Recording a Podcast with Skype and GarageBand for Free

by Posted on

The Easiest, Cheapest, and Simplest Way to Record a Podcast

In my earlier post Recording a Podcast on Garageband I talked a lot about the step-by-step process of doing an actual recording with any input devices. This time however, I will explain the easiest way I have found to record an all audio, perfectly editable, podcast using nothing but FREE software (the Mac computer and the headset will cost you money or course; other than that everything else is absolutely free! 🙂 There are four software programs that you will need to run on your Mac; Skype, GarageBand, LineIn, and Soundflower.

Gather Your Software

  • Firstly, you should have GarageBand on your Mac, it comes free with the Mac you purchased. If for any weird reason you don’t have it, you can download or upgrade it here.
  • Next download Skype for your Mac. Install the bugger and create an account. This is simple enough to do so I wont show you the step-by-step process but I will show you how to test your call later on.
  • Download LineIn for Mac. Trust me, it’s legit.
  • Finally, download Soundflower for Mac. Legit also. 🙂

Podcast Recording Setup

Soundflower

Soundflower is a program that mostly runs in the background of your computer. It’s a great little tool that allows you to direct audio elements to other programs on your computer. Install Soundflower and then activate the program (you can do this by throwing it on your dock and initializing the program there).

Warning! – Soundflower will NOT have any active windows on your computer. It runs completely in the background. To change any settings for Soundflower, you will need to do so from the Menu Bar at the top right of your display.

It’s time to configure Soundflower (which is super easy).

Click on the Soundflower icon on the Menu Bar and make sure the settings are put to “None (OFF)” for both Soundflower (2ch) and Soundflower (16ch). In the Soundflower (16ch) short menu make sure that Channels 1, 2, 3 and four are “None”. And that’s it, there’s nothing else you need to do with Soundflower.

LineIn

After you download and install LineIn, go ahead and open the program. There isn’t much to it at all.

Input from: should be for your input device (mine is my Logitech USB Headset. Output to: select “Soundflower (16ch).

Click “Advanced” and make sure everything is set to default except for the “Output Device Settings” which should be “Left Channel: ” and “Right Channel: 4”. Click “OK”.

Select “Pass Thru” to make sure that your signal is going through LineIn.

Skype

Skype for Mac is very simple. Sometimes a bit too simple as it wont let you have certain functions like the PC version. See my post on the How to Fix the Auto Gain Control for Skype. This will alleviate the problem of Skype cranking down the gain when you are talking on your headset. If you are noticing that the louder you talk the lower your level goes then read this post.

Setting up Skype for audio podcasting is very simple.

Select Skype>Preferences and click on the “Audio” tab.

Set these parameters:

  • Audio Output: Soundflower (16ch)
  • Audio Input: Your input device (mine is my Logitech USB Headset
  • Ringing: Soundflower (16ch)

And you’re all done with Skype.

GarageBand

Open up GarageBand and read my post on Recording a Podcast on Garageband. This will get you all set up for your record minus the setup for Skype, which I’ll let you know below.

Go to the pulldown menu GarageBand>Preferences>Audio/Midi, here you will be able to select the inputs and outputs of GarageBand. Set the Audio Output to your headphones (Logitech USB Headset for me) and the Audio Input to “Soundflower (16ch). Your done with preferences.

(1)Select track 1 which I have Adam on from the Ask Adam League. (2)And select the “View/Hide the Track info” button on the bottom right of the interface. (3)Also make sure you have the browse tab open as well.

At the bottom right, you have several options available for controlling the audio of this particular track which I have Adam on.

Select the parameters; Input Source: Stereo 1/2 (Soundflower (16ch)) and put the Monitor: On. You can also adjust the Recording Level here.

Repeat this for track 2 which I have as myself on my setup except that the Input will be Stereo 3/4 (Soundflower (16ch)).

Finally, click the “Enable Recording” button for each of your tracks or else you wont be recording those tracks respectively.

