Podcast Engineer vs. Podcast Editor: Who Does What?

Creating a quality podcast isn’t something a person can do solo.

There are various roles that contribute to the chaotic but fun world of podcast production, so if you want your show to shine, you need to know who does what and why.

While everybody knows what a podcast host does, it’s time to shed some light onto two other roles that people may not be as familiar with: the podcast engineer and the podcast editor.

The Role of a Podcast Engineer

This isn’t just some fancy title that anybody can get. A podcast engineer is the professional responsible for the more technical aspects of production. This role comes with a varied area of focus, from pre-production all the way to post-production.

Equipment Setup

The podcast engineer is the go-to person when it comes to setting up microphones, mixers, and recording gear. They are the ones who have to set up proper gain levels to ensure the best possible audio quality. Besides that, they also have to fix any technical issues that may occur during the recording session.

Mixing and Audio Mastering

Once the recording is done, the podcast engineer has to balance all of the various audio tracks. This includes the ones from the host and the guests, plus the music the show uses, and any sound effects needed. This is to ensure that everything mixes in a cohesive manner.

To make sure that the show’s audio meets industry standards, the podcast engineer also has to apply specialized tools in order to reduce any unnecessary noise. That, and use equalization in order to best shape the voices tones in the show for clarity.

The Role of a Podcast Editor

Unlike the podcast engineer, the podcast editor is a professional with a primary focus on post-production. Their line of responsibility is to make sure the show’s content flow is on point and that the raw audio is refined to a high quality.

The Narrative Flow

To ensure a tight narrative flow, the podcast editor is there to make sure that there are no long pauses, any awkward silences, or tangents that are irrelevant to the show. They also need to be on the lookout for any filler words that make either the host or the guests sound terrible on air.

The Technical Cleanup

Besides making the raw content smoother in preparation for release, the podcast editor must also remove any mistakes and unintentional noises like coughs and sneezes. Then, they must add pre-recorded elements into the show, such as the intro and outro music, and any ad reads. Lastly, the editor is responsible for making sure that the episode has consistent volume.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, the person you need to ensure technically perfect and consistent audio is the podcast engineer. Meanwhile, the person you need to transform raw audio into something polished and engaging is the podcast editor.

Fill those roles with the right people and your future already has the advantage of others by a mile.