How to Record a Podcast Remotely: Tools and Tips for High-Quality Sound
- Angela Wolf Video
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Figuring out the best setup for your podcasting needs can be tough, especially when it comes to remote podcast recording. While using a podcast studio will get you the highest quality audio. we know that's not always an option. Whether you have an out-of-town guest or can't make it in to the studio yourself, sometimes you just need to record your podcast at home. Whatever the reason, keep reading for our top tips on the best setup for remote podcast recording.
1) Use Quality Podcast Gear
We cannot stress enough the importance of using high-quality gear. Even under ideal recording conditions, if you're not using the right mics and tools, your podcast audio will be sub-par. As the old saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Don't let that link be gear! Click here to check out our blog post from a few weeks ago, where we talked about our favorite podcasting mics, recorders, and cameras. The beauty of all these items is that they can be used at home. While we always suggest hiring professionals for the best, most reliable results, it's important to have accessible high-quality gear that you can operate yourself. Additionally, if you have a lot of podcast guests, we recommend purchasing an extra set of gear that you can mail to them. That way, everyone has the right equipment that they can easily use. There's nothing worse than having great content that no one can listen to because the audio quality is so bad!
2) Use the Right Meeting Software
Since exploding in popularity in 2020, Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the go-to online meeting software for professionals and individuals alike. While it's tempting to stick to the platform you're most familiar with, it likely won't be able to record high-quality remote podcast audio. The video and audio quality for both Zoom and Teams is largely based on internet connections and computer bandwidth, making them very unreliable. We like to use Riverside.fm for all of our virtual recording needs. For starters, Riverside records directly to your computer first, meaning it doesn't matter how slow or laggy your internet is. Unlike Zoom and Teams, Riverside uploads the content to the virtual host once the recording has been fully completed. We also love this program because it records each person's audio and video as an individual track. This contains background noise and audio interference to its source, stopping unwanted sounds from being recorded across every speaker's audio. If Riverside doesn't seem right for you, we also recommend Zencastr.com
3) Find a Quiet Location
This one may seem like a no-brainer for podcast recording, but we can't stress it enough. Of course, we know firsthand that when you're recording remotely, you rarely have access to the ideal environment to yield quality audio. Sometimes, you'll need to get a little creative to mimic studio-quality recording. For instance, if you're working on an audio-only podcast, record under a blanket or inside of a closet. The extra fabric will dampen outside noises while reducing echo and reverb (and, admittedly, it's pretty fun). For high-quality remote podcast recording, you'll also need to consider all the details. Be sure to turn off all extra electronics in the room (air conditioner, heater, fans, radio, TV, etc.) and shut all doors and windows. And, even if it's quiet, never record outside. It's the (lack of) little things that keeps your remotely-recorded podcast audio on par and as high-quality as possible.
Angela Wolf Video offers corporate video production services near Philadelphia, PA. Do you have a specific video question? Schedule a free video analysis call at bit.ly/callawv