"We came in with a rough concept and left with a polished, chart-ready show. StellarCasts didn't just edit our audio — they taught us how to think about podcasting as a craft."

— Fiona Hale, host of Undercurrent Radio

"The turnaround was remarkable. Three weeks from first call to our launch episode going live on six platforms."

— Tomás Brennan, The Quiet Signal

The Podcast Knowledge Hub

StellarCasts is a full-service podcast production studio based in Ireland. This page is built as a living reference — a glossary, a decision framework, and a production guide rolled into one. Whether you're launching your first show or scaling a network, start here.

Scroll down to explore terms, compare production routes, and find the right path for your show.

Podcast Production Glossary

Core terminology every podcaster should know. Curated by StellarCasts producers with over six years in the studio.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

The software environment where audio is recorded, arranged, and mixed. Common DAWs include Logic Pro, Audacity, and Adobe Audition. Choosing the right DAW shapes your entire workflow.

Dynamic Range

The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of your audio. Proper compression and limiting bring dynamic range under control for a consistent listening experience.

RSS Feed

The backbone of podcast distribution. Your RSS feed is a structured XML file that directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pocket Casts use to pull your episodes automatically.

LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)

The standard measurement for perceived loudness. Most platforms target -16 LUFS for stereo content. Mastering to the correct LUFS prevents your show from sounding quieter or louder than others.

Show Notes

Written companion content published alongside each episode. Good show notes improve discoverability, provide links and timestamps, and serve as an SEO asset for your podcast website.

Pre-roll / Mid-roll / Post-roll

Ad placement positions within an episode. Pre-roll runs before the content, mid-roll during a natural break, and post-roll after the main segment. Placement affects listener retention and ad revenue.

Noise Floor

The baseline level of ambient noise in a recording. A low noise floor is essential for professional-sounding audio. Acoustic treatment and gain staging help minimise it.

ID3 Tags

Metadata embedded in your MP3 or M4A file — episode title, show name, artwork, chapter markers. Properly tagged files ensure correct display across all podcast apps.

Phase 1 — Concept & Format

Define your audience, choose a format (interview, narrative, solo commentary, hybrid), and map out your first season arc. We run a 90-minute discovery session to crystallise your direction.

Phase 2 — Recording Setup

Equipment recommendations tailored to your budget and space. Remote recording configuration via Riverside or Zencastr. In-studio sessions available at our East Derekbury facility.

Phase 3 — Post-Production

Editing, mixing, mastering, and sound design. We remove filler words, balance levels, add intro/outro music, and master to -16 LUFS. Each episode goes through a two-pass quality check.

Phase 4 — Distribution & Growth

RSS setup, directory submission (Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon, Pocket Casts), show notes writing, audiogram creation, and cross-promotion strategy. We track downloads and listener geography from day one.

Production Roadmap

Every StellarCasts engagement follows a four-phase production roadmap. The timeline varies — a solo commentary show can launch in under two weeks, while a narrative series with original scoring typically takes six to eight weeks.

"StellarCasts guided us through each phase with real deadlines and clear deliverables. No ambiguity." — Ciarán Walsh, Harbour Frequency

Service Comparison Matrix

Capability	Launch Package	Growth Package	Network Package
Discovery Session	1 × 60 min	2 × 90 min	Unlimited
Episode Editing	Up to 4/month	Up to 8/month	Up to 20/month
Mastering (LUFS-compliant)	✓	✓	✓
Custom Intro/Outro	Template-based	Original composition	Original + seasonal variants
Show Notes & Transcripts	—	✓	✓ + SEO optimisation
Directory Submission	3 platforms	6 platforms	All major + niche directories
Audiogram Creation	—	2/episode	4/episode + video clips
Analytics Dashboard	Monthly summary	Weekly report	Real-time dashboard
Dedicated Producer	—	Shared	Dedicated
Monetisation Strategy	—	—	✓ (sponsorship + dynamic ads)

Choose Your Pathway

Not sure which route fits? Expand each pathway below to see what's involved.

First-Time Podcaster

You have an idea but haven't recorded yet. We handle concept validation, equipment guidance, pilot episode production, and your initial directory launch. Typical timeline: 2–3 weeks.

Existing Show, Better Sound

Your podcast is live but the audio quality isn't where you want it. We audit your current setup, re-master recent episodes, and take over ongoing post-production. Improvement is usually audible within one episode.

Brand or Corporate Podcast

You're a company using podcasting for thought leadership, internal comms, or customer engagement. We provide end-to-end production, branded assets, compliance review, and distribution strategy aligned with your marketing calendar.

Podcast Network

You manage multiple shows and need a production partner who can scale. Centralised workflow, shared asset libraries, cross-promotion frameworks, and consolidated analytics across your entire catalogue.

92% of our clients renew after their first season

6 weeks average from concept to live show

Production Pipeline

Briefing & Scripting

We co-develop your episode outline or full script. For interview shows, we prepare question frameworks and pre-interview research packets for your guests.

Recording

Record at our studio or remotely. We provide real-time audio monitoring during remote sessions and flag issues before they become post-production problems.

Editing & Sound Design

Content editing (removing ums, dead air, tangents), mixing, adding music beds, sound effects, and chapter markers. Two revision rounds included.

Mastering & QA

Final loudness normalisation, stereo imaging check, metadata embedding, and a full playback review on three different device types before delivery.

Publish & Promote

Scheduled publishing via your hosting platform, show notes upload, audiogram distribution to social channels, and newsletter integration if applicable.

Studio & Approach

StellarCasts podcast production studio with mixing console and microphones

Built for Audio

Our East Derekbury studio features a treated live room, a dedicated mixing suite, and remote recording infrastructure capable of handling multi-guest sessions across time zones. Every project gets a named producer who owns your show from concept to publish.

Acoustic Treatment

Broadband absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers tuned for voice recording. RT60 under 0.3 seconds.

Remote Recording

Riverside.fm and Zencastr integration with backup local recording. Lossless audio capture even on unstable connections.

Monitoring

Calibrated nearfield monitors and reference headphones. Every master is checked on studio monitors, earbuds, and a car speaker simulation.

File Delivery

WAV masters, MP3 distribution copies, tagged and chaptered. Delivered via shared cloud folder with version history.

Common Questions

Do I need my own equipment?

Not necessarily. If you're recording remotely, we recommend a USB microphone (we'll suggest one based on your budget). For in-studio sessions, all equipment is provided. We also offer an equipment rental add-on for remote clients.

How long does editing take per episode?

Turnaround is typically 3–5 business days from raw audio delivery. Rush turnaround (24–48 hours) is available for Growth and Network clients.

Can you help with an existing show?

Absolutely. We regularly onboard shows that are already live. We'll audit your current audio quality, suggest improvements, and can take over production from any episode forward.

What formats do you support?

Interview, solo commentary, narrative storytelling, panel discussion, hybrid formats, and limited-series documentary. We've also produced fiction podcasts and audio dramas with full voice casts.

Do you handle video podcasts?

We focus on audio production, but we create audiograms and short video clips for social promotion. For full video podcast production, we partner with a video studio and can coordinate the workflow.

What's included in show notes?

Episode summary, key timestamps, guest bio, relevant links, and a pull quote. For Network clients, show notes are SEO-optimised with target keywords and internal linking.