Podcast Editing Unlocked: Our Workflow, Plugin Chains & Pro Tips
This week, Matt and I are getting into the weeds on how we actually edit podcasts – what we use, our processes, and just how we approach the whole thing. We'll talk about everything from choosing the right DAW (I'm a Hindenburg guy, Matt's on Adobe Audition) to the plugins that actually make a difference, like DX Revive Pro and the Sonible stuff I use. If you've ever wondered what goes into making dialogue sound good, or just want to pick up some tips on your own editing, this one's for you.
Here's some of what we cover:
• Why knowing what "good audio" really sounds like is step one (it's not just running it through a plugin).
• My plugin chain and how I get from raw audio to a finished mix, fast.
• Matt's approach and the tools he relies on in Adobe Audition.
• The eternal question: do you edit and mix at the same time, or in stages?
• Why I think some plugins are essential (and others you can probably skip).
• Real talk on workflow efficiency – because time is money, right?
• Critical listening vs. chasing perfection nobody will hear.
Check out part 2 here: https://youtube.com/live/1ijiUNt_rtg?...
Products mentioned:
Accentize DXRevive:
Sonible smart:Plugins:
Izotope RX:
Fabfilter plugins: https://tinyurl.com/fab-filter
Can’t make the stream, but have a question? You can send it to us here: https://tansyasteracademy.com/ask-a-q...
0:00 Introduction: Talking Podcast Editing (Processes & Tools)
0:52 Matt's Intro & The "Fog of War" in Editing
3:00 Disclaimer: Do You Really Know What Good Audio Sounds Like? (Critical Listening)
4:39 Reserving the Right to Get into the Weeds (The Extra 10%)
5:54 Jesse's Editing Process: Starting from the Ground Up (Dialogue vs. Music)
6:48 The Importance of Trying Different DAWs (Logic vs. Hindenburg)
8:50 Jesse's File Prep & Plugin Chain (DX Revive, Sonible Smart Suite, UA API 2500)
14:19 Matt's Turn: Editing Process & Tool Stack (Adobe Audition, RX, Waves)
20:01 Dealing with Poor Audio: Adaptive Plugin Chains
21:00 The Great Debate: Match Loudness vs. Manual Loudness Metering
24:11 Q&A: DX Revive Pro - Doing Too Much at Low Percentages? (Algorithm Differences)
27:09 DX Revive Pro & Preserving Breaths (Especially for Audio Drama)
30:04 Ask a Question Feature: Upload Audio Samples!
31:55 DAW Efficiency: Hindenburg Single Core vs. Audition Multi-Core Processing
33:50 Bouncing Tracks with Heavy Plugins: Workflow Efficiency vs. Technical Necessity
46:45 Lean Manufacturing Principles in Audio Editing (One-Piece Flow vs. Batching)
47:56 DX Revive Pro: A Favorite for Noise/Reverb (Algorithm Updates Matter)
49:32 iZotope's New AI Tools & Industry Leadership Shifts
51:14 Q&A: Are We Using Gates Live? (Performative Muting & Environment)
53:17 Q&A: Waves NS1 for Broadband Noise Reduction (RX is Superior)
55:03 Plugin Hoarding vs. Mastering a Few Key Tools
56:03 Workflow Transformation: RX Heavy Process to DX Revive + Sonible (Time Savings)
58:11 Client Perception: Do They Notice Subtle Mix Changes?
58:43 Q&A: Top 3 Desert Island Plugins for Dialogue
01:02:38 The Role of EQ: Subtle or Essential? (Learning Curve vs. Impact)
01:04:01 Editing Workflow: Cutting Dead Air & Strategic Gating
01:06:55 Downward Expansion vs. Hard Gating for Natural Sound
01:08:18 FabFilter Plugins: UI, Functionality, and Price
01:09:28 Q&A: Favorite Snack/Drink in the Studio (Spoiler: Water!)
01:10:59 Q&A: Dialogue Edits & Mix Simultaneously or Sequentially?
01:13:13 Narrative vs. Interview Workflow Differences
01:14:47 The "Dirty House" Analogy: Why Clean Up Audio First?
01:15:40 Inefficient Workflows: Listening Through Twice
01:16:56 Q&A: Thoughts on Adding Analog Hiss/Noise for "Warmth"
01:22:40 Wrapping Up Part 1: Next Week - The Art of Dialogue Cutting
01:24:21 Preview for Next Week: Cognitive Science & Editing Practice
01:25:03 Call to Action & Q&A: What are Frankenbites?
01:26:52 Outro