iTunes is a free program for PC or Mac – and it comes with the Fraunhofer codec built in! How do you get the Fraunhofer converter? Simply install iTunes on your PC or use it on your Mac. Maybe I am an audio snob but there are some shows where you can tell the sound is a little “off”.įraunhofer IIS practically invented the MP3 standard that we use every single day – whether as a podcast produce or a listener. However, Audacity makes LOUSY sounding MP3 files for podcasters. Once installed, you are able to export your Audacity project as an MP3 I even created a course to help frustrated podcasters learn how to use Audacity more efficiently with Tips and Tricks I've used for almost 15 years.Īudacity requires the use of a 3rd party option called the LAME Encoder. While superior audio quality isn't necessary for podcasts, there is one step I recommend you take that could improve the overall quality of your production:Ĭonvert your files to MP3 using iTunes on your computer.Īudacity's LAME Encoder (LAME is a real name) After all, they are listening in a noisy car or through tiny earbuds while jogging. When listening to spoken word recordings, such as a podcast episode, does the audience know the difference? Podcasters and musicians know there is a difference between the LAME Encoder utilized by Audacity's recording software and the Fraunhofer codec used by iTunes.

Audacity mp3 plugin