Glossary
Below, you will find more precise definitions of the different terms we used to describe our editing services. that Montage Podcast can offer you.
※ Cleaning up of your audio files:
In any recording, you can hear background noises or unwanted sounds. That’s why we talk about cleaning up audio files.
This is a very important step, taking place at the very beginning of the editing process. It aims at eliminating flaws on a track - as much as possible - in order to unleash its full potential during the final editing of your podcast.
Please note that some sounds or noises can permanently damage a track. Don’t hesitate to contact us before filling up your quote form, or if in doubt of what can be done with your track.
※ Editing:
Par Editing a podcast is about shaping up your tracks. In other words, the editing phase gathers the different processes performed on your tracks to ultimately transform it into your podcast episode.
During this editing phase, we will cut all the parts of the track that won’t be included in your final episode (interruptions, unwanted noise, silences). We will also remove long silences, improve the general rhythm... To put it simply, we will make your podcast as pleasant as possible for the listener - or for you.
※ Mixing:
The next phase is mixing. We will equalize the volume levels of each speaker throughout a track or on different tracks if you provide us with multiple of them. The aim here is to reach an homogeneous result when listening, and avoid too large volume differences - which could be unpleasant for listeners.
※ Simultaneous tracks:
When recording in a group, we recommend you to record 1 track per speaker (in other words, 1 audio file per person). These simultaneous tracks will allow a much better editing and mixing process, and therefore, a better final rendering of your podcast episode.
Sound effects - generic or jingles - will be gathered into a single track that will count as an additional track.
※ Mastering :
The Mastering is the final phase when putting together your podcast episode. It is the final varnish layer that will make the whole episode shine: it will highlight all the work done upstream.
Different effects are applied: first, on each track and then on the whole file. This step ensures that the sound takes on the full spectrum of volume that it needs without ever harming the ears of your listeners. Although it is not essential, this step can make the difference if you are aiming at a professional rendering.
※ Final render:
Once your tracks are processed, we provide you with a 192kbps mp3 file. This is the standard format for a good quality podcast.
Kbps reflects the amount of digital information per second in your file. The higher this number is, the better the quality. However, the larger your files are, the longer the download time will be. This can become a hindrance to you and your listeners: slower uploads, increase in storage space required, download problems when using a bad connection...
192kbps is a good compromise between listening comfort and downloading speed.
We remain at your disposal if you would like to obtain a mp3 file in another quality, or another format.
When it comes to rights
The issue of musical rights in podcasts has been unclear for quite some time, but the most popular listening platforms (such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Deezer) can recognize songs that require licenses to use them. If you have any doubts, or if you do not possess a sound or music license, we recommend you to use royalty-free songs. If you use a licenced audio, you might see your podcast unavailable on one or more platforms, or risk more serious penalties in the future (legal proceedings, cancelation of your hosting account).
The sound design of your podcast episodes is very important. It will determine your true color, your DNA. On many websites, you will find so-called « royalty-free » songs that are free. They can be used within the limitations chosen by the author (no modifications, no use in a commercial context, for example). Some will have more flexibility in their use if purchased. Last option, your sound design can be tailor-made by a composer.
One last thing
Before publishing, we recommend you to tag your podcast files.
This is an optional step, but it will make it easy for anyone who downloads your episode to find it in their media player.
The information to fill out are the title, description, numbering... You can for example use a tool called mp3tag.
An answer you couldn’t find? Feel free to contact us.
