One tried and true fact I’ve learned as a podcast producer is that most people have no idea what a podcast actually is – and some podcasters have no idea what it is. And do you blame them? It’s complicated and how are everyday people supposed to know what an audio drift is?

Here’s my quick guide for terms every podcasters should know!

Equipment Terms:

CONDENSER MICROPHONE: This sensitive microphone captures a wide range of sounds and is ideal for studio environments. It requires a power source, such as a battery or phantom power.

DYNAMIC MICROPHONE: Less sensitive than a condenser mic, it doesn’t require its own power source and is popular among podcasters for its lower risk of audio peaking or clipping.

INTERFACE: An audio interface connects your microphone to your recording platform, providing control and phantom power for condenser microphones. It’s typically required for XLR microphones.

MIXER: A device that allows for real-time mixing of different audio elements during recording. It can adjust the volume levels of multiple microphones but can also be handled during editing.

PHANTOM POWER: Power supplied to a condenser microphone via a mixer, interface, or recorder.

POP FILTER: A screen placed between your mouth and the microphone to reduce popping sounds from plosives like ‘P’ and ‘B.’

POLAR PATTERNS: These patterns determine the sensitivity of microphones to sound from different directions. Common patterns include omnidirectional, cardioid (unidirectional), and bi-directional.

REFLECTION FILTER: A barrier placed around the microphone to reduce unwanted noise and minimize echo.

USB MICROPHONE: A microphone that connects directly to a computer or mixing device via USB.

XLR MICROPHONE: A microphone that connects via an XLR cable to a mixer, interface, or recorder.

Format, Episode and Podcast Terms:

PODCAST EPISODE: A podcast episode is a single part of a podcast series, much like an individual TV show episode. The entire podcast series is made up of these episodes.

PODCAST FORMAT: There are several formats to consider when launching a podcast:

• CO-HOSTED PODCASTS: Features two or more hosts discussing their expertise or experiences.
• INTERVIEW-BASED PODCASTS: Involves a host interviewing guests on specific topics.
• MONOLOGUE/SOLO PODCASTS: A single host shares their knowledge or experiences.
• PANEL PODCASTS: A moderated discussion among a group of people on a specific topic.
• STORYTELLING PODCASTS: The host narrates a story, which can be either fictional or non-fictional, often enhanced with sound effects and real-life audio.

Recording Terms:

CLIPPING: Occurs when audio levels are too high, causing the waveform to spike and touch the edge of the recording window, potentially resulting in audio glitches. Keep levels between -3dB and -6dB to avoid this.

COMPRESSOR AND LIMITER:

• COMPRESSOR: Reduces the dynamic range by bringing down the loudest parts of the audio to balance the volume.
• LIMITER: A type of compressor set to a high threshold and ratio to prevent clipping.

ECHO VS. REVERB:

• ECHO: Occurs in large spaces with sufficient distance between the sound source and reflecting surface.
• REVERB: Occurs in smaller spaces with less distance, creating a prolonged sound wave.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Your chosen software for editing podcasts, such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Reaper.

DOUBLE-ENDER: A recording method where all tracks are recorded locally and then combined during editing.

DYNAMIC RANGE: The difference between the loudest and softest parts of a recording.

SIGNAL: The loudest noise a system can produce without distortion or clipping.

NOISE FLOOR: The base-level noise present during recording, usually a low, background hum.

EQ (Equalization): Adjusts specific frequencies in your audio, visible as faders in your DAW.

GAIN: Measures the input loudness from the recording source, different from volume, which is the output loudness.

HARD LIMITING: Flattens your waveform for a consistent shape and sound.

HIGH-PASS FILTER: An EQ technique to eliminate low frequencies from your audio.

LEVELS: The loudness of your podcast, measured in decibels (dB).

LIVE STREAMING: Broadcasting a live video podcast to an online audience in real time.

