How to Export a Podcast From Audacity?

TL;DR To export a podcast from Audacity, ensure you have the correct settings and codecs installed. Export as WAV if MP3 fails, check your loudness levels, and consider using external plugins for better audio quality.

Exporting Basics

When exporting a podcast from Audacity, you typically choose "Export" from the File menu and select your desired format, such as MP3 or WAV. If you're facing issues with MP3 exports, it might be due to missing codecs like LAME, which is necessary for MP3 encoding [2:1][2:5]. Ensure you have the latest version of Audacity downloaded directly from their website, as it includes the necessary codecs [2:2].

Audio Quality Considerations

The perceived audio quality can vary significantly depending on playback devices. Headphones may reveal more detail than speakers, leading to discrepancies in sound quality when played elsewhere [1:1]. To maintain consistent quality, check your export settings, including bitrate and codec [1:7]. Additionally, setting proper loudness levels using plugins like Youlean Loudness Meter or LUFS Meter can help achieve a balanced sound [1:8].

Improving Workflow and Audio Quality

For those looking to enhance their editing process, consider referencing your mix on various playback devices to ensure consistency across platforms [1:9]. Exploring additional software like Reaper or plugins such as iZotope RX can offer advanced features for noise reduction and loudness adjustments [1:3][1:11]. While Audacity is free and open-source, other paid options might provide more robust tools for podcast editing [1:4].

Tutorials and Guides

If you're new to Audacity, several tutorials are available online. BuzzSprout offers a detailed guide on podcast editing in Audacity [3:1], and there are numerous video tutorials on platforms like YouTube [3:3]. A comprehensive written guide can also be found, offering step-by-step instructions for both pre-production and editing phases [5:1]. These resources can be invaluable for improving your workflow and understanding best practices in podcast production.

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POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

Why is exporting an episode from audacity a hit or miss with how it actually sounds?

Posted by carrito1 · in r/podcasting · 4 years ago

8 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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ORIGINAL POST

Started the editing part of my podcast. It use to be my co host but he’s gone MIA. So I’ve been carrying the show and everything that entails publishing an episode alone. I’ve started doing the editing on audacity. I’ve gotten pretty decent, given the fact that the interface is so windows 98 looking. But I’ve noticed when I go to export the final file. And play it on anything else. It doesn’t sound as crisp and clean as I had edited. Am I doing something wrong? Does my headphones have anything to do with it? Or am I compressing and amplifying/normalizing wrong? Also I’ve thought of outsourcing the audio editing, any thoughts on that?

UPDATE: so I figured out my problem. The compressing and amplifier or normalization were all okay. But those really don’t have anything to do with the export sound of it. It’s actually the LUFS like someone had mentioned earlier. I looked into it and there’s a standard that radio and podcast have to us. For radio stations they use -24 and podcasters must us -16. I’ve read different things on which is the correct db for lufs but -16db has been pretty common overall. And after learning about this, the audio is louder and I don’t have to keep fumbling with volume in my car or headphones.

In simple LUFS is basically the loudness our ears perceive. It’s completely different from anything you’ll see on the wave form. It’s the loudness enjoy ability you hear from speakers. You won’t have to struggle to be able to hear what someone said in one part of the podcast. Hope this helps someone else.

12 replies

SubYeti · 4 years ago

I don't understand why Audacity still gets so much love in the podcast scene when Reaper exists. IMO, it is easier to use and way more fully featured. I could never go back to destructive editing.

2 upvotes on reddit

BlackCatLuna · 4 years ago

As I understand it Reaper is paid for after a trial whereas Audacity is open source. This means that Audacity doesn't risk you losing access after a time if you are in a financially tight position.

1 upvotes on reddit

SubYeti · 4 years ago

Unofficially, the Reaper free trial goes forever, and if you do decide to buy it it's $60, which is a pretty sweet deal.

1 upvotes on reddit

carrito1 · OP · 4 years ago

I’ve never heard of it. Will definitely give it a look over.

