5 must-have tools for high-quality remote audio recording

Today, many podcast hosts are looking for affordable, simple solutions for high-quality remote audio recording. And I know it brings up a lot of questions, like…

• Should you use your phone?
• Is Zoom a good solution?
• And is there a way you can do this for free?

Although recording remotely may feel complicated at first, I promise that it’s much simpler than it seems.

And you can trust me on this, because I’ve been interviewing guests remotely for 4+ years. As the former host of both Everything is Teachable and the Wit & Wire podcast (for online business owners), I’ve interviewed guests in Spain, Australia, France, and all across America from my home in New York City. And the good news is that anyone with an internet connection and an affordable microphone can record remotely.

So if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, or already have one and need to adjust your typical recording plans, here are the main tools you’ll need to record high-quality remote content, even if you live thousands of miles apart.

#1: Capture remote audio recording with Descript

Descript is my favorite remote recording tool for podcasters, and you can also use it to record and edit videos.

One great thing about Descript is that you don’t have to download any software. Everything is cloud-based. This means less hassle and more accessibility for you and your guests.

Another great thing about Descript is that it uses multitrack recording, which means that each person’s voice is recorded to a separate audio track. The host can then download each individual track and edit them and put them together, or you can use Descript’s very capable editor (which I recommend).

Multitrack recording is crucial. Imagine your guest sneezing while you say something brilliant. With multitrack recording, you can edit out that sneeze from one track, no problem. But on Zoom, your voices would both be included in a single-track recording, which means that the sneeze is unremovable, even by the best editors.

Optionally, you can also see your guests over video, or even record video as well.

If you’re looking for an alternative remote recording tool, Squadcast is another popular choice, although they’re a bit more expensive. Zoom is another alternative, but because Zencastr’s audio quality is so much better, I would recommend it over Zoom for almost all hosts. (Even now that Zoom does have multi-track recording as an option, the final output is still lower-quality audio than Zencastr.)

#2: A high-quality microphone 

Microphone recommendations might be the top thing I’m consistently asked about. And for good reason! There are tons of microphones out there, at all different price points, and choosing can feel overwhelming.

You can check out my full writeup on microphones with links to options at any budget here.

To share one example, the Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone at a reasonable price point with great audio quality. As soon as you take it out of the box, you can plug the USB into your computer and start recording.

“Does my guest need a microphone?”

Great question. As long as they have headphones with a microphone – like Apple earbuds – they should be ok.

Of course, it would be wonderful if they also have a high-quality microphone, but most listeners will forgive their OK audio as long as your host audio is sharp.

#3: Everyone needs headphones

Headphones are a must for both you and your guest, and here’s why.

Without headphones, your microphone will pick up your voice, but it might also pick up your guest’s voice coming out of your computer. So by wearing headphones, you’re shielding your microphone from hearing your guest. (And the same is true for your guest and their mic.)

The good news is that any headphones you already own should do the trick. If you have the option, I recommend wired headphones instead of Bluetooth, but it’s only because they’re slightly more reliable. Bluetooth is technically ok, but for both you and your guest, any headphones you already own are perfect. And again, if your guest doesn’t have a separate microphone, you’ll want to recommend that they choose headphones with a built-in microphone for the best possible audio quality.

#4: Smooth out your sound with a pop filter

A pop filter is an inexpensive sound muffler for your microphone that will make “p” sounds less harsh. (They won’t “pop” as much.) For under $20, this is a must-have accessory, no matter which microphone you choose.

Here’s a Pop Filter For Blue Yeti Microphones and another option for the Blue Yeti or many other microphones. (Option 2 is cheaper, but I think the arm is slightly harder to attach to your microphone. )

#5: Edit your podcast episode

I personally use and recommend Descript for podcasters, or you can look into Audacity if you prefer a free tool (and don’t need the text-based transcript editor).

I like Descript for a few reasons:

• It has a user-friendly interface for both recording and editing. (Beginner friendly!)
• It can automatically level your audio and fix background noise using a feature called Studio Sound
• You can easily edit your podcast by using text-based editing
• You can record intros, outros, or additional audio very easily, even after an initial recording

I hope that helps!

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