The Best Way to Record a Remote Podcast Interview
It’s a question I’ve been asked a hundred times— “How do I record a remote podcast guest?” In the Before Times, I’d suggest renting a studio or hiring a producer to go record your guest for you. But now remote interviews are the norm, and we’re adapting. Even though there are a handful of apps and web tools that promise high quality audio, I haven’t found anything that doesn’t have that crunchy, electronic sound to it.
But there is hope! In the above video, I show you how to record a remote interview using smart phones. I hope you find it useful!
First, decide how you’re going to talk to each other-- Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc.
For that connection, you’ll want to use earbuds with microphones so you can hear each other, but your external recorder (iPhone) won’t pick up the other person’s sound.
a. To prevent echo, keep the volume in your earbuds as low as possible while still being able to hear each other.
Next, open up Voice Memos on your iPhone.
a. Set your iPhone on a stack of books so that it’s even with your mouth, and 6-12 inches away.
The goal here is to have one file that is only Person A’s voice, and one file that is only Person B’s voice. They’ll then be stitched together to make it sound like you were in the same room all along. Plus, if A has a coughing fit while B is talking, for example, that can be edited out without sacrificing B’s audio too.
4. Also record a backup of your conversation in Zoom/Skype/Google Meet. If something bad happens in the separate files, at least you have this! The quality won’t be as good, but it’s better than having to redo an interview.
5. Make your call connection, and then tell each other “I’m starting the recording.” Hit the red circle “record” button on your iPhone. Then, also hit record on your backup method.
6. Have a great conversation!