1 upvotes on reddit

dos_salsa · 4 years ago

https://splice.com/plugins/38915399-rx-8-standard-vst-au-by-izotope this might be the answer to your prayers. You can set target loudness on this and while it doesnt rid the audio dynamics completely ie loud spikes or quiet dips, it basically averages everything out so that the duration of the audio averages to said loudness.

Also has noise reduction and doesn't look like a dial up software too. Built in AI for suggesting what needs to be applied. I used to edit in ableton, I still do but thats for mixing in intro music, ad's, etc... I do 98% of the post production editing in RX8 now

5 upvotes on reddit

carrito1 · OP · 4 years ago

I will definitely check this out later today! Thank you so much.

2 upvotes on reddit

dos_salsa · 4 years ago

Would highly recommend. There's way more hidden gems in the modules you can add, ie I use the de-clip module to reduce the awful quality of zoom recordings through a laptop mic... still sounds bad but at least there no longer unbearable haha.

It's a total swiss army knife. If you're looking for editing services or someone to show the ropes on all this feel free to pm me

1 upvotes on reddit

Whatchamazog · 4 years ago

So part of the mixing process should be referencing your mix on other speakers/headphones. A lot of people will try it on their studio headphones, consumer headphones like Beats or something and also on iPod headphones. Checking the sound in their car is also popular because that’s where a lot of people consume podcasts.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of a recording studio, you’ll notice a lot of them have two or three pairs of monitors for reference.

Their are software programs that will calibrate your headphones and monitors so you can hear what it would sound like on different sources. SoundID is one.

5 upvotes on reddit

carrito1 · OP · 4 years ago

That makes perfect sense because I listened to what I edited in my car this morning and it was soo low. I could barely hear myself compared to my guest. And my car volume was half way up already.

2 upvotes on reddit

Whatchamazog · 4 years ago

It sounds like you aren’t setting the loudness properly also.

Google youlean loudness plug-in or LUFS Meter.

You should probably search this subreddit for LUFS also. There are tons of discussions around it.

Most platforms have a recommended loudness target that you’ll want to get close to. I usually aim for -16.

2 upvotes on reddit

Ethan-Wakefield · 4 years ago

What's the source audio, and what's the export codec? You might be changing the quality levels when you export. This can happen if you export to a lossy codec with too low of a bitrate, for example.

3 upvotes on reddit

UltimaGabe · 4 years ago

Your headphones might have something to do with it; my headset tends to be WAY more clear and sensitive than any other device I've played podcasts on, to the point where I'll stress and stress over some noise in the background while editing, only to find out it's completely unnoticeable on any other device. Also, the device you're playing it on might play a part- playing podcasts on my car speakers, for example, is a completely different listening experience than if I'm using earbuds listening at work.

Simply put, if it sounds fine while editing, it probably sounds fine in the finished product, but you might want to try different bitrates when you export. The first few episodes of my podcast sounded too noisy to me, so I started exporting at a higher bitrate (160 kbps is my current rate) and the problems seemed to disappear. Then again, I've recently tried lowering the bitrate to save space, and I can't tell the difference now, so YMMV.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/podcasting • [2]

Summarize

Audacity help! Unable to export...

Posted by [deleted] · in r/podcasting · 6 years ago

Ok, just finished editing my most recent podcast episode on Audacity. When I was done, I clicked on export as an mp3. Just like I did with the last 3 episodes. Only now, when I do it, it pops up with message that says "unable to export."

Anyone know what I'm doing wrong or what could be causing this?

Thanks in advance!

9 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

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7 replies

Squigglyelf · 6 years ago

this happened to me today, it told me I needed the LAME encoder, but when I followed the link to it, it told me that Audacity was already supposed to have the encoder in it, and I didn't need to download it.

Turns out the Audacity version that I downloaded off of sourceforge was out of date.

If you go to Audacity's actual website and download it from there, it's an updated version, and it has the LAME encoder built right into it. Worked immediately after I uninstalled the old one, and installed the new one.

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

Thanks for all the replies. Turned out to be an easy fix...all I had to do was restart Audacity.

