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. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely helpful info particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I care for such
    info much. I was looking for this particular information for
    a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  8. With a plunging neckline, however, they become daring and sexy.

    The streets are littered with Western attire among the black suits of the Hasidic and Orthodox culture.
    Any time you have used a 9ct rare metal pendant,
    or some kind of designer necklaces, then that would not discredit the significance of the jewellery bit.
    You can also bargain wedding gowns and choose that perfect one for you.
    The Anais design has a removable sash, long sleeves with extended
    French Cuffs and a wide collar. This makes it even children for effective cooperation in trying to dress in real life learning.

    Also visit my web site – high demand

  11. whoah this blog is excellent i like studying your articles.

    Stay up the great work! You understand, a lot of individuals are looking round for
    this info, you can aid them greatly.

    my blog … Melba

  16. After I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the
    -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever
    a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment.
    There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service?
    Thanks a lot!

  17. I feel like I’m continually trying to find interesting things to read about a number of subjects,
    however I have the ability to include your blog among what i read every single day simply because you’ve got compelling entries that
    I enjoy. Hoping there are much more incredible material coming!

    Also visit my blog post: Brain Supplements

  18. It is mereⅼy to have all the destination of city while sirviving iin condominium since this is onee place fun to live for peoρle wһo want to reside vivid
    as աеll ass еnergetic life. If you aνe to remain in a hotel, you are able to
    feel totally isolatеd Æ„Õ½tt an apartment you’ll like beÑ–ng home, which is cheaρer for that company in the long run.
    After knowing every one of these facilities, foг VVIP
    Preview disϲounts or booking, you might visit For specifics
    oof other upcoming developments yоu’ll bе able to visit .

    Feel free to visit my web-Ñ•ite :: student graphic design portfolio ideas

  20. Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  21. You are fantastic! Thanks!Great blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
    What web host are you utilizing? Can I obtain your affiliate link to your host?

    I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    My blog – limitless pill

  32. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see
    if it can survive a 25foot drop, just so she can be a
    youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
    I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  33. I am sure this post has touched all the internet visitors, its really really good article on building up new website.

    Also visit my website :: Kill

  34. Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Carry on the outstanding work!

    My website; movie tube

  36. Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time making a
    decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout 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!

    Also visit my blog Madeline

  40. The pastries listed here are from the west and are so delicious
    any particular one will not be enough. Try planting the feet
    firmly and bracing your arms strongly against your sides.
    To know more details regarding wide range of services, go ahead and visit the website any time.

    Here is my web blog; giuseppe zanotti outlet

  41. Wonderful article! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the internet.
    Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this publish higher!
    Come on over and visit my website . Thank you =)

    Review my page – Lavon

  42. What’s up to every body, it’s my first pay a quick
    visit of this weblog; this weblog carries awesome and in fact
    good data in favor of readers.

  43. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a
    similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?

    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane
    so any support is very much appreciated.

  46. Just desire to say your article is ass astonishing.
    The clarity on your submit is just excellent and that i could assume yyou are an expert
    on this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to grasp your RSSfeed to stay up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thank you one million and pleasze carry on the gratifying work.

    Here is my page: new mobile cheats

  48. If you cannot come to some type of agreement its
    time to bring in some others to help you out.
    When you do so, you will be better off financially and increasing your credit
    score gives you a better chance to get a good interest rate when purchasing your first home.
    Whether the property is taken care of by the owner or a property manager, open a conversation about how
    maintenance is handled.

  49. I’ll right away grasp your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly allow me recognise so that I may subscribe.

    Thanks.

    Also visit my blog … Amy

Leave a Reply