1. The Remote Record
Different tricks and tips for recording podcast guests located anywhere around the world
Mathew Passy
Podcast Producer/Consultant at ThePodcastConsultant.com
Head of content at PodtoPod.com

2. What Is Covered Tape Syncs Zencaster Double End Recording Skype Ringr
Pros
Skype
Cons
Ringr
1 on 1 calls
2 on 1
1 on 2
Phone calls
Coaching your guests
Guests
Troubleshooting
Software
Q & A
Best practices

3. Tape Sync The most efficient way to record a remote guest
Hire a producer to record them in person
Creates a high quality recording
Ensures they are recording into a microphone
Gives you a producer on scene to coach guest
$$$$
These sessions can often run $150 per hour/plus mileage.
You might have to work with someone unknown
EXPERIMENT – Reach out to other podcasters and see if they’ll help you out

4. Double End Recording
Ideal for two podcast professionals working remotely
You each record your side of the conversation
Ensures high quality studio recording
Provides you with two separate tracks
Requires post production work
Difficult to get guests who are not broadcasters to do this well
*You can also implement double end recording with other solutions as a back up (encouraged)

5. Skype 1 on 1 Calls Between 2 Hosts
Most common way to record podcast interviews
Ideal when both hosts have a mic
You can easily do this with some type of recording software (good to use double end as a backup)
Ecamm (mac)
Audio Hijack (mac)
Amolto (PC)
iFree Skype Recorder (PC)
Recommend having computers hard-wired to router
USE HEADPHONES
If you hear audio dropout during call, stop and retake that part, recording lost it too
Each party is on separate track for better editing later

6. Skype 1 on 1 call (Host and Guest)
Guest doesn’t need equipment
Can use Skype on smartphone like a phone ensuring a decent sound
Don’t let them use onboard laptop speaker mic (PLEASE)
They can also use headset
Headset into computer that is hardwired ideal
Higher fidelity than a phone
Make sure they have reliable Wi-Fi or cellular service
You can set up a guest account
Tell them to put smartphone on do not disturb
If they are not tech savvy, don’t want to use skype or have a smartphone, you can also use Skype to simply dial their phone
Relatively cheap
Phone quality

7. RECORDED ON SKYPE
WHAT PHONE SOUNDS LIKE

8. Skype 1 on 2 (One host and 2 guests) 2 on 1 (2 Hosts Skyping a guest)
Start a three-way call on Skype
Same rules as above apply
Limitation – Your voice is on one track, both of their voices share a track
2 on 1 (2 Hosts Skyping a guest)
Skype only allows for one input if you are using a mixer
You can still record your hosts individually in your DAW
Guest doesn’t need to hear you and host in HD sound, as long as you record in HD sound

9. Skype Best Practices
**CHECK YOUR SETTINGS EVERYTIME BEFORE YOU START THE CALL**
Call the Skype echo service and record it to make sure everything is working
Don’t use camera, save bandwidth
If you start a video call to see your guest, you should restart the call for audio, don’t just kill the camera.
Close other programs on your computer to save bandwidth

10. Zencastr.com Software that does double end recording for you
Records everyone’s side of the conversation locally
Doesn’t matter if it sounds like the call drops out, the computer still captures the local audio uninterrupted
No software to install, just go to their website
Easy to use
Currently unlimited
Can’t record on a mobile device
Guests need mic to sound good (NO LAPTOP SPEAKER MICS)
You can ship ATR-2100’s to guests
Software subject to losing conversation if parties don’t disconnect properly and let audio upload
Won’t be free forever

11. Ringr Double End Recording
Has smartphone apps meaning guests can record as if they are holding a phone
Allows more than one input on desktop solution. Good for 2 hosts vs 1 guest interview (still recommend recording hosts through DAW)
Provides on screen instructions for guests
Requires monthly subscription (see me for affiliate/discount code)
Still struggling with some issues (chrome)
No conference call feature yet

12. Coaching Your Guest
Tell guest to choose a quiet environment that is echo-free
STAY PUT (especially for Wi-Fi cellular based connections)
Don’t use speakerphones or phone conferencing equipment
Put mobile devices on Do Not Disturb and have them mute other devices or desktop notification which may create noise during the interview
Tell them to find a comfortable position that they can remain in for an extended period of time. Most movement or walking around will be audible in the recording
Make sure others know not to disturb you during this time
Most importantly, tell them to relax and have a good time! This should be fun

13. Troubleshooting
If guest is using equipment, make sure their settings are correct as well
Pick times of day when there’s less broadband traffic (especially at home)
Have their phone number to reach them in case of issue
30 minute interview? Schedule 1 Hour
MAKE SURE YOU HIT RECORD
**CHECK YOUR SETTINGS**

14. Questions? Happy to test your connection with you! Reach me at
Skype: Mpassy18
Or just google Mathew Passy, you’ll find me.