The range of cost spans from free to software/hardware combinations that go into the hundreds of dollars.
Of course, one doesn’t necessarily need software specifically created for Podcasts when there are dozens of free audio editors for the choosing. (Such as Audacity)
But, Podcast software is designed for non-technical users who have little experiencing in recording audio yet want the ability to create and possibly mix various audio sources into a radio program. And it is for that reason Podcast software is especially useful.
PodProducer is a handy little application which is very easy to use and surprisingly robust. It employs various features which allow for easy recording and audio mixing along with some nice enhancements which can make a Podcast sound pretty professional.
Five Main Areas
The PodProducer screen is comprised of five main areas: configurable playing decks, configurable instant-play buttons, recording parameters, recording controls, and mixer.
The playing decks allow you to open up to 10 different audio tracks and control their volume and mix. If you were doing a music Podcast, this means you could line up your first 10 tracks and have them right in front of you. The user can also automatically cross fade between either track or while all are playing, fade all at once.
The instant-play buttons operate like similar applications in a radio studio allowing you to load in various sounds, music clips, voice tracks, etc for instant playback at the click of a mouse. You can configure up to 100! This is very helpful if you’re recording a program and have audio you need to insert on-the-fly like sound bites, drop-ins, sound effects, etc.
The program’s recording parameters are quite robust. The recording controls feature the expected record, pause, stop, and save functions. But, there are advanced features which allow you can also make adjustments to your microphones recording properties including a built-in compressor that controls threshold, attack, release, and gain. You can also select Automatic Gain for your microphone or Voice Operated Recording.
PodProducer’s Mixer function lets you easily mix your voice, recorded audio, line, and monitor.
There is even an area where you can open your show notes for reference.
PodProducer is one of the best applications I’ve seen yet that not only provides all the tools you need to create your Podcast but the interface is intuitive, easy to use, and it’s free at the moment.
You can download a beta copy at: www.podproducer.net
