Once completed, the settings are saved and will be used every time going forward. These first few steps demonstrate how to set your preferences inside iTunes (the desktop software for PC or Mac). I have used iTunes to convert recordings from CDs and old vinyl for many years and found the sound quality to be superior to Audacity and Windows Media Player. iTunes is a free program for PC or Mac – and it comes with the Fraunhofer codec built in! How do you get the Fraunhofer converter? Simply install iTunes on your PC or use it on your Mac.

Maybe I am an audio snob but there are some shows where you can tell the sound is a little “off”.įraunhofer IIS practically invented the MP3 standard that we use every single day – whether as a podcast produce or a listener. However, Audacity makes LOUSY sounding MP3 files for podcasters. Once installed, you are able to export your Audacity project as an MP3 I even created a course to help frustrated podcasters learn how to use Audacity more efficiently with Tips and Tricks I've used for almost 15 years.Īudacity requires the use of a 3rd party option called the LAME Encoder. While superior audio quality isn't necessary for podcasts, there is one step I recommend you take that could improve the overall quality of your production:Ĭonvert your files to MP3 using iTunes on your computer.Īudacity's LAME Encoder (LAME is a real name) After all, they are listening in a noisy car or through tiny earbuds while jogging. When listening to spoken word recordings, such as a podcast episode, does the audience know the difference? Podcasters and musicians know there is a difference between the LAME Encoder utilized by Audacity's recording software and the Fraunhofer codec used by iTunes.

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