How to Record a Podcast Remotely or Long-Distance [2024]

Option #2. Use remote recording software

Best for ➜ Podcasters who want to record high-quality audio and video

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Quality: Studio-quality
• What you need: Internet, software subscription, podcast microphone, headphones, computer or smartphone

Remote recording platforms use local recordings to give you the highest-quality video and audio possible.

This kind of software has great reviews for functionality and is a solid option if you publish your video podcast on YouTube. Remote podcast recording software typically uses Chrome, so your guest doesn't have to download a separate app.

Riverside.fm | $15 per month

Riverside allows you to record high-quality audio and video interviews all-in-one, even if you don't have a great internet connection.

Riverside's plans also include bonus features like:

• listener call-ins
• live-stream to social media
• video editing in the browser
• unlimited transcripts
• ai powered show notes

Riverside has some incredible features, but we have run into a few video framerate bugs when recording some of our own podcast episodes.

SquadCast | $12 per month

SquadCast makes it easy for you to record audio and video for ten people (the podcast host and nine guests or co-hosts).

It's a bit harder than a Zoom call to set up the first time, but the sound quality is much better because you get locally recorded WAV files.

Pricing starts at $12 per month for audio and video plans, which come with tons of features like:

• filler word removal
• transcripts
• captions

Other options:

• Alitu | $38+ per month
• Zencastr | $18+ per month
• Ringr | $7.99+ per month
• Cleanfeed | Free or $34+ per month

Option #3. Record phone calls through a mixer

Best for ➜ Podcasters and guests without a stable internet connection

• Cost: Free
• Difficulty: Very easy for the guest
• Quality: Low
• What you need: Strong cell signal, podcast mic, headphones, an iPhone or Android phone, 1/4" cable, an XLR mic

If your guest doesn't have Wi-Fi access or isn't tech-savvy, you can call them and record your phone call.

Since phone networks compress your audio even more than Zoom, this option should be a last resort.

Plug your phone into your mixer, like the Rodecaster Pro, to record the phone call. Make sure both people record their audio to cover all your bases.

Option #4. Record a double-ender

Best for ➜ Getting professional sound quality on a budget

• Cost: Free
• Difficulty: Very difficult
• Quality: Studio-quality
• What you need: Both parties need recording software, a podcast microphone, headphones, and a computer.

A double-ender recording is where each person records separate audio files to their own computer using podcast editing software like Audacity or Descript.

Since these files are local recordings, you get the best audio possible, which minimizes audio-editing. But they are challenging to set up and don't work well for video recordings.

How to set up a double-ender recording

1. Start a Zoom or Skype call so you can hear your guest.
2. Open your podcast editing software on both computers.
3. Record the audio from your USB mic.
4. Start recording on both ends.
5. Clap to mark the time on both recordings.
6. Finish the interview.
7. Save the audio recordings as uncompressed WAV files.
8. Use Dropbox or Google Drive to send the files to your editor.

Tips for recording a double-ender

Recording a double-ender is more involved than other options, but if both parties have decent equipment, you'll get studio quality every time, regardless of your internet connection.

Follow these tips to get the best results:

• Ask everybody if they've started their recording.
• Make sure you're on your separate track.
• Record the conversation on Zoom or Skype as a backup.
• Ask everybody if they've started their recording (again).

Best practices for remote recordings

A little preparation on the front-end can give you the best podcast episode and make a big difference in the final quality of your remote interview. Follow these tips to get a great recording every time.

• Ensure you and your guest(s) have a strong internet connection. Try to have all parties stay in one spot once they establish a strong internet connection. Avoid walking around while recording, driving, etc.
• Ensure both parties have a quiet recording space. Pick a room away from traffic noises, humming from an AC unit or fan, etc.
• Wear headphones or earbuds to eliminate audio bleed. Audio bleed is any unintended noise that makes it into your audio. Headphones or earbuds can go a long way toward removing bleed in your recording.
• Minimize background noise. Apply DIY acoustic treatments to walls, or fill the room with furniture and rugs to absorb reverberant noise.
• Use a dynamic XLR or USB microphone with a pop filter. Dynamic mics pick up less ambient sound and a smaller range of frequencies. Pop filters help minimize harsh plosives.
• Consider booking recording time at a local recording studio. A professional studio gives you more control over your recording and access to everything you need to record a podcast.

Summary

Recording a remote podcast is an important skill for a podcaster to master.

A free tool like Zoom will work well if you're on a budget. For higher-quality sound, stick with a remote recording tool like Riverside.fm.

For the most professional results, record the call via a mixer or have each party record their own track locally via a double-ender.