This document explains how Mac OSX users can record podcasts and publish them on MyPodcast.com

Tools

We have developed a tool called "MyPodcast Recorder" for Microsoft Windows and now we distribute it freely to everyone using MyPodcast. However, it is not compatible with Mac OSX. Mac users already have a good tool at their disposal called GarageBand which can be used for recording audio clips.

Finding out more about GarageBand

Apple provides a good start-up guide on the page: http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband

Any Macintosh comes with iLife bundled. If you cannot find it on your computer - check your installation disk. Click on "Install Bundled Software Only"

GarageBand and MyPodcast.com

GarageBand is not affiliated with MyPodcast in any way and therefore it is not integrated. After you record your track, you will have to export it into MP3 file. It is not so easy as it may seem - looks like Apple did all it could to make the process more complicated.

First, you should export the file to iTunes. Then you will have to convert it into MP3 format. Finally, you will have to find your file on your hard-drive. After you locate .mp3 file you will be able to upload it to MyPodcast.com.

Microphones for Macs

Many of the Mac models come with built-in microphone: iMac, MacBook and MacBook Pro. However, if you have a different model - Mac Mini or Mac Pro - you will have to purchase one. Before you head to the shop, you should know that regular PC microphones are not compatible with Mac. It may seem you can attach them, but they will not work. The best choice is to purchase USB headset. Consult shop assistant and make sure the device you are going to buy is compatible with Mac.

Visual walk through

Click on "New Podcast Episode" when you have launched GarageBand. It will ask you to name the file first:

From here you will get into main interface of GarageBand. It looks frightening when you open it for the first time and very technical. You need to specify which track you are recording. It is either a "Male Voice" or a "Female Voice" track.

Track names are located in the left-upper corner of the application. Click on the dot and it will turn "red". Then you will have to start recording mode. You should use a big red button in a circle (shown below) to start recording and you finish recording by clicking on "Play" button which has the form of triangle.

If you hit record button while recording, the playhead will continue to advance until you stop it. You may also navigate back and forward. You should pay attention to the current time code - where your playhead is located. Output shows hours, minutes and seconds on LCD display. You will have to manually figure out the position where advertisements can be inserted and set the value: 00:35.344.

When you think your podcast is finished, you will have to start iTunes export.

Choose "Send Song to iTunes" and after a while iTunes will popup playing your new podcast.

If you wish, you can set up ID3 tag by selecting "Get Info" from "File" menu. BWhat is more important for you is to convert selection into MP3 format.

This is a contextual menu. You can also access this function from "Advanced" menu. If you do not have this selection, you might have to go to iTunes preferences and set exporting format to MP3. After conversation is complete your podcast will start playing again.

iTunes will continue using AAC format but now your file is also .MP3.

If you click on "Get Info" on your podcast, it will show a window with all podcast properties.

However, what you need is right below:

This shows the location of the file on your hard drive. You will have to open iTunes and go to the location specified. iTunes/iTunes Music/Unknown Artist/etc... You will find at least 2 files there:

Now you may drag this file to a more accessible location, such as Desktop or Document folder if you want. You will have to specify this file on "Upload form" when you are adding new episode to your podcast.