Curated by: Luigi Canali De Rossi
 


Sunday, March 11, 2007

Podcast Recording And Editing Tools: A Mini-Guide

Sponsored Links

Podcasting is an activity that has generated a great enthusiasm among online independent publishers, and day after day more and more bloggers turn on their microphones to record audio shows and broadcast them from their sites.

podcast_recording_editing_tools.jpg
Photo credit: Antonis Papantoniou

The tools that allow creating a podcast, editing it and publishing it online are many and of different typologies: they span from the classic and basic audio recorders available on any computer to the professional audio recorders / remixers specifically conceived to create high quality podcasts.

However, in the past year we assisted the breeding of several fully-featured online platforms that let users record their podcasts straight from their browsers and with no need to download any software. They are mostly cross-platform and they often offer free podcast hostings to their users.

In this mini-guide I have picked for you the most popular tools (both software-based and web-based) that allow anyone who is interested in experimenting with podcast production to record and edit audio files as easily as possible.

I have focused my research particularly on those tools that are free to use and let users publish and embed podcasts in any website. While reviewing the web-based tools, I have taken in great consideration the following characteristics:

  • Live recording: the capability to record audio straight from the browser with no need to download anything

  • Upload file to edit: the possibility for the user to upload existing audio files and edit them

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: the availability of an audio editor and the capability to edit recorded and uploaded files

  • Max size for file uploads: the maximum size for file uploads

  • RSS support: the integrated support of RSS feeds

  • Output file formats: the available encoding formats for recorded / edited audio files

  • Input file formats: the file formats that the uploaded files must have

  • Download recorded file: the possibility to download recorded files

  • Publish podcast: the capability to immediately publish podcasts

  • Monetize podcast: the availability of a monetization system that allows the creator to sell her podcasts

  • System requirements: the necessity to install certain plugins on the computer in order to record podcasts

For the software-based podcast recording and editing tools, I have created another comparison chart based on the following characteristics:

  • Add special effects: the possibility to add special effects to the recorded audio

  • RSS support: the integrated support of RSS feeds

  • Output file formats: the available encoding formats for recorded / edited audio files

  • Publish podcast: the capability to immediately publish podcasts

  • System requirements: supported operating system and necessary plugins

Please remember that this mini-guide does not aim to be an exhaustive resource of all the podcast recording and editing tools available nowadays. The list of the items is subject to changes and you can suggest new items for inclusion anytime by using the Comments section below. Your contribution will be much appreciated.




Web-based podcast recording and editing tools



Odeo

odeo_log1.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: NO

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: NO

  • Max size for file uploads: 50MB per file

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Input file formats: all audio formats except .wma, aac/m4a

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: NO

  • System requirements: None

  • Price: FREE

  • Link: http://www.odeo.com/

The Odeo Studio is audio recording tool that works in your web browser. Once you have recorded your audio you have a few different choices: you can either share the audio file with your Odeo Contact(s) and/or email contacts or place it in a channel for all the world to hear. The Odeo Studio is built using Macromedia Flash so you need to make sure you have installed the Flash plugin on your computer. Odeo is completely free to use.



Hipcast

hipcast_log1.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: NO

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: NO

  • Max size for file uploads: 100MB per file

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Input file formats: all audio formats

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: NO

  • System requirements: None

  • Price: The "Unmetered" storage plan starts at $4.95/mo with Free seven-days trial. Another plan comes with Free 7-Day Trial Account and costs $49.97 Per Year. The Unmetered Bandwidth Plan costs $9.95/mo

  • Link: http://www.audioblog.com/

With Hipcast you can record high-quality audio right through the web browser, with no additional software needed. Additionally, Hipcast enables users to record from their phone and talk up to 60 minutes. You can also upload files up to 100MB in length and publish them on your sites. Al the podcasts your record with Hipcast Create unlimited podcasts are compatible with iTunes: you just need to copy and paste your Podcast RSS URL (Hipcast will give that to you) into iTunes, and you're published. The "Unmetered" storage plan starts at $4.95/mo. Other plans are available.



