Squadcast’s Guide to Remote Podcast Recording [Updated 2023]

One of the greatest advantages of podcasts is their flexibility – you can record almost anywhere and still produce top-quality audio. You don’t need a fancy studio or a large budget. All you need is passion, the right equipment, and some professional techniques. Remote podcast recording offers significant benefits including the ability to overcome those geographical barriers that might once have been a major hurdle to hosting guests from far afield. After all, who wouldn’t prefer an hour-long video call from the comfort of their home over travelling to a studio? Without question, technology has made collaborations possible that you might previously have only dreamed about. And with the overall popularity of podcasts on the rise – the average weekly unique users downloading NPR podcasts went from 11.3 million in 2019 to 14 million in 2020 – there’s no better time to start making your podcast dreams a reality.

In this guide, we’ll share tips and best practices to help you navigate the process of remote podcast recording to ensure that your podcast hits the mark right off the bat!

Step 1: Make Sure Your Studio and Equipment Are Optimal for Remote Recording

Setting up your studio and selecting the right equipment are crucial steps for optimal remote podcast recording. Here are the key points to consider:

• Evaluating Available Spaces: Choose a smaller room to minimize echo and reverberation. Consider using a closet since hanging clothes act as natural sound-absorbing material, reducing reverb.
• Factors for Optimal Sound Quality: Use sound-absorbing materials like carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture to improve acoustics. Smaller rooms that are non-square shapes help reduce echo. Minimize external noise with soundproofing or by adding curtains or rugs. 
• Choosing the Right Equipment: For microphones, dynamic types are ideal for home environments, while condenser microphones offer more sensitivity for controlled studio environments. Quality headphones provide precise audio monitoring with wired options preferable  for reliability.
• Importance of a Good Chair: Select a quality chair to ensure comfort and proper posture during podcasting sessions. 
• Audio Interface: An audio interface is essential for converting analog microphone signals into digital signals for your computer. It helps maintain audio quality and can handle multiple microphone inputs which makes it an essential part of the kit if you host guests.
• Pop Filters and Shock Mounts: Pop filters reduce plosive sounds, while shock mounts isolate the microphone from vibrations, contributing to cleaner audio.
• Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment: Soundproof your recording space to prevent external noise and echo. Acoustic treatment, such as diffusers and absorbers, helps control reflections and allows for a balanced sound. Install them at reflection points in the room.
• Setting Up the Recording Area: Design your recording area based on the podcast format. Optimize desk and seating arrangements for comfort and accessibility. Position the microphone at an optimal distance for sound capture and always consider the setup for guests, ensuring their comfort. Aim to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere with adequate lighting, seating, and a tidy environment.
• Picking the Right Software and Recording Tools: Depending on your needs, choose software or a recording platform like SquadCast which is tailor made for podcast recording. You might consider conferencing tools, multi-purpose audio recording tools, or specialized Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) based on your specific needs.

For all you budding podcasters out there, SquadCast is just what you need. Have a look at ‘A Guide to Setting up the Optimal Podcast Studio at Home.’ It’s filled with practical tips from industry pros to help you kickstart your podcasting adventure. 

Step 2: Use a Reliable Remote Podcast Recording Software 

The success of your podcast heavily depends on the quality of your audio. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, having reliable remote podcast recording software is critical. 

The Importance of Reliable Recording Software for Remote Podcasts

Since the podcast industry is booming, with over five million podcasts globally and a rising number of listeners reaching 464.7 million in 2023, creating a podcast that stands out from the rest is a challenge​. You don’t just need engaging content and a compelling host, but also a recording software that ensures your audio’s top-quality regardless of whether you’re recording from a studio or the comfort of your home.

Remote Podcast Recording Software Options

There’s a variety of remote podcast recording software options you can choose from, each serving different purposes. SquadCast’s blog on Choosing The Best Podcast Recording Software For Your Needs (And Budget) offers an in-depth guide on this topic, though for now let’s glance at the different types:

• Conferencing Tools – These are platforms like Zoom or Skype that you might already use for your meetings. They can also be used for podcast recording, although the audio quality will not be as high compared to other options.
• Multi-Purpose Audio Recording Tools – These are software like Audacity or GarageBand that provide more control over your audio. They have editing features that allow you to polish your recording before publishing.
• Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) – DAWs like Pro Tools or Logic Pro X are professional-grade software that provide advanced editing and mixing features. They are more complex and might require a learning curve.
• Purpose Built Podcast Recording Platforms – Platforms like SquadCast or Zencastr are designed specifically for podcast recording. They usually provide high-quality audio, ease of use, and features specifically beneficial to podcasters such as separate audio tracks for each speaker.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Podcast Recording Software

When selecting a recording software, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:

• Quality – Your recording software should offer crystal clear audio quality and video if necessary. The higher quality, the more professional your podcast will sound and look.
• Reliability – Look for software with reliable connectivity. You don’t want your recording to be interrupted by poor connections or technical glitches.
• User-friendly features – The software should be easy to navigate and use. The easier the recording process, the more time you can spend creating content rather than troubleshooting technical issues.

The table below gives you an overview of some of the most popular video recording software options:

Step 3: Plan and Practice in Advance

Preparation is the key to producing a successful podcast. From preparing a clear vision to working through a technical setup, investing time to plan and practice can save you from setbacks and will enhance the overall quality of your podcast.

