Remote Podcasting: How to Record a Podcast Remotely (4 Methods)
- Sam Hajighasem
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Remote podcasting lets you book better guests, save time, and keep production moving without sacrificing quality. The key is choosing the right method for your goals and skill level. In this guide, you’ll learn four reliable ways to record a podcast remotely, from software purpose‑built for podcasters to simple phone call backups. You’ll also get tool recommendations, exact Zoom settings for cleaner audio, and a free preflight checklist so every session runs smoothly.
If your goal is pro‑level results with minimal friction, dedicated remote recording software is hard to beat. But there’s a place for Zoom/Google Meet, double‑enders, and even phone or VoIP calls. I’ve recorded remote interviews across time zones for years. What follows is the streamlined, field‑tested approach to remote podcasting.
Suppose you're exploring how podcasting fits into a wider marketing strategy. In that case, you may also like Podcasting Companies: The Ultimate Content Marketing Strategy for Businesses for a deeper look at how brands turn podcasts into high-ROI content engines.
Remote Podcasting Methods at a Glance
Here’s how the four approaches stack up:
Dedicated remote recording platform for podcasting: Highest quality with the least hassle; records each voice locally for studio‑grade results.
Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet): Familiar and fast; quality depends on the internet and often exports a single mixed track unless you tweak settings.
Double‑ender setup: Studio‑quality control; most manual and time‑intensive in post.
Phone/VoIP recording: Lowest barrier for guests; audio is the most compressed—best as a fallback.
Method 1 — Use a Dedicated Remote Recording Platform for Podcasting
If you want the best balance of quality, reliability, and ease, choose software built specifically for podcasters. These platforms record each participant locally (on their device) and then upload high‑quality files to the cloud. In practice, that means clean, drop‑out‑free WAV audio and crisp video regardless of momentary Wi‑Fi hiccups.
What actually matters:
Local recording vs. cloud‑only: Non‑negotiable. Local capture keeps fidelity intact even on flaky connections.
Separate tracks per participant: Essential for editing out crosstalk and balancing levels.
Audio fidelity: Look for 48 kHz WAV (uncompressed) and at least 256 kbps MP3 for proxies.
Video quality: Minimum 1080p; 4K if you publish to YouTube or repurpose as social clips.
Reliability and recovery: Leading platforms can often help recover glitched files from the backend—an underrated safeguard.
Producer workflow: The ability for a producer to join invisibly (camera off) and manage the session without being on‑screen.
Popular options and quick notes:
Riverside (from ~$15/mo): Local 48 kHz WAV + up to 4K video, separate tracks, in‑browser editor, AI show notes, Magic Clips, live call‑ins, and cloud backups. Occasional minor video framerate quirks have been reported, but it’s a strong all‑rounder.
SquadCast (from ~$12/mo): Local WAV per person (up to 10 participants), transcripts, filler word removal, and captions are great for teams.
Zencastr (from ~$18/mo): Longtime remote recording platform with local tracks and post tools.
Cleanfeed (Free or ~$34+/mo): Browser‑based, strong for high‑quality audio remotes.
Alitu (from ~$38/mo): Focuses on simplicity; recording plus editing/publishing in one place.
Ringr (from ~$7.99/mo): Simple, mobile‑friendly remote audio.
What you’ll need:
Microphone: USB mics like Audio‑Technica ATR2100x‑USB, Samson Q2U, or Shure MV7 are reliable. XLR mics (e.g., RØDE Procaster) need an audio interface.
Closed‑back headphones: Prevent bleed and help you monitor levels. Wired avoids latency.
Pop filter or foam windscreen: Tames plosives.
Camera: Your phone’s rear camera often beats a laptop webcam; mirrorless (Sony ZV‑E10, A7 IV) if you want a polished look.
Basic lighting: Even a $20 LED panel can drastically improve video.
How to record (sample workflow):
1) Create a studio/project, select audio‑only or video, and set your mic/camera/headphones as inputs/outputs.
2) Invite guests via link or email; allow a producer to join to handle tech and timestamps.
3) Do a preflight check: correct mic selected, frame/lighting okay, close background apps, and confirm local recording is on.
4) Hit Record. Capture 5–10 seconds of room tone and a quick sync clap.
5) Stop and let local files finish uploading. Download separate tracks or edit in the browser.
Pros:
Studio‑grade audio/video with minimal tech fuss.
Separate local tracks and built‑in editing speed up the post.
Cloud backups and occasional file recovery.
Producer mode keeps talent focused on the conversation.
Cons:
Paid plans are required for most full‑quality features.
Some guests may need light guidance on mic selection and permissions.
Method 2 — Record with Video Conferencing Tools (Zoom or Google Meet)
Zoom and Google Meet are popular because they’re familiar. They’re good for quick interviews, but quality is constrained by the internet and platform compression. That said, you can coax better results from Zoom with a few setting changes.
Exact Zoom settings for higher fidelity:
Settings > Recording: Enable "Record a separate audio file of each participant." This gives you multi‑track audio.
Settings > Audio: Enable "Original sound for musicians" and turn it on in the meeting. Check "High‑fidelity music mode" and "Stereo audio" if you and your guest use headphones. Set Background Noise Suppression to Low.
In‑meeting tips: Ask guests to wear wired headphones, select the correct mic, and mute system notifications.
Bandwidth tips: If your connection is weak, turn off video or reduce HD to prioritize audio stability.
Google Meet basics:
Recording requires a supported Workspace account. Files save to Google Drive > Meet Recordings.
No true local multi‑track per participant; expect a single mixed track.
How to record (simplified):
Zoom: Choose a save folder (Settings > Recording), start your meeting, click Record, then Stop. Zoom exports local files when you end the call.
