Podcast Editing Basics with Garageband (Mac)

Adjusting Track Volume Levels

Upon initial observation, you will likely see vocal tracks distinguished by a small, upward-pointing yellow triangle. Conversely, the Jingle track is indicated by a downward-pointing blue triangle. These symbols represent automated volume adjustments.

This automation functions by automatically reducing the volume of Jingles during speech. For straightforward podcasting, these default settings are perfectly adequate. However, greater control over individual track volumes is often desirable.

Disabling Automatic Volume Adjustment

To disable the automated volume features, simply click on the small triangles until they are no longer illuminated. Following this, deactivate the larger triangle located on the far right side of the track details.

Enabling track volume control will reveal a light blue line across your composition. This line visually represents the track's current level.

This manual adjustment allows for precise handling of dynamic situations, such as instances where a speaker’s volume fluctuates unexpectedly.

By taking control of the volume levels, you can ensure a consistent and professional sound throughout your podcast.

Importing Audio into GarageBand

Locate the audio files you wish to use and transfer them to the corresponding tracks within GarageBand. The initial scanning process can take some time, and the visual waveforms representing the audio may not be immediately visible.

However, these waveforms will eventually be displayed once the scanning is complete.

Adding Audio Files

Audio sources can be readily added by simply dragging and dropping them onto the designated tracks. Be patient during the import phase as GarageBand analyzes the files.

• The application requires a period to fully scan the imported audio.
• Waveform visualizations, representing the audio content, will become apparent after the scan concludes.

GarageBand efficiently processes audio files, ensuring they are prepared for editing and manipulation within the project.

Fundamental Editing Procedures

The majority of editing tasks can be accomplished using a mouse, simply by dragging elements to the desired locations. Should a track require division, position the time indicator precisely where the split is needed.

Subsequently, select the tracks intended for separation – utilizing the CMD key in conjunction with clicking, similar to standard file selection – and then press CMD-T to execute the split.

To select all tracks within the project, employ the shortcut CMD-A. This is particularly helpful when a global shift in timing is required, such as creating space for an introductory sound effect.

This allows for the entire timeline to be adjusted forward or backward by a specified duration.

Key Commands for Efficient Editing

• CMD-T: Splits selected tracks at the time marker position.
• CMD-A: Selects all tracks in the project.

These shortcuts streamline the editing workflow, enabling quicker and more precise adjustments to your audio projects.

Controlling Audio Levels

Adjusting the volume, whether for subtle fades or complete silences, is readily achievable with the blue volume track visible in the interface. Global volume changes across the entire track can be made using the slider provided.

However, for more precise control, simply click directly on the blue volume line to introduce a new adjustment point. Adding several points allows for the creation of nuanced volume changes.

Creating Fades and Cuts

Experiment with adding at least three additional adjustment points, then manipulate the central two. This demonstrates the ease with which both gradual fade-outs and abrupt volume reductions can be implemented for distinct editing effects.