powered by AI to bring you high-quality audio recordings. We think it’s the best podcast recording software for the interactive guidance it provides during recording. BounceCast features an intelligent soundcheck tool that helps the user with their recording setup. During a pre-test, it sends warning messages and offers ways to fix mic positioning and input levels.
Record on the go with the mobile app, or directly onto your desktop. This podcast recording software has smart audio processing that will adapt to every environment to bring you the best possible sound.
BounceCast is one of the best podcast software for beginners because it holds your hand through the entire recording and audio editing process. It offers many one-click solutions, so anyone who likes more control over the way their audio sounds will find it frustrating.
12. Anchor - Best Podcast Software for Beginners
Image from Anchor.
Compatibility: Web Browser
PCMag Rating: 3.5/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 2.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Advanced analytics
- Monetization tools
- Spotify music integration
- Support for audience Q&As, polls, and voice messages
Anchor is Spotify’s free software for podcast recording and hosting. Up to 5 guests can join a conversation using a desktop or the Anchor mobile app. All conversations are recorded onto 1 track - which is helpful for beginners who don’t know much about multitrack recording and editing.
Simple recording tools can be used on your desktop, phone, or tablet and are synced across all devices. You can also import existing audio from other sources using this free podcast software.
Anchor is one of the best podcast software for those starting their very first podcast. They can record, edit, distribute, and monetize all from one easy-to-use and totally free podcast software. However, recording and editing tools are so minimal that we do not recommend this podcast recording software for intermediate to advanced users, or established podcasts.
13. Notetracks Pro - Best Podcast Software for Team Collaboration
Image from Notetracks.
Compatibility: Web Browser
AppSumo Rating: 4.6/5
Audio Mixing Tools: 1/5
Price: 7-Day free trial, then $9/month for Basic, $15/month for Creator, and $29/month for Organization
Key Features:
- Organizational tools
- Speed up/slow down playback
- Invite/Share projects easily
- Outro/Intro stamps
Notetracks Pro is a music and podcast reviewing software made specifically for team collaboration. It is the best software for podcasts with multiple hosts or a production team. Team members will benefit from real-time collaboration and instant feedback. With Notetracks Pro, you can leave comments, stamps, or drawings right on the audio timeline. Think of it as Google Docs for audio.
With this podcast recording software, you can record directly into Notetracks, making it an easy way to record your podcast and get instant feedback from team members. However, there is only one audio track for recording, so it’s not ideal if you have more than one host or any guests.
Since the recording features on Notetracks Pro are minimal, we prefer using a separate podcast recording software for the initial recording and using Notetracks to give and receive feedback before editing. If you need free podcast software with multiple track and feedback capabilities, try Zencastr.
Best Free Podcast Recording Software Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-friendly | Audio Quality and Speech Enhancement Tools | Number of Audio Tracks | Music and Sound Effects Library | Free Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioDirector | Windows | Yes | AI-powered speech enhancement tools to remove plosives, hiss, hum, and distortion. Also wind removal, background noise removal, and DeReverb, auto and manual mixing tools | 99 | Yes | |
| Reaper | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | 64-bit internal audio processing, professional mixing and leveling tools | Unlimited | No | Download |
| GarageBand | Mac | No | 24-Bit recording, adjust reverb, compression, and visual EQ | 225 | Yes | Download |
| Hindenburg Pro | Windows, Mac | Yes | Auto-Leveling, fix bleed, noise reduction, automatic ducking | Unlimited | No | Download |
| Audacity | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Sample rates and formats are converted using high-quality resampling and dithering, supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit audio processing | Unlimited | No | Download |
| Cleanfeed | Web Browser | Yes | Full duplex audio with the best codecs, high bitrates and stereo audio; on wired, wireless, 3G or 4G networks. | 32 | Yes | Download |
| Adobe Audition | Windows, Mac | No | Audio ducking, Essential Sound Panel, spectral frequency display, audio restoration tools | 128 | Yes | Download |
