What is Compression (Audio)?
Audio compression reduces the dynamic range of a recording, making the quiet parts louder and the loud parts quieter, ensuring a consistent volume level for the listener.
Why Compression (Audio) Matters for Podcasters
Not to be confused with file compression (like creating a zip file or MP3), *dynamic range compression* is an essential mixing tool. In a typical conversation, people whisper and laugh loudly. Without compression, the listener would have to constantly turn their volume knob up and down. A compressor automates this: it detects when the volume exceeds a certain threshold and turns it down (squashes it), then boosts the overall volume of the track. This makes the quiet whispers audible while keeping the loud laughs from hurting the listener's ears. It is the secret ingredient to the 'professional radio sound' that feels punchy and consistent.
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ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly into MP3 audio files that store information like the episode title, artist name, album name, and cover art. They help podcast players display the correct information about your episodes.
Metadata
Metadata is descriptive information about your podcast episode that helps platforms, players, and search engines understand what your content is about. It includes titles, descriptions, tags, and embedded file information.
Background Noise / Noise Floor
Background noise (also called noise floor) is the unwanted ambient sound present in your recording, such as air conditioning hum, computer fan noise, or room echo. It can distract listeners and make your podcast sound unprofessional.
Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio into written text. For podcasters, transcriptions make content accessible, improve SEO, and enable repurposing into blog posts or social media content.