How to Record a Podcast Remotely

How to record a podcast remotely

How to Record a Podcast,how to start a podcast,how do I start a podcast

Podcasting remotely is becoming the in-thing as a direct aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to interview people from different parts of the world. With the right tools and software, you can interview and record podcasts remotely without meeting face-to-face with your interviewers.

If you’re wondering, ‘how do I start a podcast?’ You can read our previous podcast articles on how to start a podcast channel.

If you’re asking, ‘how do I start a podcast remotely?’ this article will guide you with the right tips and suggestions on how to record a podcast remotely.

There are benefits to recording a podcast remotely. First, you save costs when you start podcasting remotely by cutting out transport and other expenses you might incur when you do one-on-one podcasting.

You can also get to interview guests from different parts of the world, and hold remote discussions with two or more guests simultaneously

How to Start a Podcast Remotely

Method 1: Do a Double-Ender Recording

When you use double-ender recording, you record your session separate while your guests/interviewees record their session separately; if you’re a pro at editing podcasts, you merge the two recordings in post-production, which is better left to the experts if you’re yet to get a grip on editing your podcasts yourself.

Double-ender recording is best for you if you’re operating on a budget and desire a high-quality sound recording. However, you will need to master the use of podcast recording software like Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Descript and platforms like Google Hangout, Zoom, or Microsoft Team to connect with your interviewee. This makes this option a challenging one if you’re new to podcasting.

What you need for a double-ender recording;

  1. Recording software for both parties
  2. Podcast microphone/USB Microphone
  3. Headphones for both parties
  4. Personal computers for both parties

If you’re wondering, ‘how do I start a podcast remotely through the double ender option?’ the tips below will serve as a guide for successful remote podcasting.

  1. Connect with your guest on Google Hangout, Zoom, or other social media platforms
  2. Launch your podcast recording software, and ask your guest to do the same.
  3. Get your USB microphone set and ask your guest to do the same
  4. Record your questions and send them to your guest
  5. Receive recorded answers to your interviews from your guest
  6. Save all audio recordings as uncompressed WAV files
  7. Merge the recordings using podcast editing software, or forward the recordings to a professional editor.

Method 2: Use Video Conferencing Software

Video conferencing software like Zoom, Google hangout, or Microsoft Team is best for remote podcasting as a beginner because they are easy to use.

Zoom is a better option because most people are familiar with zoom, which was the most-used video conferencing tool in the height of the covid pandemic.

To start a remote podcast with zoom, make a video call with your guest and hit the ‘Record’ button to start recording. You’re allowed 40 minutes of free recording if you’re using the freemium version; however, Zoom’s paid version gives you unlimited recording sessions. If you’re out of time while using the free version, you end the present video session and start a new video session.

Tips for using Zoom for remote podcasting

  1. Turn off your video or ask your guest to do so if you or your guest are in a poor network zone.
  2. Enable Original sound
  3. Enable high-fidelity music mode
  4. Enable Echo cancellation

Method 3: Record a phone conversation with your guest using a mixer.

This option is best for guests in areas with unstable internet connections or guests who are less tech-savvy.

How to start a remote podcasting session with a mixer

  1. Plug your phone into a mixer
  2. Set your phone to automatic call record, or use recording software to record phone conversation
  3. Call and have a phone conversation with your guest.

Method 4: Use high-quality recording software for remote podcasting

This is the best way of producing high-quality podcasts. However, you have to subscribe to monthly or yearly remote recording plans.

Remote recording software converts local podcast recordings to the highest-quality audio or video output, depending on your choice.

Remote recording software is considered the best option if you’re considering how to start a podcast remotely because it allows you to publish video podcasts on YouTube, and it is a Chrome browser plugin; hence, you do not need to download and install remote recording software.

Tips on How To Record a Podcast Remotely Successfully

  1. Invest into a strong internet broadband. A strong internet connection on both ends is required for successful remote podcasting. Hence, an internet connection must be a given before asking yourself, ‘how do I start a podcast remotely?’
  2. Use a quiet environment, preferably a soundproofed room. A soundproof space is needed if you live in a busy environment; however, you will do just fine without it if you’re in a quiet environment. If you’re considering how to start a podcast remotely on a budget, you can check out DIYs on how to soundproof your walls on a budget; also, make sure your room or podcasting studio is stuffed with furniture and rug to absorb reverberating noise.
  3. Use good quality noise-canceling headphones. Good quality noise canceling headphones eliminate noise from the environment.
  4. Use a USB microphone with a pop filter for your podcast recording. Pop-filter USB microphones have good noise cancellation effects, filter background noise, and pick up a lower range of sound frequencies.
  5. Use noise-canceling apps. Since you will be doing most of your podcast recordings from home, you should install a noise-canceling app like Krisp, NoiseGator, SoliCall Pro, etc., to remove background noise from your recording or your guest’s. You should also ask your guest to use a recommended noise cancellation app for higher audio quality.
  6. Determine your guest’s level of experience. Find out if your guest has podcasting experience. Ask your guests the following questions ahead of the interview to determine their podcast experience:
    • Have you granted any podcast interview remotely?
    • Do you have a USB or podcast microphone?
    • Do you have a conducive space for a smooth podcasting experience?
    • Do you have any questions about remote podcasting?
  1. Send tips or instructions to your remote guest before the interview day. Sending your guests tips well ahead of the podcast recording day will help your guest to be well prepared for the interview. Tips you can send to your guest include:
    • A reminder of the date and time of the interview
    • Inform them of how you will reach out to them
    • Send them links to download the needed software for a successful remote podcast interview
    • Give them tips on how to set up their space for a successful interview session.
    • Ask them if there’s any question they want to ask.
  1. Start with small talk. Starting with small talk helps your guest to calm down, feel comfortable, and relaxed enough to answer your questions.
  2. Use a recording studio if you have to. If you cannot create an ideal environment for a podcast recording session, using a recording studio where there is extreme noise cancellation is your best bet.

Equipment Needed to Record a Podcast Remotely

Ensure that you have the following podcasting tools before answering the question ‘how do I start a podcast’ remotely?

  1. A personal computer in good working condition
  2. strong internet connection
  3. A podcast or, preferably, a USB microphone since you will be working remotely
  4. A headset with a noise cancellation effect
  5. Microphone stand
  6. Recording and editing software
  7. Podcast hosting provider

Challenges of How to Record a Podcast Remotely

  1. The Internet connection can be challenging if you or your guest are in zones with poor or unstable network connections.
  2. There is a reduction in sound quality due to over-reliance on recording and editing software and heavy compression of audio or video output by recording or editing software.
  3. There is a reduction in sound quality due to over-reliance on recording and editing software and heavy compression of audio or video output by recording or editing software.
  4. You do not have control over your guests’ recording space.
  5. Remote podcasting can be costlier when you factor in the costs of recording software and editing tools.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that every show is different because your guests are different, so it’s left to you to decide the appropriate method of interviewing your guests remotely since each option discussed above has its advantages and disadvantages.

Following all of the recommended tips on how to start a podcast remotely will guarantee you a hitch-free remote podcasting session.