Best Tools for Remote Recording Interviews for Podcasters: A Comprehensive Guide

Remote podcast interviews have become an essential part of modern podcasting, allowing hosts to connect with guests from anywhere in the world. With the right tools, you can ensure high-quality audio and video recordings that make your podcast sound professional. In this article, we'll explore the best remote recording tools available for podcasters, and share best practices to ensure smooth, high-quality interviews. We'll cover top tools like Squadcast, Zoom, and Riverside.fm, highlighting their features, pricing, and ideal use cases.

Best Practices for Remote Podcast Interviews

Before diving into the tools, it's crucial to understand a few key best practices that will help you achieve the best audio and video quality during remote interviews:

1. Choose a Quiet Recording Space: Both you and your guest should record in a quiet, controlled environment to reduce background noise.
2. Invest in a Good Microphone: Even affordable USB microphones can make a significant difference in sound quality. Consider options like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Blue Yeti.
3. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: A wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi. If possible, connect your device to the router via Ethernet to avoid dropouts.
4. Record Locally When Possible: Local recording ensures that each participant’s audio is captured directly from their device, leading to higher quality and fewer interruptions due to internet issues.
5. Do a Test Run: Always test your equipment and connections with your guest before the actual interview. This will help resolve any issues before recording.

By following these best practices, you can set the stage for a high-quality podcast interview, even when recording remotely.

Top Tools for Remote Recording Interviews

Squadcast

• Overview: Squadcast is a powerful remote recording platform designed specifically for podcasters. It allows local recording on each participant’s device, ensuring pristine audio quality even if the internet connection is unstable. Squadcast also supports video recording, making it ideal for podcasters who want to create both audio and video content.
• Best For: Podcasters who need high-quality remote recordings with minimal effort.
• Key Features:
  • Local audio and video recording.
  • Automatic cloud backups for added security.
  • Integrations with popular editing tools like Descript and Adobe Audition.
• Pricing: Starting at $19/month.

Zoom

• Overview: Although primarily designed for video conferencing, Zoom has become a go-to option for remote podcast interviews due to its user-friendly interface and affordability. It offers both audio and video recording, but the audio quality can sometimes be compressed. Nevertheless, Zoom is a solid choice for casual interviews and podcasters on a budget.
• Best For: Podcasters looking for a budget-friendly and versatile solution.
• Key Features:
  • Cloud and local recording options.
  • Automatic transcription.
  • Easy screen sharing for interactive interviews.
• Pricing: Free with limited features and upto 40 mins of recording only; paid plans start at $12.49/month.

Riverside.fm

• Overview: Riverside.fm is designed with podcasters and content creators in mind, offering high-quality audio and video recording in a user-friendly interface. Like Squadcast, it records locally on each participant’s device, ensuring top-notch audio regardless of internet quality. It also supports 4K video recording, making it an excellent option for video podcasters.
• Best For: Professional podcasters who want studio-quality recordings for both audio and video.
• Key Features:
  • Local audio and 4K video recording.
  • Separate audio tracks for each participant.
  • Real-time editing features to save post-production time.
• Pricing: Starting at $19/month.

Zencastr

• Overview: Zencastr offers a robust solution for remote podcast recording, focusing on high-quality audio with local recording capabilities. It supports automatic post-production processes, like leveling and noise reduction, which can save time in editing. Zencastr also provides an intuitive interface and features for recording interviews in high fidelity.
• Best For: Podcasters who want easy-to-use software with automated post-production features.
• Key Features:
  • Local audio recording for pristine sound quality.
  • Automatic post-production features including noise reduction and leveling.
  • Integrated video recording in beta.
• Pricing: Free with basic features; paid plans start at $20/month.

Comparison of Remote Podcast Recording Tools

Why Local Recording Matters

Local recording is a feature offered by platforms like Squadcast, Riverside.fm, and Zencastr that makes a huge difference in the quality of your recordings. When you record locally, each participant's audio is captured directly from their own device, rather than being compressed through the internet. This results in much clearer and more professional-sounding audio. If your internet connection becomes unstable during the interview, local recordings ensure that the audio isn't affected by glitches, dropouts, or lag.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Podcast

Selecting the right remote recording tool depends on your podcast’s needs and budget. If audio and video quality are paramount, Squadcast and Riverside.fm are your best bets, thanks to their local recording and high-quality audio output. If you’re looking for automation and ease of use with a solid feature set, Zencastr is a great option. For a budget-friendly and versatile choice, Zoom is a solid pick, though it may not offer the same level of audio fidelity.