Remote interviews have always been a staple in podcasting. Hence, for many podcasters, the ongoing pandemic won’t affect how they record episodes.
But if you’re used to recording in person, you’ll probably have a few questions about how to record interviews remotely.
Recording a podcast from two or more locations requires the right software to support remote functionality. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools available to get the process started with ease.
Podcasting remotely is more popular than ever, and it is essential to know how to podcast with someone in a different location.
How to Podcast With Someone in a Different Location?
There are different ways to record your podcast remotely, depending on your technology and the people’s level of experience on your show.
Record Podcast Locally
It’s the most complicated solution on this list, and you should only use it if everyone on your show has a good-sounding setup and is recording in the most comfortable condition. If not, it’s best to move on to the next option.
Things You Need
- Audio editing software (such as Audition) or the recording device (such as Zoom H6)
- A high-quality microphone for you and your guests
- A reasonable recording environment at both ends
- Additional software, such as Zoom or Skype, allows people in your show to hear and see each other during record.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Allow each person to use the sound setting that suits them best.
Cons
- Require technical knowledge and quality equipment
- It is essential to match up the tracks manually at the end. It is a complicated process.
- It is essential to run additional software, like Skype, to see and hear the others.
- There are many remote recording websites available, making the process easier.
Record Podcast Through A Remote Recording Platform
Thanks to the growing popularity of podcasting, remote recording options have skyrocketed, including on platforms like Squadcast, Zencastr, Ringr, and more. They are designed to make podcasting remotely easier.
This option also works well with podcasters who have good-quality microphones.
Things You Need
- Good microphones for both ends
- Good environment for both ends
- Strong internet connection
Pros
- Easier than recording podcasts locally
- Gain high-quality audio without the need for a complex setup
- It is not necessary to line up your audio tracks in the edit. It’s done automatically.
- The recording sessions are effortless to set up. It is also easy to share with your guest through email.
- If the audio drops out due to poor connection, it will not affect your final recording as all audio is recorded locally.
Cons
- The quality of your experience depends mainly on the strength of your internet connection. It means a bad connection can disrupt the rhythm of conversation.
Record Audio Through Video Conferencing Platform
This option is suitable for you if your guests do not have a good quality microphone.
Things You Need
- You need to prefer a good microphone for you (the host). It would be best if your guests also had a good mic.
- Good record environment to both ends
- You will need a powerful internet connection to prevent your conversation from dropping out.
- If you’re using Skype for recording and want more flexibility with the audio, you will need additional software, such as Ecamm.
- Skype credit for making phone calls (optional).
Pros
- If you are familiar with these programs, you will not be intimidated by the new software.
- Most audiences will get used to hearing Skype’s quality audio.
- If you only receive your guests over the phone, Skype audio will be better than phone audio.
Cons
- The sound quality for your guests probably won’t be as good as yours, making it not like you and your guests are in the same place.
- You can’t get high-quality audio like the other methods on this list.
Record Audio Using a Mixer
Most podcasters won’t have a mixer. But if you have, this is a good way to remote podcasting.
Mixers generally give podcasters more flexibility regarding what they can record because they can import audio directly into the device. That way, they won’t have to deal with many different programs and edit things later.
Things You Need
- A mixer
- XLR microphones
- Good recording environment for both ends
Pros
- Provide more flexibility as you do not have to run multiple programs and edit things later.
Cons
- It can be pretty expensive for beginners.
- This way limits the sound quality you can get from a bad phone.
What Option Gives You the Best Audio Quality?
Now, you should have the answer to, “Can you do a podcast with someone far away?”
Recording podcasts locally or through a remote recording platform is the best. All you need is an excellent audio setup and a good audio environment, and you’ll record a show that sounds like you and your guests are in the same room.
On the other hand, the worst method is recording audio remotely through a phone line.
Why Do You Have To Record Podcast Remotely?
There’s no denying podcasting remotely is not a fancy thing for most podcasters. Instead, they often prefer to have their co-hosts and guests present in a shared space, like a studio.
Not only does it allow you and them to access the same recording device, but it also keeps technical difficulties to a minimum. Face-to-face interviews are more effective as it allows you to create deeper conversations and keep things flowing, resulting in the best quality.
