Podcast Software Terms and Definitions

Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Podcast Software.

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Ratings

Recording/ Importing

We looked at the sources the program can record from, as well as the type of audio file types it can import. The program should be able to record from a microphone, the sound card and auxiliary devices; some can even record VoIP interviews. Most programs can import mp3s but the best also have the ability to import other popular file types like iPod's aiff and Microsoft's wma.

Editing

The best programs include all basic editing tools such as the ability to cut segments, mix, convert formats and split tracks. Some include advanced tools like automatic gain controls and recording volume sliders. We also considered the types of effects and filters the program included.

Publishing

Podcasts are meant to be shared, many programs include publishing wizards that help with tag and RSS feed creation. Some host their own podcast directory or have plugins for popular blog services.

Ease of Use

Audio editing and recording can be complicated, so podcasting software should be as easy as possible to use. Well-thought out programs clearly explain every feature and include handy tools like drag & drop editing and right click edits.

Help/Support

The software manufacturer should provide adequate support for their program, including embedded help as well as online information. It is also helpful if they host an active user forum and provide email support to their registered users.

Program Components

Recorder

The software has the ability to record audio.

Editor

Podcast software has tools for editing audio.

RSS Feed Creator/ Submits

Program can help podcasters create RSS feeds and has the ability to submit the feeds or podcasts to a website, directory or blog.

Audio Library/ Organizer

Software includes an audio library for storing commonly used sound files and/or completed podcasts.

Teleprompter

Program includes a teleprompter to help podcasters who use scripts.

Podcast Webhost/ Directory

Software provider hosts a podcast site or podcast directory.

RECORDING/ IMPORTING

Line-In

Podcast program supports recording from a line-in, such as from a microphone.

Software can capture audio from a CD.

Video File

Program has the ability to pull audio from a video file, like from a DVD or mov, wmv or other video file type.

Phone/ VOIP

Podcasting software has the ability to record both sides of a telephone and/or VoIP conversation.

Auxiliary

Software can record from an auxiliary device, such as an mp3 player.

Sound Card

Recorder can record any sound that is playing on the sound card, such as an Internet radio station.

AIFF

This is the Apple’s audio format.

WMA

Windows Media Audio

MP3

Mpeg– 3 format, the most compatible audio format type.

WAV

Waveform Audio Format, Microsoft and IBM audio, similar to aiff format.

EDITING

Automatic Gain Controls

This is a recording tool that lowers overly loud sounds and raises sounds that are too quite to create a uniform and audible podcast.

Beat Mixer (Matching)

An effect that can change a selection of audio to match the beat of another segment, often used when mixing two songs or when creating a transition between two songs.

Channel Mixer

Mixes left and right channels.

Cropping

Cuts out selected portions of audio.

Cue Points/ Markers

Marks points in the audio for insertion of sound effects or other.

Equalizer

Program includes either an abbreviated equalizer or a full equalizer with slider controls.

Format Converter

Software can change the format of an audio file.

Mixer

This editing tool is used to mix two or more segments of audio.

Mouse Scroll Zoom

Mouse scroll can be used to zoom in on the waveform to find a specific position in the audio.

Mute

A button or feature for suspending all sound or just a certain track.

Right Click Edits

Software includes frequently used editing tools accessible through the mouse's right click.

Track Splitter

Program has the ability to split a segment of audio into tracks and/or left and right channels.

Drag & Drop Tool

ditor has a convenient drag & drop tool for moving entire files or a selected section of audio.

Fast Forward/ Reverse

Audio tracks can be forwarded and reversed quickly.

Slow Forward/ Reverse

Tracks can be forwarded and reversed slowly.

Scrub Settings

Supports the ability to play a highlighted section of a waveform.

Channel Volume Control

Volume can be adjusted per channel, usually through a volume slider.

Sliders (Volume/Recording Level)

Interface has volume sliders for play back and/or recording level volumes.

Sound Effects

Software comes preloaded with royalty free sound effects.

Amplify

Adjusts volume or loudness.

Base Boost

The base portion of an audio track can be amplified.

Bleep

Beep sound can be inserted, usually used to cover up profanity.

Chorus

An effect in which numerous copies of a signal are played together a little off-time from each other.

Compressor

Decreases the dynamic range of a signal, making loud sounds quieter and the quiet sounds louder, similar to gain controls.

Cross Fade

Fades out one sound while fading in another.

Echo

A delay-based effect where copies of a sound are introduced then grow faint to silence.

Fade In/Out

Alters levels over time increasing/decreasing in amplitude from/to silence.

Flange

Creates a swirling sound by adding a slightly delayed copy of a sound in which the delay time fluctuates.

Looping

Program has the ability to repeat a section of audio continually.

Modulate/ Transpose

An electronic process where one source of audio modifies the characteristics of another source.

Noise

Inserts a noise to a selected location, often a Gaussian or White noise.

Normalize

The gain of digital audio is increased to its maximum volume.

Pan

Alters the left/right positioning of a signal within a stereo mix.

Phaser

A modified flange that adds a swirling sound to a signal.

Pitch

Changes the frequency of a segment of audio, increases or decreases timbre.

Reverb

An effect in which the ambiance of a physical space is simulated, this is accomplished by replicating a sound many times and repeating it at decreasing levels at intervals so close together that they seem like one sound.

Reverse

An audio track can be played backwards.

Tempo

The tempo, or the pace of a section of audio can be changed.

Extend/ Reduce

A section of audio can be set to automatically shorten or lengthen to fit a specific period of time.

Transcription

A dictation type tool in which audio can be slowed down for transcription.

Voice Slip

Shifts one channel of a selected segment of audio past the other.

Low Pass

Allows all frequencies lower than the threshold frequency through.

Noise Reduction

Lessens unwanted noises within audio, such as a background hisses, hums or interference, cannot be used to separate or remove vocals.

Notch

Attenuates frequencies closest to the center frequency of a filter setting, used to minimize hum or acoustic feedback.

Pop/Plick

Removes abrupt changes in a sound, often used in restoration.

Record Cleaner

An automated type filter that can improve recording quality.

Trim/ Add Silence

Silences can be added or removed from a section of audio.

Time Line/ Storyboard

Audio is displayed in a timeline or storyboard format where sections of audio, or complete tracks, can be moved where desired.

Waveform

A graphical depiction of audio that is a mathematical representation of a wave, created by plotting a characteristic of the wave against time.

PUBLISHING

AIFF

Audio Interchange File Format

WMA

Windows Media Audio

MP3

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3.

WAV

Waveform Audio Format

XML File Generation

Extensible Markup Language, used in RSS feeds.

HTML File Generation

Files in HyperText Markup Language can be created for RSS feeds.

Bitrate Adjustable

The bitrate, or bits per unit of time, can be adjusted before publishing.

ID3 Tags

Metadata container associated with audio files may include title, artist, album, track number or other data.

iTunes Tag Support

Similar to ID3 tags, except specifically compatible with iTunes.

Inserts Images

Images can be placed with a specific section of audio or with the tags, such as album art.

Inserts Video (Video Casting)

Podcasting software support video casting.

Description

Podcast software publishing tools can be used to attach a description to the podcast.

Links can be Added

Internet links can be added to the audio files in tags, descriptions or other.

Podcast Software Terms and Definitions

Podcast Software Reviews 2008