What is Mono vs. Stereo?
Mono audio puts all sound in a single channel (centered), while Stereo splits sound between left and right channels. Most talk podcasts should be Mono; audio dramas should be Stereo.
Why Mono vs. Stereo Matters for Podcasters
The choice between Mono and Stereo affects file size and listening experience. **Mono** means the same audio comes out of both earbuds. For 90% of podcasts (interviews, solo shows), Mono is preferred because it halves the file size compared to Stereo and ensures a consistent sound even if the listener shares an earbud. **Stereo** allows for spatial positioning (e.g., Host A on the left, Host B on the right). While Stereo is necessary for music or immersive audio dramas ('spatial audio'), it can be annoying for talk shows; if a listener has one earbud in, they might miss half the conversation. The standard recommendation: Record in mono, or mix down to mono for the final MP3.
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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.