Establishing a Clear Vision

Before you hit the record button, define your podcast’s purpose, target audience, and format. Use this as a guide to create content that aligns with your goals and resonates with your listeners. And, having a well-thought-out episode structure and outline helps to maintain consistency and organization, which will keep your audience engaged.

Scheduling and logistics are also key elements of your planning process. Coordinate with your co-hosts and guests to find mutually convenient times for recording. Remember to take account of time zone differences and availability constraints. Establishing a clear workflow, from pre-recording to post-production, can ensure a smooth recording experience and make the process feel less daunting.

Pre-Recording Technical Setup

The technical setup is another critical part of your pre-recording preparation. Make sure to test and optimize your audio equipment for each participant. This includes checking microphone settings, ensuring stable internet connections with sufficient bandwidth, and adjusting audio levels to prevent any unwanted noise or echo.

Familiarize yourself with your chosen recording software. If you’re using SquadCast, for example, the support page provides a host of tutorials to guide you through the process and ensure high-quality audio. Also, practicing correct microphone technique can significantly enhance your audio quality. SquadCast’s guide to remote podcast recording offers valuable advice on this. 

That practice makes perfect holds true in podcasting. By investing the time to plan and practice your podcast in advance, you can ensure a smooth recording process and produce a podcast that is both engaging and professionally produced.

Step 4: Prepare Your Guest 

When it comes to producing a high-quality podcast, your guest’s preparation is just as important as your own. Here are some steps to ensure that your guest is well-prepared for the recording:

Send an Outline in Advance

Start by providing your guest with an outline of the podcast episode. This gives them an idea of the flow of the conversation and the topics you plan to cover. It allows them to prepare in advance and contribute more effectively to the discussion.

Familiarize Your Guest with Your Platform

Ensure that your guest is comfortable with the recording platform you’re using. If you’re using SquadCast, you can direct them to the How To Be A Guest On SquadCast support page which provides lots of helpful information and resources to make your guest’s experience as smooth as possible.

Ensure a Strong Internet Connection and Quiet Recording Space

Remind your guest to check their internet connection before the recording session. A stable, high-speed connection is essential for a smooth remote recording experience. Also, they should find a quiet space to record, free from background noise and interruptions.

Check Your Guest’s Equipment

Good quality audio equipment is vital for clear and professional-sounding podcast episodes. Make sure your guest has a suitable microphone and headphones. If they don’t, consider sending them some. This How to Make Sure Your Podcast Guests Sound Amazing: Send Them a Mic! youtube video provides some excellent recommendations for podcasting equipment.

Emphasize Clear and Concise Communication

Encourage your guest to communicate their thoughts clearly and concisely. This not only helps to create a smooth-flowing conversation but also ensures that listeners can easily follow along.

Avoid Talking Over One Another

While it’s natural for overlaps in conversation to occur, avoid talking over one another as much as possible. This can make the conversation much more difficult to edit and can be confusing for listeners to follow.

Maintain Energy Levels and Engagement

Lastly, provide your guests with tips for maintaining consistent energy levels throughout the recording. This could include staying hydrated, taking short breaks if needed, and showing enthusiasm in their voice and responses. Remember, an engaged and energetic guest makes for a more compelling listen.

Step 5: Press “Record”

You’ve done the prep work, your equipment is set, and your guest is ready. Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to press that “Record” button!

Take a deep breath, let the excitement bubble up, and let’s get this show on the road. Remember, you’re not just pressing a button; you’re opening the door to a world of ideas, stories, and conversations. You’re starting an adventure.

And remember, don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly. Embrace the hiccups and the unexpected moments. They’re what make your podcast uniquely yours. You’ve got this!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting your journey, the right blend of planning, quality control, collaboration, and reliable technology will soon have you creating a podcast that stands out. 

Finally, we can’t overstate the role that a reliable recording process plays in all of this. A tool like Squadcast not only provides high-fidelity audio and video recording but also simplifies the remote recording process with its user-friendly interface and robust features. This allows you to focus on what truly matters: creating content that your audience will love.

So why wait, start with a free SquadCast trial today and get started on your journey into the exciting world of podcasting!

About SquadCast

As podcasting explodes in popularity, so does the demand for quality content. Enter SquadCast — the Saas platform that empowers content creators to collaborate from anywhere in the world. This remote recording studio captures quality audio and video conversations, without audio syncing issues. With patented cloud-based technology that incorporates multiple back-up files, there are no lost recordings, which means no worries in the event of a power outage or disconnection issue. Fewer recording concerns means more time to have meaningful, studio-quality conversations, with simplified post-production and collaboration. Launched in 2017, SquadCast has customers in 220+ countries including marquee brands such as Microsoft, Spotify, ESPN, NPR, iHeartRadio, Kara Swisher, and Shopify. SquadCast is headquartered in Oakland, CA. To get to know us better, check out our podcast: The SquadCast Podcast.

Zachariah Moreno

Zachariah Moreno is the co-founder, CEO, & CTO of SquadCast. He is also a podcaster, author, developer, and designer. He and his team are on a mission to amplify collaboration.