How to Use Compression in Your Podcast Audio Production

Greetings, podcaster! If you’re here, you’re probably trying to figure out how to make your podcast sound more professional. Well, let me tell you, one of the secrets of the pros is using compression in their audio production. Don’t know what compression is? No worries, we’ve got you covered.

What is Compression?

Compression refers to the process of reducing the dynamic range of a signal. In simpler terms, it means making the loud parts of your podcast quieter and the quiet parts louder. This helps to even out the sound and make it more consistent.

Why Use Compression?

There are a few reasons why compression is a valuable tool in podcast audio production:

It helps to make the sound more consistent

It can make your voice sound fuller and more present

It can help to tame any background noise

How to Use Compression

If you’re using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to edit your podcast, adding compression is usually as simple as inserting a compressor plugin on your track and adjusting the settings. Here are a few basic settings to get you started:

Threshold: This is the level at which the compressor starts to work. Set it so that it only compresses the loudest parts of your audio.

Ratio: This controls how much the compressor turns down the volume. Try starting with a 2:1 ratio and adjust from there.

Attack: This controls how quickly the compressor starts working. You don’t want it to cut off the start of your words, so set it to a few milliseconds.

Release: This controls how quickly the compressor stops working. Set it so that it releases after your words have finished.

Of course, these are just basic settings to get you started. The best way to learn how to use compression is to experiment and see what sounds best for your podcast.

Final Thoughts

Adding compression to your podcast audio production can be a game-changer. It can make your podcast sound more professional and help to bring out the best in your voice. So give it a try and see how it works for you!

Happy podcasting!

About Author

profpod

Dr. Lori Barr helped scale her private practice to 9-figures and grow Austin’s Dell Childrens Medical Center from an idea formed in the minds of doctors in the basement of the local general hospital into the first LEED Platinum Hospital in the world. She serves about 18,127 patients and specialists yearly. Beyond her practice, her best-seller, Think & Grow Well, and her podcast by the same name, assist readers in strengthening mind, body, spirit and awareness before a health crisis occurs.

Dr. Barr helps professionals scale both practice and expertise so they have more time and money for self and those they serve. She mentors thousands of students, doctors and other professionals through 45 peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, academic affiliations, visiting professorships and with her podcast, The Doctor’s Mentor Show.

Lori appears regularly as a stage and show guest on medical, educational, and entrepreneurial platforms. She has the ear of world-changers, industry leaders, former presidents and first ladies.

See author's posts