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What to Look For in a Podcast Recorder + Our Recommendation

Interested in recording high-quality podcasts with your computer? Here are some things to look for in a podcast recorder, and which one we recommend!
Stephen Robles
Video & Podcast Creator
Last Updated:
March 5, 2024
10
min
Reviewed by
Ortal Hadad

With podcast recorder software, you can produce professional-quality audio and video—and you don't even need to have a lot of technical knowledge! Podcasters can choose from many recording software solutions, but not all of them have the features you need to record and edit a top-quality podcast. We'll introduce you to podcast recorders, the features to focus on when selecting one, and let you in on our pick for the best podcast recorder. 

What is a Podcast Recorder?

Podcasters use a podcast recorder app or software to capture audio and video. Though you can record podcasts directly to your computer or mobile device, a podcast audio recorder provides better quality recordings with greater control over media edits. 

Choosing the best podcast recorder will depend on your specific needs. These are some of the questions you should ask when selecting a podcast recorder: 

Will I be recording in a studio or on-the-go? 

Determine where you’ll be recording so you know if you should get software that comes with a portable podcast recorder app or if you just need an online podcast recorder to use from your computer.

How many people will I be recording at a time? 

Most podcast recording software has a limit on how many people you can record at one time. (So check with the particular app before signing up)

If I’m recording guests, will it be in-studio or remote? 

Remote recording capabilities are essential if you need software to record guests or co-hosts outside of your studio. 

How will I make edits to my audio and video files?

Most podcast recording software doesn’t come with quality (or any) editing software. Determine if you want a podcast recorder where you can also make edits, or if you’re okay using two different programs. 

Where do I plan to upload my podcast?

Some recording software integrates easily with major distribution platforms. You can get a file that’s ready to upload in just a couple of clicks. 

Why Do I Need a Podcast Recorder?

Using a podcast recorder will make you stand out from other shows in your niche and help you attract new listeners. Take advantage of these benefits and elevate your podcast to the next level when you use recording software:  

  • Improve the quality of your audio and video to stand out and keep your audience engaged.
  • Make it easier to record guests using a podcast recorder that simplifies the process of connecting with you and recording.
  • Streamline your recording and editing processes by doing them all in one place. 

What To Look For In A Podcast Recorder

Need help selecting podcast recording software? Watch the video below and then pay close attention to the five features we've listed when choosing a podcast recorder. 

Recording Capabilities

A good recorder for podcast content will provide different options for recording quality that include HD and 4K. If you have co-hosts or multiple guests on your show, know how many participants the software can record at once.

Remote Guest Recording Features

Check out the remote recording features of any recording software if your podcast format involves a co-host or guest interviews. A lot of podcasters are now recording podcasts remotely because of better technology and the time and money it saves. 

All-In-One Editing

Pay attention to the edits you can make to your audio and video files using a recording program. The best podcast recorder software has editing capabilities so you don’t have to use (or pay for) multiple programs to produce your show. 

User-Friendliness

You won’t find any value in a podcast recorder if you don’t know how to use it effectively. Look for software with an intuitive and easy-to-use dashboard and spend as little time as possible on the technical aspect of recording your show. 

Price

Determine the features you value and the budget you have before committing to any recording solution. You don’t want to overpay for recording features you don’t need.

Our Favorite Podcast Recorder

Not all podcast recording software are created equal! Many great solutions for recording a podcast fall short in one area or another. Whether lack of remote recording features or editing capabilities, some podcast recorders don’t deliver the full package. Our pick for the best podcast recorder Riverside.fm comes with comprehensive features that make recording and producing a podcast easy. 

Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm offers an intuitive online podcast recorder you can use from anywhere to record audio and video from your browser. Used by big-name companies, Riverside.fm’s recording technology makes it simple for you to remotely record guests for your podcast without a lot of technical know-how. With just a couple of clicks, you can invite guests to join your podcast, record an episode, and edit your recordings.

