(A No-Nonsense Guide from a Former Sound Engineer)
So, you’ve got the blog up and running, your content is solid, and now you want to take things to the next level with audio—podcasts, interviews, video content, or even background music. But here’s the problem: bad audio is like a bad handshake—it leaves a bad first impression, and people remember it.
I’ve spent years in sound engineering, working in music studios and gaming setups, and let me tell you: getting your audio right isn’t just about buying an expensive mic. It’s about knowing where to find the right sounds, how to record them properly, and what to avoid. Let’s break it down.
1. Where to Source Music & Sound Effects (Legally!)
🎵 Royalty-Free Music & Background Tracks
If you need background music for your videos, intros, or podcasts, you need to use tracks that won’t get you copyright strikes. Here’s where to find them:
- Artlist.io – High-quality, commercial-use music (subscription-based)
- Epidemic Sound – Perfect for vlogs and podcasts (great selection)
- Free Music Archive – A goldmine of free-to-use tracks
- YouTube Audio Library – Free music and sound effects, straight from YouTube
🔊 Sound Effects & Audio Enhancements
Want to add a bit of punch to your content? Need a cool transition sound for your podcast? These are your best bets:
- Freesound.org – A massive collection of user-uploaded sound effects
- Zapsplat – Free and premium sound effects for all kinds of projects
- BBC Sound Effects Library – High-quality ambient sounds for free
🎤 Voiceovers & Narration
Not everyone has the perfect podcast voice. If you need a professional voiceover:
- Voices.com – Hire professionals for intros, narrations, and ads
- Fiverr – Plenty of budget-friendly voiceover artists
- Descript – AI-powered voiceovers if you want to automate narration
2. The Right Way to Record Your Own Audio
Let’s get one thing straight: Your microphone matters, but your recording setup matters more. A $50 mic in a well-treated space sounds better than a $500 mic in a noisy room.
🎙 Microphone Choices
- Best All-Rounder: Shure MV7 (USB/XLR, great for podcasts & voiceovers)
- Budget Pick: Audio-Technica ATR2100x (Good quality for the price)
- Pro Level: Shure SM7B (Used by top podcasters & radio hosts)
🏠 DIY Recording Hacks
- Turn off fans, AC, and background noise before recording
- Record in a small, carpeted space (closets work surprisingly well!)
- Use a pop filter to cut out harsh “P” and “B” sounds
- Speak slightly off-center from the mic to avoid plosives
3. Editing & Mastering Like a Boss
Once your audio is recorded, it needs some polish. Here’s what to use:
💻 Best Free Audio Editors:
- Audacity – Free and powerful (but not the prettiest interface)
- GarageBand – Mac users, this is your built-in secret weapon
🎛 For More Advanced Editing:
- Adobe Audition – Pro-level tools for mixing and mastering
- Descript – Edit your podcast like a text document (AI-powered magic)
🚀 Quick Fixes for Bad Audio:
- Too much background noise? Use Krisp.ai to remove it
- Volume levels all over the place? Use Auphonic to balance them
- Need to remove ‘uhms’ and ‘ahs’? Descript can do that automatically
4. Get Your Sound Right, Keep Your Audience Hooked
Most bloggers focus on visuals, but audio is half the experience. Whether you’re recording a podcast, making video content, or adding music to your posts, the quality of your sound will make or break how professional you come across.
✅ Get your sources right – Don’t risk copyright issues
✅ Record properly – No fancy mic can fix a bad recording space
✅ Edit smart – A little post-production goes a long way
If you’ve been sleeping on audio, now’s the time to level up. What’s your biggest audio struggle as a blogger? Let’s talk in the comments!