3 upvotes on reddit

scorchyunicorn · 6 years ago

Good ol' if it doesn't work, try restarting it

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

In my defense, I did score extremely high on the Neanderthal makers according to 23 And Me.

2 upvotes on reddit

fuistetravels · 6 years ago

Had this happen to me too. I downloaded an MP3 program. I know this isn't super helpful in terms of technical know how...posting it just to let you know it's a solvable issue

3 upvotes on reddit

jblack1108 · 6 years ago

You probably need to redownload and install the LAME mp3 encoder.

4 upvotes on reddit

BangsNaughtyBits · 6 years ago

See if you can export as WAV so you don't lose it and can convert the file later.

Do you have LAME installed? It might not be necessary on later versions but something could have happened to the library.

5 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/podcasting • [3]

Summarize

Audacity Podcast Editing Tutorial?

Posted by MVPerham · in r/podcasting · 5 years ago

Does anyone know of an Audacity Editing Tutorial for beginners? Been trying to find a guide for a while to no avail. Thanks!

3 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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6 replies

vimes72 · 5 years ago

Is it something in particular that you’re struggling with? Or is it just general Audacity advice that you’re after?

1 upvotes on reddit

MVPerham · OP · 5 years ago

Really just general tips but I find myself over-editing and then starting over a lot.

1 upvotes on reddit

MikeVickfortheHOF · 5 years ago

Here you go fam https://youtu.be/xl-WDjWrTtk

2 upvotes on reddit

tanvibee · 5 years ago

Here's a quick tutorial on Audacity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAGCBO2bIcw&t=7s

It's got the basic structure as well. I hope it's useful!

1 upvotes on reddit

RegenRacing · 5 years ago

This is what you need. So many step by step guides. Login and enjoy free - Link

0 upvotes on reddit

BangsNaughtyBits · 5 years ago

I linked to a BuzzSprout tutorial a few weeks ago.

https://old.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/cuia3y/how_to_edit_a_podcast_in_audacity_2019/

2 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/premiere • [4]

Summarize

Best way to improve my audio without exporting?

Posted by javmcs · in r/premiere · 17 days ago

I am trying to improve my workflow. I am currently doing voiceover in premiere pro, then exporting the audio, then running it through adobe podcast (https://podcast.adobe.com/, This is what has worked best fo rme open to suggestions) then bringing the output back in to my premier pro project.

Is there an adobe podcast plugin that I am not aware of or a better solution to this? Seems wildly inefficient...

Thanks!

3 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

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9 replies

timvandijknl · 17 days ago

🤔 You know you can just go to the Essential Sound panel, highlight a clip, set it to Dialogue and then choose "enhance" to do the podcast thingie, right ?

Either way, it will sound like shit.. but no need to use a website for it

-1 upvotes on reddit

finallygabe · 16 days ago

The website’s model is better than what Premiere has.

Pretty sure OP can record directly into that website’s studio and clean up in there as well.

6 upvotes on reddit

timvandijknl · 16 days ago

both sound like shit either way 😞So robotic

1 upvotes on reddit

javmcs · OP · 16 days ago

!solved

1 upvotes on reddit

theredditdummy · 15 days ago

Auphonic is a pain to dial in the settings, but results are fantastic

1 upvotes on reddit

AutoModerator · 17 days ago

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1 upvotes on reddit

XSmooth84 · 17 days ago

Record better in the first place? A good mic, good positioning, and quiet room should need little more than a gain adjustment.

Using something like adobe podcast website is to clean up hostile recording environments out of your control. A VO recording that you're doing often sounds like you need to control your environment better.

4 upvotes on reddit

javmcs · OP · 17 days ago

Thanks for your reply. I understand this, but unfortunately I have several factors outside of my control that I need to cleanup afterwards. I also record in multipe outdoors locations too

1 upvotes on reddit

XSmooth84 · 17 days ago

Then honestly the method you're doing now is the most simplistic and straightforward, that gives good results, and doesn't cost any additional price with your already existing adobe account. Other solutions are going to either cost more money, cost more time, or both, or not give as nice results.