Riverside.fm Features Podcasters Love:

Riverside.fm comes packed with useful features for podcasters. Here are just a few of the features we like best: 

  • Audio and video files are recorded separately to make post-production easier.
  • Download uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio tracks and up to 4k video files for you and your co-hosts and guests. 
  • Record up to 8 co-hosts and/or guests during a session. 
  • Share your screen, switch cameras, or chat live with your audience with the easy-to-use dashboard. 
  • Use Producer Mode to interact with guests and hosts without being captured in the audio and video recordings. 
  • Quickly edit your audio and video files using the automated Text-based video and audio editor.
  • Audio and video are recorded locally and then uploaded to the Riverside.fm platform for download. 

How to Record and Edit Podcasts Using a Podcast Recorder

Many podcast audio recorder programs require separate software to edit your audio and video files. Riverside.fm simplifies the process by providing automated editing options via its Magic Editor tool. We’ve outlined how to record and edit your podcast using Riverside.fm’s easy-to-use podcast recorder software. Check out our tips on everything from coming up with podcast episode ideas to editing your audio and video files the easy way. 

Come Up With an Idea for a Podcast Episode

If you release new episodes on a regular schedule, you’ll need to come up with fresh ideas to keep your listeners engaged and coming back for more. 

Use these five strategies if you get stuck generating ideas for your podcast: 

  1. Conduct brainstorming sessions. Daily brainstorming helps get the creative juices flowing. Schedule time in your day specifically for coming up with podcast episode ideas. 
  2. Try freewriting exercises. Freewriting involves writing nonstop for a predetermined amount of time. This takes practice, but if you dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to the process, it can improve your creative process. Focus your intentions on new podcast material while freewriting. 
  3. Ask for help. Ask friends and family for ideas for your show, especially if they're interested in the topic your podcast covers. If you already have a well-established show, ask your audience what they want to hear about. 
  4. Listen to other podcasts. Tune in to your favorite podcasts to discover what other hosts discuss. Get inspiration from how they choose to cover the topics on their programs. 
  5. Write everything down. Carry a notebook with you or use the "Notes" feature on your phone to write down ideas that pop into your head when you're out and about. Flesh out the better ideas and develop them into podcast episode topics.  

Create a Great Podcast Recording Space

Where you record your podcast will have a major impact on quality. You can improve your audio and video quality by creating a recording space that minimizes the likelihood of outside sound interference. You'll also want to choose a space with carpeting and plush furniture if possible as these features will help absorb sound reverbs. 

When selecting an area in your home to create a studio for recording your podcast, avoid the following to choose the best space: 

  • Rooms with hardwood floors and little furnishing
  • Spaces with a lot of doors and/or windows 
  • Rooms with walls that connect to a neighbor's house
  • Areas with appliances or electronics that make noise

Soundproofing vs. Sound Treatment 

Noise interference can ruin the quality of your recording, even with the best podcast recorder! Soundproofing and sound treating minimize the possibility of unwanted sounds showing up in your audio recordings. 

Soundproofing is the process of isolating a room to prevent external noises on your recording. Sound treatment involves using acoustics to improve sounds inside of a recording space. Total soundproofing is preferable, but it can be difficult and expensive to create an entirely soundproof studio. Use bass traps, sound diffusers, and absorption tiles to improve the sound inside of your recording space.  

Get a Reliable Microphone For Your Podcast

To get a podcast off the ground, all you need is a computer and a microphone. An online podcast recorder lets you hook a microphone directly to your computer and start recording using your web browser. The best mic for your podcast will depend on your budget, where you record, the type of content, and the number of people on the show. 

When choosing a podcast microphone, research different types of microphones, mic polar patterns, and the best applications for different mic types. 