System Settings

Don’t forget to change the System Settings: Click the Apple at the top left of the screen>System Preferences>Sound. Put the Output to your headphones (in my case the Logitech USB Headset) and the Input to your microphone (again the USB Headset in my case).

Checking the Setup

So what we’ve done is channeled the sound of the Skype caller and the host computer operator (presumably you) into separate channels that are being directed into GarageBand. The next step is to make sure that all your programs are fired up and double-check your settings. Skype makes it very easy to test your settings by providing the “Skype Test Call”. She’s a lovely Brit which will allow you to hear a mock call from Skype and even and ‘talk-back’ feature that will record your own voice for input checking.

Make sure your Record Enable buttons are on, hit the Record Button and hit the Skype Test Call button on Skype. Go ahead and talk over your new girlfriend and speak through the talk-back. After you’re done, check your recording. Check to see that the levels are where you want them and the fidelity of the sound. It should be fantastic.

Pifalls

The first episode of the Ask Adam League, which was our pilot, was recorded with a $25 headset and the sound was horrible. I have since gotten a $50 headset and it sounds fantastic. Any audio issues may stem from poor quality equipment and possibly not your setup.

Double-check your filters applied to each individual track. They may be interfering with the quality of your record by adjusting settings over your audio. See my post Recording a Podcast on Garageband for details.

Good Luck on your recordings! If you have any trouble at all, just post here and I’ll get back to you promptly.

Published by Donald Sinatra

2,938 Replies to “Recording a Podcast with Skype and GarageBand for Free”

  1. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really recognise what you’re speaking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my site =).

    We will have a hyperlink change arrangement among us

  2. This is especially useful for individuals of a lot of Android phones as a result of limited assimilation with Google solutions, which are all obstructed in China otherwise.

    Also visit my page … international travel tips china (Selene)

  3. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet
    my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like
    this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I
    look forward to your new updates.

  4. Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent,
    let alone the content!

  7. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange strategies with other folks, why
    not shoot me an email if interested.

    My site: credit fraud agency

  9. He smiled even less when I tried to mke a joke to slip by hiim andd he tossed me
    aside like I was nothing. And the Bond Stree escorts are only too happy to give it all to you.
    It iss vry important to check the track record ffor good service, well trained escort
    and privacy; these are certain aspects that you simply cannot compromise with.

  12. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely
    useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m
    hoping to contribute & assist different customers like its aided me.

    Great job.

  13. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Excellent work!

  14. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and
    was curious what all is required to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you

  16. Thank you for any other magnificent article. Where
    else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing?

    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such information.

  17. Nylon jaw pliers are quite sturdy and will will let you straighten the kinks out
    of wire without marring or scratching the steel. Several
    manufacturers provide them under different model names.

    Also visit my web blog :: scandinavianjewellery.hultquistjewellery.com (gayhusbands.net)

  18. I absolutely love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme.

    Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my
    own personal blog and would like to find out where you got
    this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thanks!

    Also visit my web-site Will

  20. What’s up, every time i used to check web site posts here in the early hours
    in the dawn, since i like to find out more and more.

  21. This site certainly has all of the information and facts I wanted about this subject and
    didn’t know who to ask.

  22. Products of garments which might be a size XL in the United
    States could be anywhere from an L to a XXXL in China.

    Stop by my weblog: china travel tips temperature (Colin)

  23. Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed!
    Extremely helpful information specially the closing section 🙂 I take care of such information much.
    I was looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

  24. Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a
    lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Kudos, I appreciate it!

  25. I’ve been surfing onoine more tjan 2 hours today, yet I never flund any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as
    you did, the internet wil be much more usefl than ever before.|
    I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally
    well written!|
    I’ll right away grab your rss feded as I can’t to find
    youur e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any?
    Kindly allow mme know in order that I coulpd subscribe. Thanks.|
    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve read this post and iif I could I want to suggest you few interesting
    things or advice. Maybe youu can write next articles referring to this article.

