If you don’t know how to record a podcast in high quality, it’s very difficult to produce a professional standard show.
There’s a lot that goes into producing a high-caliber podcast, and while the pros make it look and sound effortless, recording a studio-quality episode can seem out of a beginner’s league. But, it doesn’t have to be!
In this easy guide, we’ll show you how to record a high-end podcast no matter your setup. We walk you through every single step and cover all the equipment you need so you can lean into recording like a pro in no time. Let’s jump right in.
Before You Start Recording Your Podcast
Plan your podcast episodes
Whilst some podcasters may enjoy recording on the fly, having a pre-prepared plan of action is a great way to alleviate stress. Plus, it means things should run smoothly on recording day!
- Plan the general flow and structure of your episode ahead of time
- Note down anything you need to include or mention
- Consider your timings and the duration of your episode
- If you’ve got guests on your show, prepare questions and discussion points before recording.
Invite your guests
If you intend to include guest participants in your podcast, ensure to invite them in advance. There’s nothing worse than planning an episode with someone in particular in mind...only to find their diary is full.
Keep in mind that experienced guests will not always give you the best interviews, it’s the people with the best energy.
Whenever you are booking a big guest, make sure they are seeking to bring value to your ideal listener.
What Podcast Equipment Do I Need to Record a Podcast?
Every podcaster has their personal preference and you may already know exactly what kind of equipment you like in your podcasting setup.
However, if you’re not quite sure what you need to record a podcast, get your starter-kit together and make sure to get your hands on the following:
Microphones for podcast recording
Choosing a podcasting microphone can be an overwhelming decision. There’s a lot of technical jargon that gets thrown around and it can be hard to navigate all the different options. Just remember, at the end of the day, you need a microphone that works for you.
If you’re into the technical side of things, here are a couple of things you should consider before purchasing a microphone:
- The Polar Pattern: The Polar Pickup Pattern tells you how much sound a microphone picks up from every given direction. It’s all about what’s called ‘directionality’. (Cardiods, which pick up noise mostly from the front, are better for noisier environments, whereas omnidirectional mics are better in a sound-treated quiet studio.)
- Dynamic vs Condenser Mics: This refers to how a mic captures sound. Dynamic mics, reduce background noise whereas condenser mics are more sensitive and are better for capturing crisp and delicate sound.
- USB vs XLR Microphones: USB and XLR are the different types of connections that a mic can have. USB mics are more portable, affordable, and don’t have a complicated setup, but XLRs record in better quality and are more flexible when it comes to recording with multiple people in one place.
Recommendations:
For podcasters just starting out or on a budget, we’d recommend opting for a USB mic such as the Blue Yeti USB mic. For those who’ve got the capacity to invest in a mic, our favorite pick is the Shure SM7B.
We’ve given you a brief overview of the key considerations when it comes to buying a mic. But if you’re keen for more information, try our in-depth guides:
Podcast recording cameras
If you’re going to be recording a video podcast, it’s worth investing in an external camera. If you’re on a budget, this can be as simple as an external webcam that plugs right into your computer or you can even stick with your computer’s in-built one. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are plenty of high-quality cameras that’ll do the trick. Again, the difference you’ll see in video quality with a dedicated camera is invaluable.
What to think about when choosing your podcast camera:
- Resolution The higher the resolution, the better your video quality. Resolution refers to amount of detail in each video frame and it’s best to record in high-definition with a minimum of 720p or, even better, 1080p.
- Frame Rate: The number of stills that a camera captures every second is a frame rate. Generally speaking, there’s no ‘best frame rate’. Cameras generally can capture about 24 to 60 frames per second.
- Budget: Your budget will determine what kind of camera you should be looking at. For those with a smaller budget, an external webcam will do just fine.
- Portability: If you’re constantly on the move, you should choose a camera that is light and compact. (You can actually record great quality with just a phone camera).
Recommendations:
If you’re not able to spend a fortune on a podcast camera, don’t worry. Logitech has a whole line of webcams that offer great quality without breaking the bank. Check out the Logitech C920, for example.
And if you’re on the market for a more substantial podcast camera, try the Nikon D5300.
