Wondering how to start a podcast with no audience? No problem! If you’re just starting out on your podcasting journey, you’ll need to know your options. In this post, we look at how to record a podcast in 4 ways, depending on your location, available equipment and budget. Ready? Set? Record!
On-site podcasting using a digital voice recorder
Situation: All podcast participants are in the same room
Required equipment: digital voice recorder, microphone/s
If you’re based in the same location as your intended podcast guests, this is the option for you. The on-site DIY method of recording a podcast means that you and your guest are seated around a table (or wherever you choose to record) and are able to plug your microphones directly into your digital voice recorder.
What is a digital voice recorder, you ask? It’s a handheld device with built-in microphones to capture sound and convert it into digital data. You can then transfer these files onto a computer using its SD card or a USB cable. Popular ones include the Tascam and Zoom series.
This way of recording has its benefits. You don’t need an expensive cloud studio subscription. There’s no steep learning curve requiring you to figure out remote recording hacks. Come to think of it, you don’t even need a laptop or a connection. You simply plug your mics into the digital voice recorder and hit record.
Remember, you will still need a computer to do the editing and upload of your show. But if your gang of buddies likes to hang in the same room on the weekend anyway, why not turn that into something?
Use remote recording ‘cloud studio’ software
Situation: Participants are located in different places
OK, so what if you’re looking at how to record a podcast, but your guests are located elsewhere on the planet? Fortunately, there are plenty of options for remote recording using cloud studios.
A cloud studio is a browser-based web application which allows for the streaming and recording of audio (and usually video) content for the purposes of broadcasting and publishing online. Popular cloud studios include Riverside.fm, Squadcast and Alitu. These services all work by uploading your high-quality recording into the cloud in real-time. Then, when recording ends, they direct you to an interface where you can edit your show - all in the browser!
Using one of these off-the-shelf services isn’t free, but it’s the cleanest way to get your show up and running without a hitch. Remember, 44% of podcasts have less than 3 episodes, so if you’re serious about making a hit show, you’ll need to make it easy on yourself. On that topic, start your free Saspod trial and see how easy we make it for you!
‘Double ender’ remote podcast recording
Situation: Participants are located in different places
Double ender podcast recording is when each guest records high-quality audio on their own device, and then sends that recording to the editor once recording is done. It has a major advantage over recording a Zoom or Skype call because the overall quality always turns out way better. This way, connectivity issues are also avoided.
Another advantage? It’s a free way of achieving high-quality audio. Downside? You have to do a little extra work by learning how digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Audacity or Adobe Audition work. Need help with that? Check out our guide to the most common editing software used by podcasters.
Use a professional podcast recording studio
Situation: Sophisticated and commercial podcast productions
Required equipment: all equipment provided by studio
OK, so you’re planning on going hard? Hire out a studio space. A professional podcast recording studio is the absolute best and most expensive way of producing a hit show. Recording studios are all acoustically treated to deliver the best possible quality. Trust us, even in an age of AI-assisted ‘magic fix’ speech enhancers, there’s no substitute for a professional recording environment. Good content starts at the source.
Downsides? Yikes, expensive! But most studios will be open to striking a deal if you record in non-peak hours or pay for a few sessions in advance. Also, this option makes for excellent video content. Your show will receive more interest if you publish a video version with all those sexy guitars hanging in the background. Having a sweet podcasting space to show off is a major flex!
No matter which method you choose, you absolutely have to do this one thing: record in an audio-friendly space. That means the room should be treated with acoustic foam so that it doesn’t sound boomy or echoey. There should be no background noise while you record, because dogs, traffic and family members in the next room make your audio sound super-amateur. But don’t worry. You don’t have to know how to record a podcast from scratch. That’s why we’re here. Contact Saspod with your support question today and get some beginner-friendly help with starting your podcast.
FAQ
A podcast can be recorded from anywhere in the world. Regardless of where your guests are located, remote recording options will allow you to obtain high-quality audio from both sides. However, it’s best for both host and guest to choose a recording location which is acoustically treated to prevent boomy or echoey audio and background noise.
There are two ways to record high-quality podcast audio remotely. The first involves getting a remote recording ‘cloud studio’ software subscription and inviting your guests to accept an invitation to record. Cloud studios like Riverside.fm, Squadcast and Alitu make this possible.
The second method involves ‘double-ender’ recording. That just means that both you and your guest record high-quality audio on your local devices, and the audio files are sent to the editor afterwards to be synchronized and edited.
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