Set Up a Studio on Riverside.fm and Invite Your Guests

Riverside.fm makes it easy to invite guests to your podcast. Your guests don't need much tech knowledge - Riverside provides you with a single link to send to guests. They can click the link and immediately access your recording environment. Also, you don’t need to worry about the quality of your guest's recording because Riverside records separate audio and video tracks locally for upload onto the platform. 

Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up a studio in Riverside.fm and invite your podcast guests to begin recording: 

Step 1: Log in to your Riverside.fm account 

Step 2: Under "Studios" in the Riverside dashboard, click "Create a new reusable studio" and name your studio.

Step 3: In the "Recording Type" section select whether you'd like to record only audio or audio and video 

Step 4: Navigate to the "Schedule and Invite Guests" section. 

Step 5: Below "Invite Participants" you can add the email addresses of your guests. Select "Guest" from the dropdown menu next to each email address you enter. You can choose for your guests to receive an invitation to your show on a specific date at a specific time using the "Schedule" button. 

Step 6: Click "Create Show" after entering the email addresses of your guests. 

Step 7: In the setting screen that follows, be sure to select "Separate tracks" from the "Internet back-ups and screen share" section. 

Step 8: On the right side of the screen, copy the link for your studio select to send invites to your guests via email.

Step 9: Click the "Go to recording studio" button in the top right corner of your screen. 

Once you’ve created a studio and invited your guests, follow these steps to start recording your podcast using Riverside.fm: 

Step 1: In your studios green room, enter your name in the “Host” field 

Step 2: Select if you’re wearing headphones or not wearing headphones (we recommend wearing headphones). 

Step 3: On the right side of the screen, select the microphone and camera you’ll be using for your podcast. 

Step 4: Click the “Join Studio” button once you’ve adjusted your settings. 

Step 5: You’ll be taken to your studio where you have another chance to invite guests or adjust any settings before you begin recording.

Step 6: When you’re ready to go, click the red “Start Recording” button on the bottom of the screen.

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Edit With Riverside.fm’s Magic Editor

After you’ve recorded your podcast, use Riverside.fm’s Magic Editor to process your audio and video files. There’s no need to use separate podcast editing software! Here’s how to use Riverside.fm’s Magic Editor feature to put the finishing touches on your content before you publish your podcast: 

Step 1: Once your podcast is recorded and you’ve downloaded your files, click the “Magic Editor” button that appears below your file’s information. 

Step 2: Choose if you’d like to edit audio and video, or audio only. 

Step 3: Use the Magic Editor to automatically remove background noise and normalize gain in your audio files. 

Step 4: Click the “Next” button on the right side of the screen to move to process your video files.

Step 5: Add your logo or a frame to your video. Riverside.fm lets you use custom frames you’ve created. Use the “Fill Screen” feature in tandem with a frame to get a professional look for your podcast. 

Step 6: Click the “Next” button on the right side of the screen to select your export options.

Step 7: Name your file and choose your export resolution: 480p, 720p, 1080p (HD), or 2160p (4k).

Step 8: Click “Finish” on the right side of your screen. Your podcast is ready for upload to YouTube or the platform of your choice!

Start editing and recording seamlessly today. Sign up on Riverside!

Start recording your podcasts with the optimized podcast recorder for you 

No matter which podcasting recorder software you choose, make sure its features line up with the functionality you need for recording and producing your podcast. If you’re looking for remote recording software, check out the great features offered by Riverside.fm. 

Podcast Recorder FAQ

Do you still have questions about how to find the best podcast recorder for your show? Our FAQ has more helpful information on using recording software and apps to record your podcast. 

Can you record a podcast with an iPhone?

Yes, you can record a podcast with an iPhone. You can use the Voice Memo feature on your phone to record yourself and upload the audio file for use in a podcast. There are also mobile apps that can act as a portable podcast recorder if you need to record content on the go. 

What is the best software to record a podcast?

The best recording software will depend on the features you need. We recommend Riverside.fm because of its remote recording capabilities and ease of use. It also records media locally so you don’t have to worry about the quality of your internet connection. 

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