In today’s world, technology has made it possible to connect with people all over the globe. This has made podcasting a popular way to reach out to new audiences and grow your following.
However, social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic has become a barrier to face-to-face interviews. You may also need to feature guests who would be difficult to make personal contact with. So, what do you do when you want to record a podcast with someone who isn’t in the same room as you?
In this article, we will go over some of the best methods for remote podcast recording.
How To Do Remote Podcast Recording
There are different ways to record a good podcast with remote guests. Each way requires applications; mostly web-based to help achieve high-quality audios and meaningful conversations.
Here are some tips:
Cross-check your podcast goals
If you are a first-time podcaster, what do you aim to achieve with your podcast? What kind of podcast do you want to begin?
Your podcast can be an interview podcast, solo show, narrative podcast, or just conversations between co-hosts. Each of these niches demands different priorities and requirements.
Before you start podcasting, figure out what your niche needs and what your objectives are. This will help you to understand the requirements for your setup, like the type of equipment you need and the software features you need.
For example, an interview podcast prioritizes video conference software that makes it simple to conduct remote interviews. On the other hand, a narrative podcast with costly productions will prioritize top-notch editing and mixing abilities.
Finding the Necessities for Remote Recording
The next step before you start recording is to make sure you have the right equipment and a good recording environment. You’ll also want to find great guests to interview for your show.
1. Microphone
Even with the best remote podcast recording software, you will still need professional-sounding audio. Your computer’s or laptop’s built-in microphones and speakers won’t do it for you. Investing in a good microphone would cut it.
There are two types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic microphones don’t pick up a lot of noise, making them ideal for podcasters and their guests. Condenser microphones do a better job at capturing nearby sounds, making them good for quiet studios.
2. Headphones
Headphones are essential for keeping your microphone from picking up feedback while recording. Headphones also provide you with greater sound customization, so you can modify the sound on the go.
You may also hear the sound you’re recording more clearly, which gives you another degree of audio control. The headphones also enable you to tell if you’re picking up any ambient background noise.
3. Pop Filters
The pop filter is a cheap piece of equipment that helps your voice sound better. It protects the microphone from bursts of air, often referred to as plosives or pops. These are the loud bursts you hear when saying words with “p” or “b” in them.
Choosing the Right Remote Podcast Recording Software
Another important step in the remote podcast recording process is determining the right setup. Which live podcast software best suits your content and format? Which one makes it easier to produce and edit the workflow?
Here are some podcast software online for remote recording:
- Riverside
Riverside.fm is a new recording software that provides a studio-quality, all-in-one solution for producing podcasts from anywhere in the world. It records both audio and video files without relying on an internet connection.
Riverside is arguably one of the few products available that allow you to record separate studio-quality video and audio tracks for every participant. Its sound fidelity gives it a significant edge over video call platforms like Zoom in terms of remote podcast recording.
Furthermore, the software is designed for and by podcasters to meet their needs. For instance, it provides;
- Studio-quality video and audio tracks for up to 8 guests at once
- Intuitive user interface that can be accessed via Chrome browser
- Capability to receive live calls
- Livestreams to any social media platform
Riverside records each client on their side at full quality, which means it doesn’t compress the audio like Skype or Zoom. After the conversation, it uploads the final audio file in WAV or MP3 format.
Another attractive feature is the software’s backup management. This implies that you can easily recover any lost video or audio files in case your guest leaves the conversation early.
- Squadcast
Another alternative is Squadcast, which allows you to see your guest on the screen while recording. However, it does not yet record video. But it beats a simple voice call, as you can still see your guests’ facial expressions.
This live podcast software makes things straightforward for everyone. You can send guests a link to join a call from their Chrome browser.
Once the guest joins the call, you will see their video info, timezone, and Wi-Fi connection strength. The software also progressively uploads each individual’s audio track to a cloud server. Hence, you can’t lose the recording even when the guest’s internet connection drops (or even yours).
You may also simply download the audio files to your computer and then drop them directly into your preferred editing software.
- Cleanfeed
Cleanfeed is a browser-based remote podcast recording software free of charge. It allows you to record professional-sounding audios from many people at the same time. However, it is only available for the Chrome browser.
Some major organizations, such as the BBC, utilize this browser-based podcast recording software. While it compresses the audio, the quality is to the extent that most listeners would not be able to notice the difference.
However, the trade-off is a considerably more dependable experience that it’s simple enough for your guest to utilize. It also has an intuitive user interface and foolproof features for backup management. However, it lacks video recording capabilities.
For remote podcast recording, simply sign up for a Cleanfeed account and send invite links to your guests to join the conversation. This tool is ideal for roundtable-style podcasts since you may invite as many people as you like even on the free plan.
- Zencastr
Zencastr is another alternative remote podcast recording software in the market. Using it requires having an account on Dropbox.
It has been a popular choice for remote podcast recording. However, it lacks the video conference feature of Squadcast. You can easily access a soundboard to upload sound clips you intend to play in the recording.
After the session, the live podcast software uploads the MP3 or WAV format recording to your Dropbox account. Zencastr has a free basic plan for up to 2 guests for 8 hours monthly.
- Zoom
Zoom can be used as a remote podcast recording software free of charge. However, the free plan only allows a maximum recording duration of 40 minutes with three or more parties.
Your guests won’t need any software or account to use it. They can join the call in their browser by simply clicking the invite link you sent them.
Its built-in recording feature makes it ideal for conducting remote podcast interviews. Thus, you simply press the record button to start and stop button once you’re done.
Your video and audio files are automatically downloaded once you click the End Meeting button. It allows recording in MP4 Video and M4a audio file formats. However, the sound quality is not as top-notch as when using Riverside, but it can still cut it.
Double-ender Recording
Double-ender recordings happen when each person records their own audio files on their personal computer. This is done with podcast editing software like Audacity, QuickTime or Descript.
These files have the best sound quality because they are recorded locally. However, they can be difficult to set up and are not ideal for video recordings. The host then combines the audio files in post-production.
You can also use live podcast software like Cleanfeed, Zencastr, or Squadcast. The software will record lossless audio from every speaker and upload the audio files to the cloud. Then they will be automatically combined.
Edit your podcast carefully
Editing is an important part of the podcasting process, so make sure to take your time and do it carefully. Listen through your recorded audio and remove any mistakes, dead space, or other problems.
You may also want to add intro music, sound effects, or other audio enhancements. You can utilize software like Alitu and Descript, that automate the podcast editing process. It’s a simple drag-and-drop process to the right slot. Alternatively, you can use Adobe Premiere to edit the video podcasts.
Closing Thoughts
It’s a good idea to double-check your surroundings before going live. Make sure all of your equipment is working properly. Ensure that your phones are turned off and any other open browser tabs are closed.
Following these tips will help you record a great podcast with remote guests in 2022. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a professional-sounding show that your listeners will love.
