Recording a podcast episode with people in different locations presents some technical difficulties, but some tools and strategies make it possible. It allows you to interview or co-host your podcast with people in different locations globally that you would otherwise not be able to bring on your show.
The main concern with recording a podcast with people in different locations is audio quality, and you may need to do lots of editing.
There are five ways how to record a podcast from two locations:
- Recording locally
- Recording simultaneously via a remote podcast recording platform
- Recording via a video conferencing software
- Double Ender Recording
- Using a mixer to record the other person via phone
How to Record Audio Locally
This method requires that both participants have at least basic audio recording skills and essential audio equipment such as a microphone and audio recording software. They should also be in a good recording environment that is quiet and with no sound distortion.
You may want to run a few test runs with the co-host before the actual remote recording to establish your chemistry and ensure everyone knows what they need to do. Each person records themself. After the session, the guest or interviewee will send you their audio recording.
You would need to conduct your remote podcasting recording session via Zoom or Skype so that you can see each other and assist each other with recording, if necessary. If using Zoom or Skype, ensure to use earbuds to listen to the other party to prevent their audio from bleeding into your recording.
This method is cumbersome as you will need to match each audio track and edit them accordingly in audio editing software.
How to Record Remotely Via a Remote Recording Platform
As the podcasting industry has continued to grow, there has been an increase in demand for remote recording platforms. In the last few years, a few have come up including Zencastr, Squadcast, Riverside.fm, and Ringr.
This software makes it so much easier for you to podcast remotely from different locations compared to recording a separate audio track for each podcast host or podcast guest and then merging them.
For instance, Riverside.fm allows you to set up an online studio. You can use it for both audio and video recording. In both cases, it delivers high-quality content.
Once you have set up your studio, select whether the recording will be audio or video. The studio also allows you to send invitations to your guest or co-host to join the studio session via a computer or phone.
Riverside.fm has an exclusive app for iPhones that allows your guest to join your studio and start recording. The app also delivers higher quality video and audio than joining the virtual studio on a PC or laptop.
The software has an incredible echo cancellation feature that you can activate if you are not using headphones.
Once you finish recording, the guest’s audio and your audio download to the studio. You can then download the audio files in WAV format and transfer them to your audio editing suite for editing and mixing.
If you are recording in video format, download the video mp4 file and transfer it to your video editing suite for further processing. Since the audio tracks line up, editing them is much easier than editing separate tracks.
While this method is much easier than the previous one, you still need a high-quality mic and a good recording environment on both ends to achieve high-quality sound. If your guest is using the iPhone app, they do not need an external mic. You also need a strong internet connection throughout the recording session.
How to Record a Podcast with People in Different Locations Using a Conferencing software
There are several conferencing software that you can use for recording your podcast from different locations. They include Skype and Zoom.
Zoom is preferable compared to Skype as it produces better sound quality. It also allows you to coordinate your podcast interviews. You can set a calendar for your interview and invite your guests. The software is free for your guest, all they have to do is follow the invite link you provide them to join in on the interview or conversation.
Both you and your guest should wear headphones when recording to prevent playback. To back up your audio, both you and the guest should set the voice recorder on in the background of your zoom meeting. After the recording session, have the guest send you their voice recording. Load it up alongside yours on an audio editing platform for linking and editing.
The challenge with using Zoom or any other conferencing software is that the sound quality is considerable. You also require an exceptionally good internet connection.
How to Employ Double Ender Recording to Record a Podcast in Different Locations
This method works best if you have a VIP guest who cannot travel to you or you to them. It also works for other guests with professional recording studios or who are open to working with an audio engineer near them.
The approach is costlier than the other methods discussed above as it involves hiring a sound engineer to help with podcast production. You also need a professional studio setup as it is more affordable than traveling to your guest’s location for recording podcasts. And, it guarantees high audio quality.
The way it works is that you find an audio engineer near your guest. You book your remote interview for a session with the audio engineer. You also ensure that you are set up for recording at the same time.
During the recording session, connect with the guest through a phone call or conferencing software. Ask them your questions or drive your conversation as the audio engineer records them while also recording on your end. After the session, the audio engineer or guest will send you their audio file, and you can stitch it with yours for editing and mixing.
How to Record a Podcast in Different Locations Using a Mixer
This method is suitable for podcasters with a mixer or easy access to one. You simply have to call your guest or co-host on the phone and plug the phone into the mixer. The audio is fed into the audio editing software through the mixer. Some mixers allow you to record the audio in separate tracks, making it easy to edit. While it is easy to set up, audio quality is limited.
Conclusion
If you have never done it before, recording podcasts with people in different locations can seem like a daunting task. With the right tools and editing techniques, though, it can be done, and your podcast listeners will be thankful for it.
Choose from the methods discussed above according to the tools accessible to you, ease of recording and editing, and costs involved. Also, consider your podcast guest’s level of expertise with audio recording and the recording tools they have access to.
Ultimately, ensure that you and the guest are in a quiet environment suitable for recording your remote interview. Each of you should wear headphones to prevent audio playback.