Read more: How to choose your podcast camera in our guide.
Headphones
Headphones are a must-have for podcasting (and editing). Wearing them whilst recording enables you to monitor your audio closely and make any necessary adjustments.
Here’s what to think about when choosing the perfect pair for you:
- Comfort: If you’re a serious podcaster, you’ll be wearing your headphones for hours at a time. You need to look for a pair with good comfort levels that won’t impede your productivity. Look for headphones that are adjustable and lightweight with a good level of padding.
- Budget: How much you’re able to spend will dictate what kind of headphones you’ll be able to get your hands on. Knowing what your budget is before looking at your options will make the decision a lot easier.
- Sound Isolation: You want a pair of headphones that block out ambient noise that is irrelevant to you and your recording. Avoid active sound-canceling headphones because these negatively affect the quality of the audio you hear.
- Connectivity - Wired or Wireless: This choice comes down to personal preference, but wired is better to avoid audio latency or delat. If you like to be on your feet and wandering around, you may want to consider wireless headphones.
- Frequency Response: This shows how well a pair of headphones can reproduce sounds at every frequency level. Ideally, you’re looking for a frequency response range of 20 - 20,000 Hz.
Recommendations:
A great budget-friendly option is the Audio Technica ATH-m20x, but if you’ve got more to spend you can try the Shure SRH940.
Read more: The 11 Best Podcast Headphones [2024 Guide]
Podcast recording studio and soundproofing
In an ideal world, all content creators would have access to a professional recording studio. In reality, most don’t. But don’t panic just yet. It’s perfectly possible to set up a good recording space in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re recording at home, try as far as possible to choose a room with low levels of background noise. Choosing a room with as few outward-facing walls as possible is a good place to start. This will reduce the amount of ambient noise that filters in from outside.
Sound-proofing and sound-treating your room is the best way to preserve and elevate the quality of your audio.
Soundproofing is all about isolating your recording space from unwanted external noise.
You can soundproof your home studio by closing off any air gaps in the room, laying down carpets and rugs, and affixing thick material or sound curtains to the walls.
Sound Treating is about optimizing your recording environment to capture the best audio possible.
Invest in some bass traps, acoustic foam tiles, and diffusers to optimize your recording studio.
If you’re thinking about building a proper home podcasting studio, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the ideal podcast studio at home.
What Software Do I Need to Record a Podcast?
In order to record a podcast, you’ll need reliable recording software. Sometimes you’ll find the recording and editing suites combined in one application.
If you’re recording your podcast offline, you may be able to record your audio directly into your editing application. However, if you’re recording remotely online, you’ll need to record your podcast with something like Riverside.
Best software to record your podcast offline
Garageband
Advantages
- Free with all Apple devices - great for small budgets.
- Easy-to-use intuitive interface.
- Advanced editing capabilities for free!
Disadvantages
- Not available for Windows devices.
- Cannot include video recordings.
Adobe Audition
Advantages
- Comprehensive editing capabilities mean you have the creative freedom to do what you want to your podcast.
- Batch processing that will speed up your workflow.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
Disadvantages
- Aimed at industry professionals. So Adobe Audition’s offerings might be slight overkill for most podcasters.
- Steep learning curve. Because of the professional target audience, Adobe Audition can be difficult to navigate for beginners.
- Cannot include video recordings. This can be a deal-breaker for video podcasters.
- Not as affordable. Beginning at $20.99/month, Adobe Audition may not be suitable for smaller budgets.
Hindenburg Journalist
Advantages
- Designed with podcasters and broadcasters in mind.
- Uploads directly to major podcasting directories - a great time-saving feature.
- Compatible with Mac and Windows.
- Records uncompressed audio that preserve the quality of your recording.
- Compatible with all audio file formats, so you can import recordings from everywhere and anywhere.
Disadvantages
- Expensive. Beginning at $95/month.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Cannot include video recordings.
- Editing tools are not as extensive as some other competitors.
Best remote and online podcast recording software
We have a full post for you to compare the best podcast recording software and find the right one for you.