Gcast

gcast_logo.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: YES

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: NO

  • Max size for file uploads: N/A

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: N/A

  • Input file formats: .wma, .mp3

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: NO

  • System requirements: None

  • Price: Free

  • Link: http://www.gcast.com/

Gcast is a service that enables you to record, mix and broadcast your podcasts. You can record messages by phone, upload MP3 files from your computer, add songs from GarageBand and mix all the above with Gcast online playlist manager. Gcast will store your media and automatically generate the RSS feed that enables listeners to access to your podcast channel. Gcast is completely free to use.



Podomatic

podomatic_logo.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: NO

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: YES *recorded

  • Max size for file uploads: N/A

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Input file formats: N/A

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: NO

  • System requirements: None

  • Price: Free (Pro plan comes at $9.95 per month)

  • Link: http://www.podomatic.com/

Podomatic is a new online podcasting service which allows you to record video and audio online directly from your browser as well as receiving in line calls from listeners wanting to leave specific voice comments. Podomatic also takes care of submitting your podcast feed to iTunes Yahoo! and to many of the other podcasting directories. Finally Podomatic provides you with listening statistics to your podcast episodes as well as 7.5 GB of monthly downloads (enough for a 30 mins. weekly show) and 250 MB of storage. Podomatic is free to use.



ClickCaster

clickcaster_logo.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: NO

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: YES *recorded

  • Max size for file uploads: N/A

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: N/A

  • Input file formats: N/A

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: YES

  • System requirements: None

  • Price: Free

  • Link: http://clickcaster.com/

ClickCaster is a website that allows you to create, broadcast and sell your very own radio shows and podcasts. Once you sign up, you can record audio right from your browser or upload an existing MP3 audio or MP4/M4V video file. You can sell individual episodes, weekly subscriptions, monthly subscriptions and yearly subscriptions for any price you like (no lower than $0.99 per episode). ClickCaster will send you a check for every $50 you make. Free sign up.



WildVoice Shout Recorder

wildvoice_shout_logo.gif

  • Live recording: YES

  • Upload file to edit: YES

  • Edit recorded / uploaded file: NO

  • Max size for file uploads: 40MB per file

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Input file formats: mp3, wma

  • Download recorded file: YES

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • Monetize podcast: NO

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: FREE

  • Link: http://www.wildvoice.com/

The WildVoice.com web site provides not only a downloadable podcast editing software (reviewed in the software-based editors list available below) but also a web based recorder called WildVoice Shout. Users can record their audio files through an intuitive interface but they are not enabled to edit them and add special effects.



Software-based podcast recording and editing tools

Propaganda

make_propaganda_log1.gif

  • Add special effects: YES

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3, .wma

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: $49.95

  • Link: http://www.makepropaganda.com/

Propaganda software is a powerful tool you can use to create audio shows that sound professionally produced with a minimum of effort. Whether it's voice recordings, music or sound effects, Propaganda can record it, import it, and store it. All your audio clips can be easily labeled and organized for later reference. When you're satisfied with your production, simply click the Publish button and share it; Propaganda features full RSS, XML and HTML support. Propaganda costs $49.95 and is available for free trial. Windows only.



Lionhardt WebPod

lionhardt_webpod_studio.gif

  • Add special effects: YES

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3, .wma

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: Standard Edition costs $89.95. Check the complete pricing list

  • Link: http://www.lionhardt.ca/wps/

Lionhardt WebPod is a software that les you record podcasts from your computer, providing you with many editing options. You can select mixer channels yourself or you can let Lionhardt WebPod automatically scan for the proper settings. Lionhardt WebPod automatically creates and publishes a new RSS feed dedicated to your podcast and supports RSS, ATOM, and RDF. Lionhardt WebPod is capable of reading and writing iTunes compatible RSS feeds. Free download. Windows only.



WildVoice

wildvoice_logo.gif

  • Add special effects: YES

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: Free

  • Link: http://www.wildvoice.com/

WildVoice is a service that enables you to create and share podcasts, providing also free hosting for podcasts, blogs and pictures. By downloading the WildVoice Studio application, you can record your show in clips, edit them and add music and sound effects as you talk. WildVoice Studio transforms your clips into a finished show that you can upload at WildVoice.com or any site that supports audio files. WildVoice works only on Windows XP and is completely free to use.



