How to Record Audio With Garageband for Podcasts and YouTube videos
If you want higher-quality audio for your podcast, YouTube videos, or in-person interviews, you don’t need expensive software.
GarageBand is already on your Mac — and it’s more powerful than most people think.
Why GarageBand?
GarageBand comes built-in on all macOS devices.
In theory, you could use an iPhone or iPad. But if you have access to a desktop or laptop, that’s the better option.
If you’re looking for a free tool to:
· Record a solo podcast
· Capture better YouTube audio
· Record a multi-speaker podcast in person
GarageBand is more than enough.
Project Setup (The Right Way)
When you open GarageBand:
1. Select Empty Project
2. Click Choose
3. Select Mic or Line
4. Hit Create
Immediately turn off:
· The Metronome
· The 1-2-3-4 Count-In
Then click the caret icon and switch the timeline display to Time so you can see how long you’ve been recording.
Input & Interface Setup
In recording settings, choose the correct input.
If you’re using:
· A USB mic → Select it directly.
· An XLR mic (like a Shure SM7B) → Use a proper audio interface.
A high-quality interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen allows you to get the full potential out of your microphone.
If your gain is barely flickering while speaking, turn it up.
USB mics give you limited control. An interface gives you proper gain control and cleaner sound.
Understanding Levels (Don’t Panic)
When you hit record, you’ll see waveforms forming.
They may look smaller than what you’re used to seeing in tools like:
· Descript
· Premiere Pro
Don’t stress.
GarageBand simply doesn’t display exaggerated waveform heights.
Instead:
· Watch the green input meter
· Monitor gain from your audio interface
· Most importantly, go back and listen
Your ears are the final judge.
Saving vs Exporting (Critical Difference)
When you hit File → Save, you are saving the project file, not the audio file.
To export usable audio:
1. Click Share
2. Select Export Song to Disk
3. Rename the file
4. Move it to your Downloads folder (easier to find)
For format:
· MP3 → Smaller file size
· WAV (Uncompressed 24-bit) → Higher quality
If storage isn’t an issue, choose WAV 24-bit.
Syncing with Video
Once exported:
· Drag the WAV file into Premiere Pro
· Sync it with your camera footage (e.g., Sony FX30)
This is how you get clean external audio paired with high-quality video.
Recording Multiple Speakers
For in-person podcast recording:
You’ll need:
· Laptop
· Microphones
· Audio interface (with multiple inputs)
To add a second mic:
1. Plug it into the second input
2. Go to Track
3. Select New Track
4. Choose Mic or Line
5. Select Input 2
You’ll see activity on the second channel if everything is connected correctly.
Alternative Hardware Options
If you don’t want to use a computer, you could use:
· Zoom H6
· Podtrac recorder
These record directly into the device.
However, using GarageBand on desktop can sometimes give you more control and potentially higher-quality results.
Why This Is Enough for Most People
You could use:
· Descript
· Riverside
· Adobe Audition
I personally record in GarageBand and edit in Premiere Pro.
GarageBand is free. It’s simple. And it does the job.
You don’t need to overcomplicate your setup.
Start with what you already have.
Upgrade only when necessary.
3 Takeaways
1. GarageBand is a powerful free recording tool built into your Mac.
2. Proper input selection and gain control matter more than software.
3. Export correctly (WAV 24-bit) for best audio quality.
Application
· Open GarageBand and create an empty Mic/Line project.
· Turn off metronome and count-in.
· Select the correct input and set gain properly.
· Record raw audio.
· Export as WAV 24-bit.
· Edit in your preferred platform.
Why This Matters
Most people delay starting because they think they need better gear.
You probably already have what you need.
GarageBand removes the friction.
Try recording your next podcast or YouTube audio in GarageBand.
Want personalized feedback on your audio setup, YouTube workflow, or content strategy? That's what async support is for. Learn more here.
In your corner,
Misbah
Founder, Pod Mahal