| Alitu | Web Browser | Yes | Automated audio cleanup with background noise removal and leveling | 50 | Yes | Download |
| Zencastr | Windows, Mac, Linux, Web Browser | Yes | Lossless 16-bit 48k WAV recording, loudness normalization, noise and hum reduction, auto-mixing | Unlimited | No | Download |
| Riverside.fm | Web Browser | Yes | Records locally uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio | 8 | No | Download |
| BounceCast | Windows, Mac | Yes | Subtractive equalization, transparent compression, peak limiting, de-essing, level normalization, resonance and EQ control, automatic audio restoration | Unlimited | No | Download |
| Anchor | Web Browser | Yes | Minimal | 1 | Music Only | Download |
| Notetracks Pro | Web Browser | Yes | Minimal | 1 | No | Download |
AudioDirector
vs
OS
Windows
-
Beginner-friendly
Yes
-
Audio Quality and Speech Enhancement Tools
AI-powered speech enhancement tools to remove plosives, hiss, hum, and distortion. Also wind removal, background noise removal, and DeReverb, auto and manual mixing tools
-
Number of Audio Tracks
99
-
Music and Sound Effects Library
Yes
-
How to Record a Podcast With AudioDirector
Here is a step-by-step guide for recording a podcast with AudioDirector, our #1 choice for free podcast software.
Download it by clicking the link below and follow along:
- Connect an external recording device, such as a microphone, to your computer.
- Open AudioDirector and click the Mix tab.
- Click the arrow next to the Microphone on the track where you wish to record live audio.
- In the Recording Settings menu, use the drop-down menu to choose the correct microphone, then click OK.
- Click the Microphone icon to enable live recording.
- On the bottom of the screen, you will see the Record button. Click the arrow next to it to bring up the Countdown Timer. Type in the number of seconds to give yourself time to get into place after you hit record. Click the Record button. The live recording will start after the given number of seconds.
- Click the Record Button again to stop.
For more information on using AudioDirector to record audio, click here.
Download the Best Podcast Recording Software for Free
If you need free podcast software to deliver excellent sound quality even if recording conditions aren’t ideal, then we recommend AudioDirector. It is the best podcast software because you can have as many guests as you need and record from any location. AudioDirector will fix and enhance all audio and make it sound like you were all recording in the same professional recording studio.
AudioDirector’s mixing tools include manual precision edits for those who like control and automated AI-powered leveling for those who like a quick and easy fix. This software for podcasts offers sophisticated speech enhancement tools that you can’t find in most of our other podcast recording software, such as wind removal and DeReverb.
It is also one of the best podcast software because it is a fully-featured audio editor, so you can record, edit and upload your finished podcast in one easy-to-use program. And if video podcasts are your thing, AudioDirector can also be found in Director Suite 365, along with award-winning video editing software, PowerDirector. The two programs work together to bring you high-quality video and audio editing.
Download AudioDirector for free by clicking the link below, either as stand-alone software for podcast recording and editing or as part of Director Suite 365.
Free Podcast Recording Software FAQ
1. What is a Podcast?
A podcast is an episodic audio series on any subject imaginable. Listeners can subscribe to a favorite podcast on a smartphone app or website and be alerted when a new episode is published. Podcasters use a podcast hosting site such as Anchor, Buzzsprout, or Podbean, and can make money based on subscriber numbers, similar to the YouTube business model.
Podcasts are the fastest-growing form of entertainment today because they are incredibly versatile. Podcasters release episodes every day or only a few times a year and most importantly, they can cover any possible topic.
2. What are the Best Podcast Recording Apps?
The best apps for recording a podcast on your phone are
- PowerDirector
- Audio Evolution Mobile Studio
- BandLab
- Garage Band
- WavePad Music and Audio Editor
To learn how to record using the PowerDirector app, click here.
3. What Features Should I Look for in Free Podcast Recording Software?
The top ten features you should look for in free podcast software are
- Multi-Track recording
- Punch and Roll recording
- Speech enhancement tools
- Live mixing tools
- Alternate tracking
- Background noise removal
- Wind removal
- Dereverb
- Countdown timer
- Loop recording
If you’re looking for a podcast recording software that checks all of these boxes, we recommend AudioDirector.