Though, if you’re looking to record remotely, Riverside covers everything you need.
Riverside
Riverside exceeds expectations when it comes to recording a remote podcast. Here’s why:
- Each participant is recorded locally in full HD so your podcast is not affected by weak or intermittent internet connection.
- High-quality recordings at up to 4K video resolution with lossless file formats (WAV) to preserve the quality of your recording.
- Progressive upload where Riverside uploads your recording as you’re recording to save you time and keep your files secure.
- Easy-to-use so the platform is simple to work with no matter your skill level.
- Browser-based so there’s no need to download yet another application.
- Integrated Media Board to add sound effects, music, video, and other media in your podcast live.
- Affordable with a free plan and paid plans only starting at just $15/month.
- Record on the go from your phone using Riverside’s iOS and Android mobile app.
- Livestream your podcast and simulcast to all major platforms.
- Audience and Producer Mode so you can include your production team and a live audience, without accidentally recording them.
- Text based editor with all the tools you need to customize, fine-tune and polish your podcast with a few simple clicks.
See how easy it is to record a podcast with Riverside. Sign up and start podcasting professionally!
How to record a Podcast: 3 Methods
The best way to record a podcast will depend on the type of setup you’re using. If you’re recording in a studio the process might be a little different than recording with guests who are in different locations.
Here are some different ways you can record a podcast:
- Record offline with your equipment and a digital audio workstation
- Record in different locations via remote recording or online calling software
- Record from your phone
We’ll cover each of these in detail below.
How to record a podcast interview offline, in 4 simple steps:
1. Find A Quiet Place.
Your recording environment is key to producing a high-quality recording. If you find yourself somewhere which has a lot of ambient noise or frequent disturbances, the likelihood is your audio will be compromised.
If you can, record somewhere that’s been sound treated and soundproofed. If not, record yourself somewhere as quiet as possible.
2. Prepare Your Podcasting Equipment
Ensure your podcasting set-up is ready to go - that’s your computer, headphones, and microphone (plus your camera if you’re recording video). Your mic placement (and your position in relation to it) is extremely important for recording good-quality audio.
In terms of mic positioning, try and place your microphone at least 6 - 8 inches from your mouth. Although do remember that different mics have different needs, so experiment a little to find what works best with yours.
If you’ve got the budget, consider investing in a boom arm and pop filter for your microphone.
Learn more: How To Make Your Podcast Recording Sound Better: Best Podcast Setup
3. Set Up Your Audio Software
Get your audio recording software up and running, check if your mics are all wired up correctly, and do an audio check. It never hurts to do a little warm-up too.
4. Start Recording!
Once you’re settled in, start recording and enjoy the ride.
How to record a podcast online from different locations (using Riverside)
Why you would want to record your podcast online? Well, you may be surprised to find that remote podcast recording online affords you greater freedom and flexibility without ever sacrificing quality. It provides you with the freedom to include guests from anywhere in the world and also gives you the flexibility to record wherever & whenever.
Follow these steps to record a podcast remotely online with Riverside:
1. Log in to Riverside
Riverside is browser-based so you can use it on both Windows and Mac devices. You can also log in from Riverside’s mobile app if you’re recording on the go from your phone. If you don't have an account you can sign up for free, or start a subscription to get the most out of the platform.
2. Create your recording studio.
In your dashboard, create a new studio. Give your studio a name and select your recording type. You can choose to set up a studio to start recording immediately or you can set up one for later use.
If you’ve got your guests and production team lined up in advance, at this point, you can also invite them ahead of time.
3. Enter your recording studio
Before entering the studio, you’ll be directed to the Green Room where you can select and test your podcast recording equipment. Select whether you are using headphones or not, and then when you are all set up press “Join Studio”.
4. Start recording!
Once everybody is happy and ready to go, click the big red record button and start podcast recording.
You can use the Media Board to add live effects, but you can also share your screen.
When you’re done, stop the recording and wait for all your files to finish uploading before moving on with exporting and post-production.
How to record a podcast with a Phone
Recording a podcast with your phone is pretty much the same as one of the above options. There are many mobile recording apps you can choose from and some, just like Riverside, allow you to record with guests remotely.
