Options for Choosing Podcast Software

There are three schools of though in selecting software to record podcasts. The first consists of a combined hardware/software package such as Podcast Factory. This package includes microphones and sound mixers along with audio editing software. The second option is to obtain the hardware of outside sources and to select an all-in-one software program that can record, edit, and distribute a podcast from a single interface. These programs use a simple step-by-step process which makes it easier to handle the more technically advanced elements of podcasting, such as the creation of the XML files RSS requires. The more cost effective all-in-one software programs include Propaganda, and ePodcast Creator. The least expensive method is to use a general purpose audio recording and editing program — even free programs are available. With this option, there will be more steps involved in creating a podcast, since the program isn’t designed

specifically for podcasting. Audacity is a free, open-source multi-track audio editor and recorder that is widely used by podcasters. Although it is not made specifically for podcasting, it includes a number of useful features and plug-ins, and has an interface that is intuitive and easy to use. It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. When generic audio editors are used, a separate RSS Feed Creator is necessary to creat the XML files that RSS feeds require. Such programs include RSS Feed Creator by SourceForge, the RSS Feed Creator by Toucan Multimedia, the one by Feed Craft. By searching the Internet, podcasters will be able to find a wide selection of RSS Feed Creators that will add the necessary files to change their audio file into a podcast.