Podcasting on Mac: How to Record with Top Mac Podcast Software
- Sam Hajighasem
- Nov 19
- 9 min read
Podcasting on Mac is easier than ever, whether you want a quick, free setup or studio-quality audio and video. In this how-to guide, you’ll learn exactly how to record a podcast on Mac using Riverside (browser-based and pro), GarageBand (free, audio-only), and QuickTime Player (fast, video-friendly). We’ll cover remote interviews, multitrack recording, editing, and the best Mac podcast software for different budgets.
If your goal is professional results, you’ll see why creators often outgrow default tools. But if you’re starting, you’ll also get a simple path to hit Record today. Either way, this guide keeps podcasting on Mac straightforward, flexible, and high-quality.
Quick Answer: How to Record a Podcast on Mac (3 Easy Paths)
Here’s the fastest route to start recording: pick the approach that fits your needs and gear.
Riverside (all-in-one): Open your browser, create a studio, choose your mic/camera, invite guests, and record locally in up to 48 kHz WAV and 4K video. You get multitrack files per speaker for clean editing.
GarageBand (free, audio-only): Launch GarageBand, create a new Audio project, select your mic, arm the track, disable the metronome, then record. Edit on the timeline and export.
QuickTime Player (fast video): Open QuickTime, choose New Movie Recording (video) or New Audio Recording, select your mic/camera, hit Record, then Save or Export.
Why podcasting on Mac is easier than you think
Macs ship with capable apps and stable audio drivers, plus a healthy ecosystem of podcast recording software. Between free tools (GarageBand, QuickTime) and purpose-built options (Riverside), you can record solo, co-hosted, or remote shows without complex setups. With the right mic and basic settings, you’ll capture clear speech, cut noise, and publish faster.
Best podcast recording software for Mac (quick comparison)
Choosing podcast software for Mac is about audio quality, ease of use, and multitrack flexibility.
Riverside (browser-based, Mac-friendly):
Best for: All-in-one podcast production, remote and in-person.
Audio/Video: Local 48 kHz, 16-bit WAV; up to 4K video; separate tracks per participant.
Editing: Text-based editing, AI cleanup, filler word removal, smart layouts, transcripts.
Standout: Reliable local capture even if the internet hiccups.
GarageBand (built-in, free DAW):
Best for: Beginners recording audio-only podcasts, simple post-production.
Audio: 44.1 kHz; basic EQ, compression, noise gate; multitrack audio.
Editing: Timeline-based, fades, trimming, music beds, SFX.
QuickTime Player (built-in recorder):
Best for: Fast audio or video recording in a pinch.
Audio/Video: Basic capture, screen/webcam recording; limited editing (trim/clip).
Limit: No multitrack, no remote features.
How to record a podcast on Mac with Riverside (easy and professional)
Riverside is macOS-friendly, runs in your browser, and records each person locally for studio-grade results. Here’s a streamlined workflow:
Step-by-step: Riverside
1) Create a studio: Sign up or log in and create/select a Project. Click Record to open your studio.
2) Set devices: Choose your microphone, camera, and headphones/speakers; then join Studio.
3) Invite guests: Share the studio link or send email invites (up to nine participants).
4) Brand your session: Add your logo, colors, background, and fonts for polished on-screen visuals.
5) Prep on-screen elements: Use Text for lower-thirds, Script for a teleprompter or show notes, and Media to cue music, clips, or sound effects.
6) Choose layouts: Switch between speaker view, split-screen, and other compositions for live or recorded shows.
7) Record: Hit Record; you’ll see a short countdown. Each participant’s track is captured locally in high-quality WAV and uploaded progressively.
8) Livestream and engage: If you go live, use Chat to interact with audiences across platforms.
9) Stop and upload: End the session. Wait until all tracks finish uploading before closing the studio.
10) Access files: Open Projects to find your recording. Download separate audio/video tracks and the transcript.
11) Edit fast: Click Edit and use the text-based editor. Remove filler words and long pauses, enhance audio, and apply smart layouts for auto camera switching.
12) Export: Choose your final quality (audio and/or video), normalize levels, and reduce background noise if needed.
Pro tip: Place your mic 3–8 inches from your mouth at a 45° angle, record at -12 dB to -6 dB peaks, and clap once at the start to mark edit points in the waveform.
How to record a podcast on a Mac with GarageBand (free and familiar)
GarageBand is an accessible DAW for audio-only shows. It supports multi-track recording, basic effects, and quick exports.
Step-by-step: GarageBand
1) Launch and create: Open GarageBand > New Project > Empty Project.
