Podcast mastering: clean voice at -16 LUFS
Upload a recording of the voice and pick the podcast preset. The lab clears low rumble, lifts clarity in the speech range and levels the episode to -16 LUFS, the loudness Apple Podcasts recommends for spoken programs.
What the podcast preset does
- Target loudness: -16 LUFS integrated, the level the lab aims at for speech.
- Speech cleanup: a high-pass filter at 80 Hz removes rumble and room thump, and light noise reduction runs unless you set your own.
- Clear voice: a gentle presence lift and moderate compression keep the level even from sentence to sentence.
- Stereo: the width is not widened, so a voice stays centred and natural.
Preparing the episode
- Record each speaker on a separate track when you can. A single mixed file works, but separate tracks give cleaner results.
- Keep the microphone at a steady distance and away from fans, air conditioning and street noise.
- Trim long dead air and false starts before mastering, so the preset works on the speech that matters.
- Export the final episode as WAV from the lab, and keep your session file in case you need to re-edit.
Why -16 LUFS for spoken audio
Spoken programmes are heard in cars, earbuds and kitchens, often with the volume set once and left alone. A steady level around -16 LUFS keeps the voice clear without making it fight the listener's device. Music targets are higher and need a different balance, which is why the podcast preset is separate.
Room sound and noise
Mastering can reduce rumble and light background noise, but it cannot make a bare room sound close and dry. Treat the room when you record: soft furnishings, a wardrobe full of clothes or a blanket behind the microphone do more than any plugin afterwards.
Questions
What loudness should a podcast be?
The lab targets -16 LUFS for speech. Check the loudness of your published episodes against the platform you publish to, and keep every episode in the same range so listeners do not adjust the volume between shows.
How do I remove rumble and room noise?
The preset removes low rumble with an 80 Hz high-pass and applies light noise reduction. Heavy hum or a very noisy room needs a fix at the recording stage.
Does it work for remote interviews and phone recordings?
Yes, as long as the voice is the main sound in the file. Phone and laptop recordings are common input. For a call with several voices, mix each speaker first and upload the result.
Can I use the same preset for audiobooks?
The speech preset is built for spoken audio, so it suits narration too. Check the level against the rules of the platform you deliver to, because audiobook specifications can differ.