4. What Is the Best Program to Use to Record a Podcast?
We recommend AudioDirector as the best podcast software because you can record, edit and upload your podcast to your favorite hosting site with one easy-to-use program. This free podcast software also has audio repair tools such as background noise removal, wind removal, and dereverb.
5. What Audio Recording Software Do Podcasters Use?
There are many options of software for podcasts, so it depends on the specific needs of the podcaster.
Podcasters who prefer to record video and audio simultaneously use Riverside.fm as their podcast recording software.
Hindenburg Pro is the podcast recording software used most by professional podcasters and journalists who conduct a lot of interviews.
Most podcasters choose AudioDirector as their free podcast software, because it covers a wide range of uses, has pro-level audio tools, and is beginner-friendly. Plus, it is an all-in-one recording studio and editor with manual and automatic tools for every skill level.
6. Can I Record a Podcast for Free?
Yes. All the podcast recording software on our list offer a free version or trial so you can record a podcast for free. However, some of the free versions are too restrictive to record a proper podcast suitable for airing. We recommend AudioDirector’s free podcast software, AudioDirector Essential. You can use all of the premium features for free for 30 days, then use a more limited free podcast software as long as you’d like.
7. How Can I Make My Voice Sound Better for a Podcast?
It’s good to practice your “podcast voice” ahead of recording. Choose a narration style that won’t clash with the theme of your podcast. Then use your podcast recording software to record yourself and see if you like the way you sound. If not, try a different approach. When you listen back, make sure you are enunciating clearly, and aren’t speaking so fast that listeners won’t be able to follow.
If you have parts of your podcast that are scripted, go over the script ahead of time to build confidence and eliminate “ums” and “uhs.” And just like a singer before a concert, protect your voice leading up to a recording! Avoid screaming, talking too much, alcohol and smoking. If you are recording in the morning, try to wake up at least an hour before so your voice has had time to warm up.
Use a pop filter to eliminate plosives and other irritating sounds that come with using a microphone.
And finally, choose a free podcast software with audio repair tools to fix any vocal issues after the fact.
8. How Often Should You Record a Podcast?
How often you record depends entirely on the nature of your podcast and the schedule of the people involved. Some people record weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or only a few times a year.
You might record all of your podcast episodes over one month, then stagger the release dates over a year. As long as you have a regular schedule so your listeners will know what to expect, you can choose the frequency at which your podcasts are released. However, if you wait too long in between episodes, people may lose interest.
9. How Do You Start a Beginner Podcast?
Here are the steps you should take when starting a podcast for the first time:
- Choose Your Niche - there are millions of podcasts out there, try to find a unique take on your topic.
- Choose Your Format - Maybe your topic is one that’s been done to death, but if you have a unique format it can still stand out.
- Gather Your Equipment - At the beginning of this article, we listed the gear you need to start a podcast. You don’t need to spend a fortune, especially when you are starting out.
- Choose the Best Podcast Software - Use this article to choose podcast recording software, editing software (if different from recording), and your podcast hosting site.
- Set Up Your Studio - Set up your gear in the location you chose as your recording studio. Soundproof the room as much as possible. Try some test recordings to make sure there aren’t sound issues you can’t overcome (if there are, you may need to try a different location).
- Record Your Podcast - Use one of the free podcast software on our list to record high-quality sound!
- Edit Your Podcast - Some of the podcast recording software on our list are also fully-featured audio editors, while others only have minimal tools. For a beginner, we recommend one of the beginner-friendly free podcast software, such as AudioDirector, to make editing your podcast easier.
- Post Your Podcast - Choose a podcast hosting site such as Buzzsprout, Anchor, Acast, or Podbean that will record analytics and allow for monetization.
- Promote Your Podcast - Start a social media page for your podcast and let everyone know when a new episode drops.
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- Podcasting
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