Regarding the technical aspects of podcasting, in-person interviews don’t require an internet connection, equipment, and recording environments.
However, recording podcasts remotely also comes with many significant advantages:
- You can interview or discuss with guests in a different location or country.
- Record multiple guests easily with minimal setup
- Record global and long-distance guests for interviews
What Do You Need for Remote Podcast?
If you want to have a professional-sounding show, it’s essential to have the proper equipment. In addition, you have to make sure that your and your guest’s setup matches the podcast goals.
It’s best to let your guests know these recommendations before they begin the recording process so your guests will have time to prepare. After that, we’ll give you the equipment list that any host and guest need to record remotely:
Microphone
The microphone is an inseparable friend for every podcaster. Microphones come in two types, including condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
The dynamic microphone is perfect for podcasting because they don’t pick up the background noise.
The condenser microphone is ideal for capturing sounds occurring in or near your mic. Therefore, you might consider using this type of mic if you or your guests sit in a quiet place. But if you use it in an open space or a noisy area, chances are you’ll get horrible sound quality.
We do not recommend using a built-in microphone and speakers on your computer. Instead, we believe a USB mic will work well. Here are some great picks:
- Samson Q2U
- Rode Podcaster
- Audio Technica AT2005 USB
- Audio Technica ATR2100
It would be best if to choose a model with a stand. You wouldn’t want your guests to hold it in their hands during the recording.
Pop Filter
Pop Filter is an inexpensive but handy device in capturing your sound.
This device is used to prevent the bursts of air called “pops” or “plosives” from hitting your microphone while speaking. Pops are explosive sounds we hear when we say words with “b” or “p” in them.
Headphones
They are also essential for podcasting because they prevent the microphone from picking up feedback during recording.
Additionally, it allows you to be more aware of your recording sound. As a result, you’ll have more control over your sound.
How To Get the Best Recording From Your Guest?
We’ll cover the things that are expected to have the most significant impact on the quality of your recordings. Hence, you should ensure your co-hosts and guests know these recommendations before recording.
Your Guests and Co-hosts Need to Wear Headphones
You can stop your microphone from picking up feedback when recording by wearing headphones. In addition, headphones will help you and your guests focus more on the conversation, helping your show get the best results.
If your guests don’t have a professional microphone, recommend that they use a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone (such as Apple Earbuds). It will work much better than their laptop’s built-in microphone.
Your Guest Should Record in An Ideal Place
Before the recording, ask your guests to choose a quiet and free of echoes place.
If they choose to record at home, the bedroom will be a great choice as furniture such as cushions, blankets, and pillows will soak up the audio reflections.
On the other hand, an empty basement is not ideal as you will have to deal with the echoes. A glass-walled boardroom or a meeting room is also not recommended for the same reason.
Remove Background Noises
The microphone will likely pick up background noises that will distract your listeners. These noises can be the sound from the air conditioner or the fan or the sound of chewing food. They will likely cause many audiences to stop listening on the spot.
You should also tell your podcast guests to close browser tabs or apps in advance to avoid any unexpected notifications (wearing headphones also come in handy). Also, they should put their phone on silent if possible.
FAQs
1. Can You Do a Podcast With Someone in Another State?
Yes. Podcasting with guests in different locations will give you the flexibility to bring guests to your show from all over the world.
2. How Do I Start a Podcast With Two Locations?
You can choose one of four methods:
- Record Podcast Locally
- Record audio Through Video Conferencing Platform
- Record Audio Using a Mixer
- Record Podcast Through A Remote Recording Platform
Conclusion
We’ve provided you with detailed information on “How to podcast with someone in a different location.”
Recording remotely is an essential skill that every podcaster should have in their toolkit. Of course, every show is different, so it’s up to you to decide which method will suit you best.
Remember, all this seems a bit too technical. So if editing and post-production are too much for you, you should get the help of a trusted producer.
Let them know that any humming sounds or breathing loudly into their mic will affect the show’s sound quality.
Encourage them to speak clearly into the microphone before beginning and during the interview if necessary.