LOCAL RECORDINGS: Recording directly on your computer, ensuring good-quality audio and video without internet disruptions.

LOW-PASS FILTER: An EQ technique to reduce high frequencies from your audio.

PEAKING: Occurs when loud noises cause the audio waveform to spike, creating peaks.

PROGRESSIVE UPLOADING: Uploading tracks simultaneously with recording to shorten final upload time.

REMOTE RECORDING: Recording a podcast with participants in different locations using specific software.

ROOM TONE: The ambient noise in your recording environment. Recording a few seconds of room tone helps with transitions and noise reduction during editing.

SAMPLE RATE: The number of audio samples per second, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher sample rate improves audio quality but increases file size.

BIT DEPTH: The quality of each audio sample, typically recorded at 16 bits for spoken podcasts.

AUDIO DRIFTS: Tracks recorded on different computers may fall out of sync. Ensure all devices have matching sample rates and updated browsers to prevent this.

TRACKS: Separate recordings for each audio or video source, ideally with each person’s voice, music, sound, and camera on its own track.

WAVEFORM: The visual representation of your audio levels in your DAW.

Editing Terms:

COMPRESSION: Balances audio volume by bringing the loudest and quietest parts closer together, though it may lower sound quality.

CREATIVE COMMONS (CC): A non-profit regulating copyright licenses, offering music and jingles for podcast use under specific usage rights.

JINGLE: A short piece of audio, usually music, used to introduce your podcast.

MONO VS. STEREO:

• MONO: Single-channel audio, best for podcasts, reproduced on multiple speakers with the same signal.
• STEREO: Two-channel audio creating a directional sound experience.

MUSIC BED: Background music playing underneath spoken content.

NORMALIZATION: Adjusts your waveform’s size based on its loudest peaks for even audio.

Uploading Terms:

AUDIO FILE: The format of your recording, typically .wav or .mp3.

.WAV FILE: High-quality audio format for editing, converted to .mp3 for final distribution.

.MP3 FILE: Compressed audio format for easy uploading and downloading, with minimal quality loss.

BITRATE: Measures audio quality in kilobits per second (kbps). Higher bit rates equal larger file sizes and better quality.

DIRECTORY: A platform where listeners can find, listen, and subscribe to podcasts, receiving your podcast information via RSS feed.

HOSTING SITES: Platforms for storing final podcast files, generating an RSS feed for distribution.

ID3 TAGS (METADATA): Information attached to .mp3 files, like podcast title, episode title, and cover art.

RSS FEED: A link from your hosting site that updates with new episodes, used for submitting your podcast to directories.

Promotional Terms:

AD TYPES: There are two standard ad types. 

• Dynamic Ads: Non-permanent podcast ads inserted at the beginning, middle or end of the podcast episode that are normally on a rotating basis. 
• Static Ads: Permanent podcast ads that are baked-in to the mix of the podcast and cannot change or be removed. 

AFFILIATE MARKETING: Earning a commission by referring your audience to products or services.

ANALYTICS: Metrics to measure podcast success and guide improvements.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPTION: Converting your podcast into text to enhance searchability and SEO.

CROWDFUNDING: Asking your audience for donations to support your podcast, often through platforms like Patreon.

EPISODE KEYWORDS: Specific words describing episode content to help others find your podcast.

HIGH-DENSITY KEYWORDS: Frequently used keywords on a webpage, identified using tools like Google’s Keyword Planner.

MONETIZATION: Various methods to earn money from your podcast, such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, subscriptions, or crowdfunding.

PODCAST COVER: The visual first impression of your podcast, crucial for attracting listeners.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization, enhancing your podcast’s online visibility through non-paid search results.

SHOW NOTES: Written descriptions of episode content, including additional resources, to improve SEO.

SPONSORSHIPS: Partnerships between podcasts and companies to advertise their products in exchange for benefits.

SUBSCRIBE: Encouraging your audience to receive new episodes automatically.

SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start
Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me