    I wish to ead more thing about it!|
    It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be happy.
    I have read this post andd if I could I wih to recommend you few interesting
    things or tips. Maybe you can write subsequeent articles referring to thgis article.
    I wish to read even more things about it!|
    I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, but Iby no means found any fascinasting articlpe loke
    yours. It’s beautiful price sufficient for
    me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers mace excellent content
    as yoou did, the net can be much more useful than ever before.|
    Ahaa, its fastidious discussion on thee topic of this
    article at this place at this website, I have read all
    that, so at this time me also commenting here.|
    I am sure ths post hhas touched all the internet people,its really really good
    paragraph on building up new web site.|
    Wow, this paragraph is good, my younger sister iis analyzing these things, therefore
    I am going too inform her.|
    Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!|
    Way cool! Somee extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the website
    is very good.|
    Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am
    going to come back one again since I book-marked it. Moneyy
    andd freedom is the greatest way tto change, may you
    be rich and continue to guide other people.|
    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of tuis blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance.
    I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this.
    In addition, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox.
    Exceptional Blog!|
    These aare really fantastic ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched spme nice factors here. Any way keep up wrinting.|
    Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
    Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to my own blogroll.|
    Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so
    I camke to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarjing aand
    will be tweeting this tto myy followers! Excellent blog aand wonderful style and design.|
    I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work
    aand exposure! Keep up thee terrific works guys I’ve added you guys to my
    blogroll.|
    Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m
    having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different thuen most blogs and I’m
    looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic
    but I had to ask!|
    Hello would youu mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blogg iin 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a
    lot faster tthen most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!|
    Everyone loves it whdn individuals come together annd shade opinions.
    Grreat site, keep it up!|
    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in act was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!

    However, how could we communicate?|
    Hello just wanted to givfe you a quick heads up.
    The tesxt in your article seem to be running
    off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a format issue oor something to do with
    intdrnet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to
    let you know. The style and deswign look great though!
    Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers|
    Thiis is a topic that’s close to my heart… Cheers!

    Exactly where are your contact details though?|
    It’s very easy to find out any matter on net as compared
    to books, ass I found this article at this site.|
    Doess your website have a contact page? I’m having a tough
    time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email.
    I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve
    over time.|
    Greetings! I’ve been following your blog for a while noww and finally gott the bravery to go ahead
    and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to tell yoou keep up the excellent work!|
    Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided
    to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I love the info you provide here andd can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..

    I’m not eeven using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesme site!|
    Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp sso much about this, such as you wrote the guide in it
    or something. I feel that you simply could do with some % too driive
    tthe message house a lkttle bit, however other than that, that is fantastic blog.
    A fantastic read. I wiill definiteely be back.|
    I visited multiple web sites but the audio quality for audio songs present aat thos web site is
    in fact marvelous.|
    Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i wass just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses?
    If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very
    much appreciated.|
    Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
    It’s the lttle changes that make the most significant
    changes. Many thanks for sharing!|
    I really love your site.. Greaqt colors & theme. Diid you create this web site
    yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my very own blog and ant tto learn where you
    got this from or exdactly what the theme is called. Many thanks!|
    Helplo there! This article couldn’t be written any better!
    Going through this post reminds me of my previous
    roommate! He consantly kept preaching about this. I
    most certainly will forward this article to him. Faiirly certain he’s going to have a very good read.

    Thank you for sharing!|
    Incredible! This blog looks exactly like myy old one!
    It’s on a entirely different topic but it has prettty
    much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!|
    There’s definately a great deal to learn about this topic.

    I love all of the points you have made.|
    You have made some really good points there. I checked on tthe web for more information about the issue and fund most people
    will go along with your views on this website.|
    Hi there, I check yopur blogs regularly. Yoour writing style is witty, keep
    doing what you’re doing!|
    I just couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggestiung that I actually loved the standard info
    a person provide to your guests? Is goinbg to be back continuously in order to check outt new posts|
    I needed to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it.
    I have yoou book marked to check out new stuff you post…|
    What’s up, just anted to tell you, I loved this article.