My view/opinion anyway.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/podcasting • [5]

Summarize

I've written up a guide to editing in Audacity, including pre-production steps to take!

Posted by justhereforhides · in r/podcasting · 4 years ago

docs.google.com

237 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

lmlgiraffe · 4 years ago

Thank you so much for this! I'm incredibly new to editing and I've been trying to gain a better understanding of a good order of operations to make things easier for me, but more importantly better for my listeners with each episode. This is super valuable!

9 upvotes on reddit

justhereforhides · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you for the kind words!

3 upvotes on reddit

lebrilla · 4 years ago

On mobile the text is super thin. Nice write up though

3 upvotes on reddit

justhereforhides · OP · 4 years ago

Weird looked fine on my phone

1 upvotes on reddit

lebrilla · 4 years ago

Huh. Must be my phone. Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

SteveintheWilderness · 4 years ago

Same here. I'll just open on my PC.

1 upvotes on reddit

Podknows · 4 years ago

This is a really great guide for any podcasters who want to get into learning Audacity.

7 upvotes on reddit

justhereforhides · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you!

2 upvotes on reddit

Coffee-and-Scones · 4 years ago

This is such a useful guide! Thank you for sharing this!

3 upvotes on reddit

justhereforhides · OP · 4 years ago

No problem! Happy to help :)

1 upvotes on reddit

justhereforhides · OP · 4 years ago

Thanks everyone for the kind words! If anyone has any advice for updates to the guide I'm all ears

4 upvotes on reddit

hiimchristoph · 4 years ago

Youdabest!

2 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/podcasting • [6]

Summarize

Exporting Issue in Audacity

Posted by PHall16 · in r/podcasting · 3 years ago

I’m having an issue in Audacity when trying to export my completed episode into either MP3 or WAV. Everything is edited and the playback inside Audacity sounds good. But when trying to export, I get an error message that says “Audacity failed to read from a file in F:.”

I looked it up and one suggestion said re-saving the files to the desktop should revolve the issue, but now the error message changed to “Audacity failed to read a file in C:.”

There are 4 audio tracks (theme music, transition sounds, my own recording and my guest host’s recording). I’m pretty sure the issue lies with my guest host’s track, because I’m 60+ episodes in and never had this issue and it’s my first time recording with this person.

Anyone with advice or who resolved a similar issue is greatly appreciated.

Update in case someone with this issue finds this post: In a moment of desperation, I decided to completely redownload audacity and hope the files remained, and that actually solved the problem. Maybe it just needed an update, maybe it was dumb luck. Either way, worth a shot.

4 upvotes on reddit

3 replies

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[deleted] · 3 years ago

Glad you got the issue resolved. Now would be a good time to transition to a true DAW like Reaper.

Learning to leverage the strengths of a DAW will change your life and reduce your stress level. :-)

1 upvotes on reddit

BandFGuiltFree · 3 years ago

That’s odd. Can you try selecting the tracks and then copy them into a new audacity file? Curious if that does anything. Also, I’d also try to export them individually and to see if that file from your guest is the one that can’t be exported.

1 upvotes on reddit

PHall16 · OP · 3 years ago

Just tried this, no luck.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/audacity • [7]

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Best Practices When Exporting Audacity Project to MP3/WAV

Posted by OldVulcanDude · in r/audacity · 6 years ago

I've been teaching myself (with your kind help) audacity and I've got everything sounding pretty damn crisp and even, but when I export to an MP3 or even a WAV, it sounds muddy or underwater. The project is Mono, 44100Hz, 16-bit PCM. Any tips or tricks on how to keep this sounding wonderful?

1 upvotes on reddit

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TheDynamicHamza21 · 6 years ago

>The project is Mono, 44100Hz, 16-bit PCM

whats the bitrate on the mp3? Based upon your description it sounds like an encoding problem. What are you encoding parameters, 441khz?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/audacity • [8]

Summarize

MP3 bit rate export options for single voice podcast

Posted by AncientHistoryHound · in r/audacity · 6 years ago

Hi there,

I've been using Audacity for some time to edit my podcast and I confess that I've never fully understood the MP3 export options. My podcasts are typically 30-45 mins long and featuring me talking, so no music tracks etc.