2) Choose audio input: Pick Record using a microphone or line input, then Create.
3) Add tracks: Your first track appears as Audio 1. Add more with the + button if you have multiple mics.
4) Set monitoring: Plug in closed-back headphones. Enable/disable input monitoring per track as needed.
5) Tame the click: Turn off the metronome (you don’t need it for speech).
6) Dial in sound: Adjust input level. Add a light noise gate, EQ (cut low rumble ~80–100 Hz), and gentle compression for speech clarity.
7) Record: Press the red Record button. Speak at a consistent distance and volume. Press Stop when done.
8) Edit: Trim mistakes, split and rearrange segments, add fades, and place intro/outro music.
9) Export: Share > Export Song to Disk. Name your file and choose a format (AAC for small size or AIFF/WAV for higher quality).
How to record a podcast on Mac with QuickTime Player (fast video option)
QuickTime is a simple way to capture a quick audio or video podcast.
Step-by-step: QuickTime Player
1) Open: Applications > QuickTime Player.
2) Pick mode: File > New Movie Recording (video) or New Audio Recording (audio-only).
3) Choose inputs: Click the arrow next to the Record button to select your mic and camera.
4) Record: Hit Record. Keep an eye on levels. Click Stop when finished.
5) Save/Export: File > Save (default) or Export to control resolution and format.
Note: QuickTime lacks multitrack and remote tools. It’s best for solo updates or simple video podcasts.
Remote recording on macOS: local vs call recording vs double-ender
Remote interviews are where your software choice matters most. Here’s how the three main approaches compare.
For a deeper breakdown of cost-efficient remote and hybrid setups, check out B2B Podcasting: Cost-Effective Launch and Expansion in 2024
Local recording platforms (best quality, easiest workflow)
Tools like Riverside record each participant’s track locally on their device, then upload in the background. Internet blips won’t ruin audio, and you’ll get separate WAV files for clean editing.
Call recording (quality depends on the internet)
If you record a Zoom or FaceTime call directly, the final quality rises and falls with everyone’s connection. Compression and dropouts are common. It’s convenient but risky.
Manual double-ender (high quality, more effort)
Each person records themselves locally with their own app, then someone collects all the files to sync in post. Quality can be great, but it’s error-prone and time-consuming.
In-person and hybrid podcast setups on Mac (multitrack made simple)
For multi-mic, in-person shows, or a mix of in-person and remote shows, follow these routing tips.
Multi-mic interfacing
Use a USB audio interface with enough XLR inputs (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for two mics).
Set your interface as the input in your macOS Sound settings and inside your record app.
Record each microphone to its own track (multitrack) for precise mixing.
Monitoring and latency
Choose closed-back, wired headphones for everyone to prevent mic bleed and reduce latency.
Add a headphone amplifier so multiple hosts can monitor comfortably with independent volume.
Route like a pro with software
Audio Hijack: Capture multiple audio sources at once (mics, browsers, Zoom) into separate files.
Loopback: Build virtual devices so guests can hear sound effects or music you play from your Mac.
Workarounds: If your app won’t split sources, have each person join from their own device or record locally to an SD card/interface, then sync.
Video and multi-cam upgrades for Mac podcasting
Better video boosts engagement and watch time. Here are options from free to pro.
Continuity Camera (free, sharp video)
Mount your iPhone and use Continuity Camera to turn it into a Mac webcam.
Use the rear lens for best quality, add a small LED light, and angle slightly above eye level.
ATEM Mini for multi-cam
Connect multiple cameras to a Blackmagic ATEM Mini, then set the ATEM as your video input in your recording software.
Live-switch angles for dynamic visuals and minimize editing time.
Secondary camera in Riverside
Join from your phone and set it as a secondary camera. Tap the menu (three dots), select secondary camera, and frame a close-up or product shot.
Essential gear for podcast creation on Mac (budget and pro picks)
Great software for podcast recording is only half the story; clean input wins every time.
Microphones:
Budget: Samson Q2U (USB/XLR) is under $100 and grows with you.
Step-up: Shure MV7+ (USB/XLR) for flexible setups and polished sound.
Pro: Shure SM7B (XLR) for broadcast-grade tone (requires an interface/preamp).
Headphones:
Budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or similar closed-back ($50–100).
In-ear isolation: Shure SE215 PRO for on-camera minimalism and good isolation.
Target frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz for accurate monitoring.
Camera/Webcam:
Budget: Logitech C920 for crisp 1080p.
Pro: Sony A6400 (with clean HDMI) for shallow depth and premium image.