Podcast Station

podcast_station_logo.gif

  • Add special effects:

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: $ 59.95

  • Link: http://www.podcaststation.com/

Podcast Station is Windows application which integrates an award-winning, professional digital audio editor, VoxPro, a robust RSS editor with embedded iTunes support, and a full audio recording unit. Podcast Station, which utilizes a one-screen only interface approach allows anyone to record, mix, edit and publish personalized audio broadcasts to the web. Podcast Station allows publishing online with robust support for RSS generation, iD3 tags embedding and full iTunes support. Great editing functions, keyboard support and simplicity of use. Podcast Station offers a free download trial (13 MB). The full version costs $ 59.95. Video tour.



Voice Atom

voiceatom_logo.gif

  • Add special effects: YES

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: $24.95

  • Link: http://www.voiceatom.com/audiobay/

AudioBay is a podcasting software for users on Windows Mobile Pocket PCs. Using the AudioBay software, users can set up a podcast, record an episode, and upload it to the Web within a matter of minutes. Main features include simple podcast creation, RSS feed generation, free integrated hosting for podcast audio files and location-based podcast search. System requirements: Pocket PC 2002, 2003, or Windows Mobile 5.0 - Supported Platforms: Windows 98/XP - Supported Resolutions: All resolutions. RAM memory usage: 400 KB. Free to try. USD 24.95 to buy.



SnapKast

snapkast_logo.gif

  • Add special effects: NO

  • RSS support: YES

  • Output file formats: .mp3, .mp4, .wma

  • Publish podcast: YES

  • System requirements: Windows

  • Price: $79.99

  • Link: http://snapkast.com

SnapKast is a Windows desktop-based software that enables MP3 audio and MPEG-4 video content creation and delivery. All recorded podcasts can be shared online, delivered via RSS podcasts, and played back on any device, e.g. iPod, Zune, PSP. SnapKast works on any PC. A free demo is available for download.



Additional resources on podcasting



Originally written by Livia Iacolare for Master New Media and first published as: "Podcast Recording And Editing Tools: A Mini-Guide"

Robin Good and Livia Iacolare -
 
 
 
Readers' Comments    
2008-03-14 15:22:49

Andy

Do any of the podcasting services above allow the users to track how many times their podcast is listened to? That is my biggest disappointment with gcast.



2007-08-22 23:53:02

Henry Brier

I find http://sayandpost.com much very easy to use for quick and dirty voice recording/publishing. It is not exactly a podcast recording software, just a tiny voice recorder/uploader that returns back link to the uploaded file.



2007-04-25 14:31:08

Jackie

New site, just launched, http://www.intellipodcast.com

It's for both video and audio, and it will create your feed, give you embed tags for your own site, upload or record online.



2007-03-13 16:50:35

Michael Levy

Thank you again for including WildVoice in your reviews. I’d like to point out that WildVoice actually provides two recording tools.

Our WildVoice Podcast Studio which you mention is a Windows XP application that can be create MP3 files and also provides one-click podcast publishing to the WildVoice.com site.

The WildVoice.com web site also supports a web based recorder called WildVoice Shout.
I took the liberty of providing your check lists for both.

WildVoice Shout Web Based Recorder
•Live recording: YES
•Upload file to edit: Yes, you can upload files. But there is no web based editing.
•Edit recorded / uploaded file: NO
•Max size for file uploads: 40MB per file
•RSS support: YES
•Output file formats: .mp3
•Input file formats: mp3, wma
•Download recorded file: YES
•Publish podcast: YES
•Monetize podcast: NO
•System requirements: Windows
•Price: FREE
•Link: http://www.wildvoice.com/

WildVoice Podcast Studio Windows Application
•Add special effects: YES
•RSS support: YES, when published through wildvoice.com
•Output file formats: .mp3
•Publish podcast: YES
•System requirements: Windows XP
•Price: Free
•Link: http://www.wildvoice.com/

For more information, see http://www.wildvoice.com/Guide/FAQ/What-is-the-difference-between-WildVoice-Studio-and-WildVoice-Sh

Please let me know if you ever have any questions about WildVoice.

Michael Levy
michaelplevy( at )equicastmedia.com
http://www.wildvoice.com



 
posted by on Sunday, March 11 2007, updated on Tuesday, May 5 2015


Search this site for more with 

  •  

     

     

     

     

    6956




     
     




    Curated by


    Publisher

    MasterNewMedia.org
    New media explorer
    Communication designer

     

    POP Newsletter

    Robin Good's Newsletter for Professional Online Publishers  

    Name:
    Email:

     

     
    Real Time Web Analytics