We suggest you find the right podcast recording app suited to your setup and we still suggest you use an external phone microphone to record with.
If you’re using Riverside you can record a podcast from both iPhones and Android devices. Simply follow the same steps as mentioned above on how to record a podcast remotely with Riverside. The only difference is that you’ll need to download the Riverside mobile app, and from there you’ll be able to create your studio, invite guests and start recording.
Podcast Recording Tips
1. Invest in your equipment & software
As far as possible, invest in reliable and high-quality equipment and software. Even budget podcasting equipment can make a world of difference to the overall quality of your recording. This will instantly amp up the production value of your podcast, making it more appealing to listeners.
2. Record in a quiet environment (and encourage your guests to do the same)
Although there’s a lot we can do to optimize our recordings, something we can’t control is background noise or interruptions. That’s why it’s always best practice to record in an environment that is as quiet as possible and away from distractions. It also pays to invest in additional equipment such as pop filters and mic stands that help to preserve the integrity of your audio. Don’t be afraid to DIY a home studio. You may be surprised by the results.
3. Don’t sweat the mistakes
Mistakes, errors, and blunders are virtually inevitable, so don’t let them phase you. If it’s a relatively small mistake, chances are you can glide over it and your listeners won’t even notice. If you’re a perfectionist, leave yourself an audio cue (such as a clap), so that when you look back at the recording during post, you know exactly where the error happened.
4. Wear headphones to record your podcast
This one may come as a surprise but wearing headphones during recording is highly recommended if you want to record high-quality audio. Wearing headphones will help you to monitor audio quality and to adjust your own mic positioning.
5. Prep your guest beforehand
Ensure to walk your guests through exactly what’s expected of them, what the structure of the episode will be, and address any queries they may have. Not only will this make sure they’re prepared but will alleviate any nerves they’re having too.
6. Record your remote podcast using Riverside
Whilst you can try and improve your guests’ recording quality from afar, it’s not a perfect science. With Riverside you’ve got the best chance of getting a studio-quality recording out of your guest wherever they are.
You won’t need to worry about dodgy internet connection because Riverside records each participant locally. So wherever your guest finds themselves, they’ll be looking and sounding the best they possibly can.
What to do when you finish your podcast recording
Once the fun part is over, the work begins. During post-production, you can trim, edit, cut, and play with your recording to get your podcast sounding just how you want it to.
That being said, you don’t have to ‘edit’ your podcast. Some podcasters prefer to upload their recording straight away without all the bells and whistles.
Editing your podcast
Podcast editing software
Software for podcast editing such as GarageBand, Adobe Audition, or Hindenburg Journalist gives you the ability to play around with your podcast recording. Move segments around, add effects, improve or change the audio, and integrate other sound files.
Adding music, such as intros, outros, and transitions is a great way to elevate the production quality of your podcast instantly. We've got a whole guide on the best royalty-free music for your podcast to help you find some great background music
Automate editing using Riverside’s Text-Based Editor
With Riverside's editor, creating professional video content is as easy as editing a text document. Our Ai transcriptions are available in over 100 languages, and you can use them to seamlessly edit and navigate through your recordings. Any text you delete in your transcript, automatically removes the matching video and audio in your recording. You can also use a search bar to find an exact quote or phrase without rewatching anything.
Just like that, it's quick and simple to make precise edits with Riverside. You also don't need to worry about anything going out of sync. Our multisync, ensures all tracks remain aligned.
When you've got a final cut you can also use automated tools to improve the quality of your audio by removing background noise and normalizing gain.
You can even customize your podcast with a logo and frame to really make your podcast branding pop throughout.
Plus, the Riverside Media Board allows you to include media during your live recording, so you don’t need to worry about doing this in post-production. This means you can still include intros, outros, and transitions.
Create your podcast cover art
If you haven’t already, this is when you get your creative juices flowing. Though you might feel like you’ve done the hard work already, cover art is an essential element of your podcast marketing.
Create cover art that reflects your podcast’s theme and personality. Although it’s not all about judging a book by its cover, first impressions make a big difference. For new listeners, your cover art can tempt them to give your podcast a listen.