    It was helpful. Keep on posting!|
    Hi there, I enhjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a littyle comment to supplort
    you.|
    I always spent my half aan hour to read this web site’s articles everyday alon with a cup of coffee.|
    I all the time emailed this website post page to all my friends, since if lioe
    to read it after that my contacts will too.|
    My coder is trying to persuade me to molve to .net
    from PHP. I have aalways disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiongg none the less. I’ve beeen using WordPress on a variety of websites for
    about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my woordpress
    posts into it? Any kind of help wouuld be rwally appreciated!|
    Howdy! I cpuld have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after looking at many of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking itt
    and checking back regularly!|
    Great article! That iss the type of information that are meant to be shared across the web.
    Disgrace on the seek enginess for no longer positioning this put
    up upper! Come on over and visit my website . Thank you =)|
    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came acxross this board and I find It trruly useful
    & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back annd aid others like you helped me.|
    Hi, I think your site may be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Othedr
    than that, great website!|
    A person essentially assist tto maqke seriously posts Imight state.
    Thhat is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now?
    I amazed with the analysis you maade tto create this
    actual put up incredible. Excdllent job!|
    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful
    & it helped me out much. I hope to provide one thing again and aid otgers suc
    as you aided me.|
    Hi! I simply would like to give you a huhge thumbs up for your excellent info youu have got rigt here on this post.
    I will be returning to your blog for more soon.|
    I all the ime used to read piece of writing in news papers but now as I
    am a ser of internet so from now I am using net for
    articles, thanks to web.|
    Your mod of telling everything in this piece of writing is truly
    fastidious, every one be capable of without difficulty understand it,
    Thanks a lot.|
    Hello there, I didcovered your web site via Gooigle at thhe same
    time as searching for a similar matter, your site got here up, it
    seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my googlee bookmarks.

    Hi there, just changed into aware off your weblog thru Google, and found that it’s really informative.I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I’ll be grateful in the event you continue this in future. A lot of folks will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!|
    I’m curious to find out whatt blog platform you’re
    using? I’m having some smalll security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find somethhing more safeguarded.
    Do you have any solutions?|
    I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on ykur blog.
    Is this a paid thme or did you modify iit yourself? Anyway keep up tthe excellent quality
    writing, it is rare to see a nice blig like this one nowadays.|
    I am really inspired along with your writing abilities and also with the layout for your weblog.
    Is this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway stay up the excellent quzlity writing, it’s
    rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..|
    Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your website in web
    explorer, might test this? IE still is the market leader and a big
    component to other people will pass over your excellent writinng because of thi problem.|
    I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but
    good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great info I was lookkng for this information for
    my mission.|
    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog tgus i came to “return the favor”.I’m atttempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose
    its ok to use some of your i
    \

  26. Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having
    a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  30. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what
    all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like
    yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  35. The gross sales quantity reach 300 million and 330 million individually, which created a sales miracle within the jewelry industry.

    All the above mentioned present us the good allure of Shuibei Worldwide Jewellery
    Trade Center and the jewelry culture.

    my homepage; joma jewellery stockist sheffield (Mollie)

  37. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You
    have done a formidable job and our whole community will
    be grateful to you.

  38. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site
    before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to
    me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I stumbled upon it and
    I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

    Review my weblog Winston

  40. We stumbled over here different web page and thought I may as well check things out.

    I like what I see so i am just following you.

    Look forward to checking out your web page again.

  44. That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Brief but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    Also visit my weblog – shopping

  47. I’ll immediately snatch your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Please permit me recognise in order that I could subscribe.

    Thanks.

  48. A person neϲessarily Һelp tօ make critically articles I wοuld state.
    This is thе first time I frequented your website pɑge
    ɑnd to thіs pօint? I srprised with the analysis you made tо makе thіs pɑrticular post amazing.
    Wonderful activity!

  50. Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
    and you’re just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired
    here, certainly like what you are stating and the way
    in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it
    wise. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous website.

Leave a Reply