Are you considering doing a podcast interview remotely but are worried about the sound quality?

In this post, I'm going to share 5 practical tips that will help you record a high quality remote podcast interview.

By following these tips, you'll be able to sound like you're sitting in the same room as your guest! Let's get started.

Tip #1 - Make sure that you and your guest are wearing headphones

This is the most crucial part when doing a remote recording. Using headphones is important because they prevent your mic from picking up feedback when you record and avoid audio leaks which could make your audio distorted.

It’s highly recommended to wear headphones and use a separate mic (not the laptop’s mic). If a separate mic and headphones are not available, ask them to use their regular earbuds.

If they’re willing to invest, they can easily purchase a simple USB mic online which is still so much better than a laptop’s mic.

Tip #2 - Include a technical checklist in your guest invite so they know what to expect and what to prepare. Request your guest to:

• Find a quiet room (close doors and windows)

• Turn off noisemakers

• The backdrop should be neutral, preferably with enough lighting (if you’re going to post the video)

• Wear headphones and use a separate mic (see Tip #1)

• Make sure to have a strong internet connection

Tip #3 - Schedule a Pre-interview Call or Email Reminders

In this way, you’ll get to know each other better and build rapport before the actual recording so you’ll most likely have a better conversation. Plus, you can check if their set-up is good and you can give suggestions.

If you can’t do a pre-interview call, you can also schedule email reminders 1 week before and 24 hours before, and include those technical reminders (see Tip #2).

Tip #4 - Use a Remote Recording Software

Remote recording software is a dedicated tool for online recording. It allows you to record studio-quality and locally-recorded audio and video files. It automatically uploads your files to its cloud and separates participant tracks for easier post-production.

Check out Riverside, Zencastr, or Squadcast.

Tip #5 - Configure Zoom's Audio Settings

Zoom is probably the most accessible to use when doing remote interviews because most people know how to use it. However, the app's default settings compress audio and tend to lessen its quality.

So here’s what you should do:

• Adjust the audio settings and configure it for professional audio settings. Learn how to do that here.

• Record a separate audio file for each participant. Learn how to do that here.

Conducting remote interviews requires a bit of research and training to get the best possible output but doing these tips could save you a lot of time and will allow you to record high quality audio remotely.

At Kalidad Media, we know what it takes to produce a high-quality show that will engage and inspire listeners. Contact us today to get started!