You can either create your cover art yourself or hire a freelancer or agency.
Read more: 12 Tips on How to Make Podcast Cover Art That Works
Produce your show notes and podcast transcription
The essential final touches for any podcast should be your show notes and episode transcription.
Show notes give your listeners a summary of your episode and what they should expect.
Podcast transcripts make your content more accessible and open to new audiences. They also help you to promote, market, and re-use your podcast more effectively.
Note: Riverside offers unlimited automatic transcription with Pro and Enterprise plans.
Learn more: Podcast Transcription: How & Why You Must Transcribe Podcasts
Upload your show to a podcast Hosting Software (A Place To Store The Audio Files You Create)
Once you’ve edited your podcast using specific software or Riverside Editor, export your file for publication. Once you’ve got your file ready to go, you’ll then need to upload it to a podcast host such as Buzzsprout, Spreaker, or Anchor.
Submit your podcast to directories (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
Once you’ve uploaded your recording to your podcast host, you’ll need to distribute it to all the major listening platforms. Many hosts automatically submit your content to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, etc., so you don’t have to worry about it.
Check whether your podcast host has this feature or not, and if they’re missing out on a particular platform, ensure to submit your podcast manually.
Give yourself a pat on the back - you did it!
You recorded a whole podcast episode - congrats. Savor the moment, acknowledge your accomplishment, and get ready to do it all over again. Podcasting is addictive - this is only the beginning of your journey!
FAQs about Recording Podcasts:
How can I use my browser to record a podcast?
Long story short, use Riverside. Riverside makes recording a podcast from your browser seem like a complete breeze. There’s no need to download any additional application, and your guests don’t even need to sign up or make an account. Simply open Google Chrome and start recording!
What do I need to record a podcast at home?
All you need is a microphone, headphones, computer, recording software, and yourself. If you want to include guests in your podcast, try using Riverside.
How long does it take to record a podcast?
There’s no correct answer to this question. Timings vary from podcaster to podcaster. Some run a very tight and efficient operation, whereas others may prefer to take their time, re-record segments that didn’t go quite right, or see where the episode takes them.
How do I record a podcast on an iPhone?
Recording your podcast from an iPhone just got easier. Riversides mobile app is not messing around - it’s a recording studio right in your pocket!
How do I record a podcast with two 3.5mm microphones?
In order to record with two 3.5 mm microphones, one option is to get yourself a stereo splitter. The only problem with doing this is that the two microphones, and therefore two sources of audio, become one recording. This can make editing your recording more difficult.
Can you record a podcast with AirPods?
Technically, yes you can record a podcast with AirPods. Objectively speaking, they’re not the best choice.
The AirPods microphone, whilst decent for phone calls, just does not live up to the caliber of a proper studio microphone. As a result, you’ll get a lower quality recording which will dampen the overall production quality of your podcast.
How to record a Skype call for a podcast?
The honest answer is don’t record your Skype call, use Riverside instead. Using Skype to podcast means your audio and video are susceptible to glitchy internet, and leaves you with low-quality recording, and a single-track recording.
Plus, recording a Skype call is not even as straightforward as it sounds. Using Riverside is a far simpler and straightforward solution. And Riverside actually offers many features that Skype does not.
How to record a podcast on Zoom?
Considering Zoom’s popularity it's also used by some for recording podcasts. In general, you can record Zoom meetings which you can use for podcast recordings. Although, keep in mind that Zoom records everything online and that recordings are susceptible to faulty internet connection.
We have a blog post that goes into full details on how to record on Zoom, but in general you can follow these steps.
- Set up a Zoom meeting and invite guests
- Click on the settings gear and choose the Recording tab
- Adjust as desired and choose where you want to save your recordings
- Start your Zoom recording and click on the Record button to record.
Where can I record a podcast for free?
Fortunately, many of the software listed above lets you record a podcast completely for free. Some options you can look into to for free podcast recording software include:
- Riverside
- Audacity
- GarageBand
- Anchor
For more, you can view our large list of the best podcast recording software.
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