Free upgrade: iPhone Continuity Camera.
Interfaces and mixers:
Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for two XLR mics.
Mixer/Podcaster board: RODECaster Pro II for multi-mic control and sound pads.
Lighting:
Starter: $15–30 LED or ring light aimed at eye level.
Upgrade: Softbox kit under $50 for softer, flattering light.
Accessories:
Boom arm to stabilize mic placement and reduce handling noise.
Pop filter to tame plosives (P/B sounds) for under $20.
Shock mount to reduce desk vibrations (typically under $40).
Acoustic treatment: Foam panels or even rugs/curtains to cut echo.
Starter budget guideline: Mic $50–100, headphones $40–60, LED light $15–30. Add an interface if you pick an XLR mic.
Post-production: editing audio for podcast, speed-ups, and growth
Efficient post-production helps you publish more consistently.
Clean and enhance:
Remove filler words and long pauses for a tighter listen.
Apply EQ (roll off sub-100 Hz rumble, brighten 3–5 kHz for presence if needed) and light compression for consistent loudness.
Aim for -16 LUFS (stereo) or -19 LUFS (mono) as a podcast loudness target.
Edit faster with transcripts:
Text-based editing lets you cut the script, not the waveform. Delete a sentence in the transcript; the audio/video updates instantly.
Use AI tools to denoise, de-ess, and automatically balance levels.
Fix lines without re-recording:
Some AI voice tools can generate corrected lines in your voice—use sparingly and disclose if necessary.
Repurpose for growth:
Turn episodes into short clips, blog posts, newsletters, and social captions.
Create compelling cover art and episode thumbnails to boost click-through.
Time estimates: A 30-minute episode typically takes ~45–60 minutes to record and 1–2 hours to edit when you have multitrack files and a transcript.
How to choose Mac podcast software (DAW criteria)
Picking the right podcast program for Mac depends on your workflow and goals.
Ease of use: Can you hit Record fast and edit without a steep learning curve?
Feature depth: Multitrack, effects, plugins, restoration, and text-based editing.
Budget and scalability: Free to start; paid tools when you need speed and polish.
Hardware compatibility: Works with your microphones, interfaces, and cameras.
Support and community: Tutorials, forums, and documentation for quick troubleshooting.
Beyond GarageBand, consider Logic Pro for advanced mixing and plugin support, or Adobe Audition for spectral repair and robust post workflows. Third-party suites like iZotope can elevate cleanup and mastering.
FAQs about podcast software for Mac and workflows
How do I record a podcast on a Mac for free?
Use GarageBand for audio-only or QuickTime for basic audio/video. For remote interviews and multitrack files, Riverside offers a free tier to get started.
Is GarageBand good for podcast recording on Mac?
Yes—great for beginners and solo shows. It’s free, supports multitrack audio, and includes EQ, compression, and fades. If you need remote recording, separate guest tracks, and video, use a dedicated platform.
What equipment do I need to record a podcast on a Mac?
Minimum: An external USB mic, closed-back headphones, and quiet space. Optional upgrades: An audio interface for XLR mics, boom arm, pop filter, shock mount, acoustic treatment, and lighting for video shows.
How do I record a podcast with multiple guests on Mac?
For remote guests, use local-recording software that captures separate tracks for each speaker. For in-person guests, use a multi-input interface, assign each mic to its own track, and monitor via a headphone amp.
What is the easiest way to record a podcast on Mac?
Riverside offers the simplest path to high-quality, multitrack recordings in your browser. For free, basic recording, GarageBand (audio) or QuickTime (audio/video) will do.
Should I use free or paid podcast software for Mac?
Start free to learn the basics. Upgrade when you need multitrack remote recording, faster editing (transcripts, AI cleanup), and pro-level audio/video control.
Conclusion:
Podcasting on Mac can be as simple or as sophisticated as you need. Free tools like GarageBand and QuickTime make it easy to start, while dedicated Mac podcast software gives you multitrack audio, 4K video, AI-assisted editing, and rock-solid remote interviews. Whether you’re producing a solo show or hosting multi-guest panels, the steps above will help you record clean audio, streamline your workflow, and publish consistently. If you remember one thing about podcasting on Mac, it’s this: prioritize local capture, clear mic technique, and multitrack editing, and your show will sound like it was made in a studio.
If you’re ready to make podcasting on Mac a smooth, repeatable system, our team helps founders, marketers, B2B teams, and personal brands choose the right Mac podcast software, refine mic technique, and build a reliable recording-to-publish workflow.