Which bit rate mode (Preset/Variable/Average/Constant) is prefereable in this situation? I'd also be grateful for advice on the sub-set option.

thanks.

1 upvotes on reddit

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TheDynamicHamza21 · 6 years ago

Constant or average and anything over 96kbps but not higher than 128kbps. Human speech does not go over 300hz.

https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,111888.0.html

http://www.missionarygeek.com/2013/05/suggested-audacity-settings-for-mp3-export/

2 upvotes on reddit

AncientHistoryHound · OP · 6 years ago

Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/podcasting • [9]

Summarize

Simplest editing: audacity, GarageBand, other free apps

Posted by Mysterious_Award_861 · in r/podcasting · 4 months ago

Basically, the title. This is for my own podcast and I’m an experienced public speaker, don’t use filler words and have already established one season of a podcast, which my cousin edited for me remotely. Now I need to do it myself. Recording the audio is in Zoom and I have a .wav or .mp3 audio file for the bumper in the beginning and the ending. But I need to edit the music in. Don’t need to edit the actual speaking audio. Please give me the simplest tips you have!

8 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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vonkluver · 4 months ago

Audacity for PC users is well supported in the Reddit and all over the place. Get a work flow and a step by step list from Chat GPT and get in there and do some test work.

6 upvotes on reddit

tlaps1990 · 4 months ago

Came here to say this. Audacity for audio only pods is all you need in my opinion. It’s all I’ve ever used. Free, easy to use, tons of user support from various communities, and once you get your key commands and work flow set up it’s a breeze.

4 upvotes on reddit

Patient_Teach5825 · 4 months ago

If you’re just trying to add intro/outro music, you might want to check out Shanda.

https://www.shanda.studio/

It’s designed specifically for podcasters who want something intuitive and fast. You just upload your audio + music once, and it automatically adds your intro/outro

1 upvotes on reddit

Varex_Sythe · 4 months ago

I use Garageband, and it is pretty straightforward. You just have to be using a Mac.

2 upvotes on reddit

remotectrl · 4 months ago

If you don't have a guest and its just solo, you can record directly into your editing software in the future

1 upvotes on reddit

Mysterious_Award_861 · OP · 4 months ago

OK, thanks everyone. I’m on a Mac and it seems like GarageBand might be the easiest. I do have music at the beginning and end of the cast to splice in.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/protools • [10]

Summarize

Remplacer fichier et conserver montage

Posted by Sorry_Kitchen_8993 · in r/protools · 16 days ago

Hello, je suis sur un projet de montage son pour un podcast et je voudrais remplacer le fichier sur lequel j’ai déjà commencé à travailler par un autre de meilleur qualité mais en conservant les decoupes / edit …

Les enregistrements sont les même mais avec des micros différents. Il faut juste que j’arrive a couper pour qu’ils soient synchro.

Savez vous comment faire ?

2 upvotes on reddit

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AutoModerator · 16 days ago

To u/Sorry_Kitchen_8993, if this is a Pro Tools help request, your post text or an added comment should provide;

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1 upvotes on reddit

nizzernammer · 16 days ago

Si les fichiers ont exactement la même longueur, vous pouvez essayer de retirer le fichier d'origine du dossier des fichiers audio, de renommer le nouveau fichier avec le même nom et de le placer dans le dossier des fichiers audio. Vous pouvez toujours recevoir un message d'erreur, mais avec la boîte de dialogue de réassociation, vous devriez pouvoir forcer PT à faire référence au nouveau fichier.

Je ne m'attendrais pas à ce qu'un traitement ARA soit reporté.

2 upvotes on reddit

Sorry_Kitchen_8993 · OP · 15 days ago

Merci beaucoup je vais essayer ca ! 😀

1 upvotes on reddit

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