January 29, 2025
If you do podcasting, it will reach a time when you need to record with guests from a different location. For instance, with the ongoing pandemic and social distancing, podcasters have been recording in two or more locations.
This has also been a trend even before the COVID-19 outbreak. Technology advancements and the internet has made it easy for podcasters to record high-quality audio over long distances.
If you are looking for tips on how to record a podcast from two locations, here are some useful guidelines.
Ideally, no one wants to record a podcast remotely, but sometimes circumstances force you to do it. Many podcasters prefer co-hosting and recording guests in a shared location such as a dedicated studio.
Doing this means you can use the same recording equipment as well as have less of a chance of having technical hitches. In-person interviews are traditionally more effective at promoting deeper and more insightful conversations to ensure things flow perfectly.
Additionally, in-location interviews mean you do not rely on internet connections, equipment, recording software, or recording environments, without considering if your guest understands how to use those gears.
But even with those perks and benefits, there are situations that may force you to record a podcast remotely, including:
Thankfully, there is more than one way of recording a podcast remotely, and thus, you can choose the option that is most suitable for you. However, some of these approaches depend on the type of recording gear you have in your studio.
If you are recording remotely it will not be good to have poor audio quality coming from your guest. The option you have is to use equal audio quality if you are hosting the show with a remote co-host.
Either way, here are your options for recording a podcast remotely.
Option #1: Record each person locally then match the audio when you edit
Option #2: Another way is to use a remote recording podcast platform
Option #3: Use Zoom or Skype
Option #4: Use a mixer to record guests using the phone
Let’s take a look at each of the options listed.
The first option is probably the most complicated way of remotely recording a podcast, but you may find it easier or more convenient. Nevertheless, I recommend using this method only if you have a decent background in audio setup and are comfortable with sound recording.
But if neither you nor your guest is comfortable with audio setup and recording, I advise you to explore the other three options.
So, to pull this off, you will need the following gears:
One way that is easier than the first approach is using a remote recording podcast tool. Thanks to the exponential increase in the popularity of podcasts, the demand for simpler methods of recording remotely has also increased.
Today we have platforms such as Riverside.FM, Zencastr, Ringr, and Squadcast have made it easier to remote podcast remotely.
Each of the aforementioned tools enables each person to record where they are and synchronize the audio automatically so you don’t need to use a lot of time lining up things when editing.
Another easier way to record a podcast remotely is by using a video conferencing tool such as Zoom or Skype, especially if your guest doesn’t have a decent microphone.
Last but not least, you can use a mixer to record remote guests for your podcast. We have plenty of options when it comes to mixers and it is easier to find one that is designed purposefully for podcasting.
You need headphones to prevent your microphone from picking feedback during the recording session as well as ensuring you become more mindful of the audio you are recording.
The Shure SRH840 is competitively priced and has excellent sound quality and a high comfort level.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is well-recognized for being one of the best low-cost headphones on the market.
The most important equipment you will need is a good microphone. The best ones on the market are Shure MV7 and Rode Smartlav+
The Shure MV7 microphone has been optimized and designed specifically for speech applications such as podcasting.
This entry-level mic allows you to record your podcast easily with your mobile device.
The pop filter prevents air bursts known as ‘pops’ or ‘plosives’ from hitting the mic while you are speaking. Plosives are sounds produced when you speak sounds such as ‘b’ or ‘p’.
This popular tool has a great status amongst podcasters for being inexpensive as well as high-quality performance.
Iris is still a new remote recording podcast software that has already amassed an impressive array of users.
Known for its excellent audio quality for remote podcast recording, Squadcast is better than most tools on the market.
One of the most used software for audio recordings. This is not the easiest software to use but when you do learn how to use it your recordings will be incredible.
Your guest needs to be in a very quiet place that does not echo, such as a bedroom or any room with soft furniture, pillows, and blankets to absorb audio reflections. With that in mind, a hotel room can also work perfectly.
Without a decent pair of headphones, your recording session will have issues with feedback because your guest’s microphone will be picking your voice up from their speakers. But with decent headphones, your guests can focus on the conversation.
Ask your guest to turn off the air conditioner or fan on their end or stop chewing food since these background noises will be picked by the microphone up and can be a distraction to your audience.
