Podcasting has advanced from niche listeners to the mainstream in just a few years. Recording a podcast remotely has become more appealing as the effects of the global pandemic have forced people into working remotely.
To start a podcast with someone who is far away make sure to have recording software installed, a pair of headphones and an external microphone along with reliable internet connection.
Once you have the basics, we recommend you agree with the other person that is far away on the format of the podcast, which topics to cover and your recording schedule. One way to figure all this out is to follow a podcast you admire and analyze how they do it.
Related: How to Use Google Hangouts to Record Podcasts.
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What Equipment Does One Need to Start a Podcast?
Recording a podcast is easy and cheap. You can use a phone and headphones. Remember that your content is key to a successful podcast. Many people can submit to a less optimal sound quality if your content is interesting.
But if you want superior sound quality, use a combination of equipment besides a computer. These include headphones, a microphone, a pop filter, and a reliable internet connection.
Computer
Your computer will connect to the other equipment and run the remote recording software. The recording software captures and saves your recording as an audio file. After recording, you can edit the audio track on your computer.
An essential factor to consider is your computer’s compatibility with the other elements. These elements form your digital audio workstation and determine your podcast quality. You should ensure your computer specifications match the recording software’s requirements.
Headphones
Headphones assist in improving the sound quality in two ways. Firstly, it aids in monitoring how you sound while recording. Secondly, they help avoid audio feedback. Headphones reduce the risk of recording an echo of your guest’s voice. And also, ignore disruption in the background.
You do not need an expensive pair of headphones to begin recording a podcast.
Microphone
Using USB microphones enhances the sound quality of your podcast to professional standards. Several types of microphones are less than $100 and are very efficient.
If you cannot get a microphone, you can use your computer’s built-in mic. Note that this will reduce the audio quality of your podcast because of an increase in ambient noise.
Pop Filter
You should place a pop filter in front of a microphone. It aids in avoiding abrupt air pressure that causes the microphone to overload. Air pressure is standard when saying words with ‘plosives’ like those with a ‘p’, for instance, ‘ plan’. Also, laughing into the microphone causes the microphone to pop.
Also, a pop filter increases the lifespan of your microphone. It prevents saliva from entering the microphone. The salts in saliva have corrosive compounds. These compounds can make the microphone smell or malfunction.
Reliable Internet Connection
Usually, long-distance podcast recording requires at least 5Mbps for internet speed. We recommend 10Mbps and above for consistent connectivity.
Which Software Is Best for Recording a Podcast Remotely?
How to Start a Podcast With Someone Far Away
You can use specialized remote recording software. Besides, some video conferencing software can record a podcast remotely. Below is a description of both types of software.
Video Conferencing Software for Recording Your Podcast Remotely
Zoom
Zoom is a common and powerful platform for recording audio and video for free. You can connect up to 100 guests. It has a free and paid package.
Skype
Skype is among the oldest and most known software for interacting with someone far away. It’s free software that you can download on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. To record a podcast on Skype, you need to install another free application, Skype Call Recorder for a Windows PC and Audio Hijack 3 for a Mac PC.
Google Meet
Google Meet is another free tool used for remote podcasting. You can only record when you are streaming it live. The recording will be in a video format. Still, you can use a free audio extractor (Pazera) to get the audio from the video.
Specialized Software for Recording Your Podcast Remotely
Zencastr
Zencastr is a remote recording web application that has a 7-day free trial. The platform records studio-quality audio and video. Further, the software allows local recording and can serve up to four guests.
Other features are cloud backups and progressive uploads. Additionally, it has an in-built chat, a soundboard for live streaming, and automatic production. It does not support mobile use.
Squadcast
Squadcast provides similar features to Zencastr. It has a seven-day trial period and offers constant uploads as you record. Further, it allows audio and video recording and automatic backup. Its extra features are audio drift problems resolution and mobile compatibility.
Squadcast runs on Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Brave browsers but not Safari. It is straightforward to use too. You start by scheduling a video call, sending your guests a link, and recording.
Riverside.fm
Riverside is a new remote recording tool that records high-quality audio and video. The software can connect up to 8 guests. Also, it allows instant content streaming to Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube. Other features include producer controls, progressive uploads, and auto-saving.
Though Riverside runs in the Chrome browser, it is only compatible with computers. You cannot use Riverside on a mobile.
Which Remote Recording Option Has the Best Audio Quality?
Video conferencing platforms generate a lower audio quality than specialized remote recording platforms.
To achieve the highest sound quality, you need to use the double-ender method. In this method, audio recording is local on every participant’s computer. Then, you later join the separate audio tracks during post-production. The superiority of this technique is eliminating the problem with internet connectivity.
Specialized remote recording software adopts the double-ender method. And thus effective in attaining a superior audio quality.
Additionally, every participant needs good equipment to generate a high-quality podcast. For example, everyone should select the appropriate microphone depending on their recording environment.
Condenser microphones are perfect for professionals and record any sound, including background noise. These microphones are efficient for quiet recording environments. Additionally, dynamic microphones have reduced sensitivity. Hence it’s best when recording in a room with background noise.
Final Thoughts
Starting a podcast with someone who is far away is simple. It would help if you had the right equipment, remote recording software, and editing software. Some remote recording software includes features for editing and post-production.
We recommend having the following to start a professional podcast.
- A computer installed with remote recording software.
- A pair of headphones.
- A Microphone.
- A Pop filter (not a must).
- A reliable internet connection.