Google Meet: Start the call, invite guests, open the menu, select Record, and stop when finished. The recording appears in Drive.
Pros:
Everyone knows the interface; minimal onboarding.
Free or low cost; Zoom’s free tier records up to 40 minutes.
Large participant limits for panels.
Cons:
Internet‑dependent; no true local capture means dropouts can make it into the file.
Compression limits quality; Meet exports a single mixed track.
More cleanup in post compared to dedicated platforms.
Method 3 — Record a Double‑Ender
A double‑ender yields excellent audio by having each person record themselves locally, then sending files to the host for syncing. It’s the closest you’ll get to in‑studio sound—at the cost of more complexity.
What you’ll need:
Each participant: mic, headphones, pop filter, and a local recorder (software like QuickTime, GarageBand, Reaper, Audacity; or hardware like Zoom H1n/H6).
A live comms link (Zoom or Meet) so you can talk in real time.
Post‑production software for syncing and editing (Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, Reaper, Premiere/Resolve if doing video).
How to record (reliable flow):
1) Meet on Zoom/Meet for communication only; everyone wears headphones.
2) Confirm each person’s local recorder is armed, and levels are healthy.
3) Do a 3‑2‑1 sync clap visible on camera and audible on mics.
4) Record. Capture 5–10 seconds of room tone at the end.
5) Save uncompressed WAV files and have guests upload via Drive/Dropbox. Always run a Zoom backup in case someone forgets to hit record.
Video caveat:
Double‑enders shine for audio. For video, manual sync, frame rate mismatches, and camera drift can complicate the edit. It’s doable, just tedious.
Pros:
True studio‑grade audio fully independent of internet issues.
Maximum control in post with isolated tracks.
Cons:
More steps, more chances for mistakes (missed records, file issues).
Large files and slower transfers.
Heavier editing workload and learning curve.
Method 4 — Record Phone or VoIP Calls
When your guest can’t handle software or has limited gear, recording a call is the simplest path. Expect a quality trade‑off—but you’ll get the conversation.
Better than phone lines: use VoIP
Data‑based calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Signal, or Zoom audio‑only) usually sounds cleaner than the traditional phone network. If you can, prefer VoIP.
Two practical approaches:
1) Record on the phone: Use apps like Google Voice or TapeACall. Simple, but you get a single mixed track and the most compression.
2) Use a mixer or interface: Devices like RØDECaster Pro or Zoom H6 let you route the phone’s audio on one channel and your mic on another (clean, separate tracks). Use the right cables: USB‑C to USB‑C for most Android/modern iPhones; Lightning to TRRS or a USB adapter for older iPhones.
Pros:
Maximum accessibility for guests, no software, no learning curve.
With a mixer, you still get separate tracks for easier editing.
Cons:
No video. Not ideal for YouTube or social clips.
Heavily compressed audio on standard phone networks; sounds like a phone call.
Free Remote Podcasting Checklist (Copy/Paste)
Use this preflight on every session:
Room and noise: Choose a quiet, soft‑furnished space. Close windows/AC. Silence phones. Pets out.
Mic and headphones: Position the mic 2–4 inches from the mouth, slightly off‑axis. Use a pop filter. Wear wired headphones.
Gear check: Confirm the correct mic and camera are selected; disable laptop mics. Charge batteries or plug in power.
Internet: Prefer Ethernet. If on Wi‑Fi, sit close to the router. Ask others on the network to pause streaming.
Computer hygiene: Quit heavy apps and auto‑updaters. Toggle Do Not Disturb.
Platform settings: Enable local/separate tracks (where supported). Turn on Zoom Original Sound and separate audio per participant.
Framing and light: Camera at eye level; light your face from the front. Tidy background to match your brand.
Producer workflow: Have a producer join off‑camera to manage tech, time, and chat.
Backups: Record a secondary track (Zoom cloud or hardware). Capture 5–10 seconds of room tone.
Aftercare: Stop recording, verify uploads finished, name files consistently, and back up to cloud + local drive.
Tips and Best Practices for Better Results
Prioritize audio over video: Listeners forgive imperfect visuals, not painful audio.
Use dynamic mics in untreated rooms: They reject more background noise than condensers.
Mic technique: Speak close, steady, and avoid touching the table or cable.
Acoustic control: Rugs, curtains, bookshelves, or a reflection filter help tame echo.
Lighting on a budget: A small LED panel or a north‑facing window works wonders.
Guest pragmatism: Even big shows sometimes record VIPs on Apple EarPods—aim higher, but don’t let perfect be the enemy of shipped.
Prep beats panic: Share a guest checklist, do a five‑minute tech rehearsal, and outline segments and time codes.
AI helps but isn’t magic: Clip‑cutting, auto‑transcripts, and AI show notes save time, but review outputs for accuracy and tone.
Tool Picks, Pricing, and What to Avoid
Best overall remote recording platform for podcasting: Riverside for local 4K/48 kHz, separate tracks, built‑in editor, and producer features.
Strong runner‑up: SquadCast for team features, transcripts, and reliable local audio.
Budget‑friendly: Cleanfeed (free) or Zoom (free up to 40 minutes) if you enable the right settings.
All‑in‑one simplicity: Alitu for record‑edit‑publish in one app.
Avoid Skype for production interviews: It mixes voices into one compressed file (MP4), limiting post‑production and hurting perceived quality on platforms like Spotify.
Remote Podcasting for Teams and B2B Shows
Remote recording isn’t just a workaround; it’s a strategic advantage. You can:
Book global experts without travel costs or scheduling chaos.
Scale production across time zones with a consistent process.
Keep budgets lean while improving guest quality and frequency.
Pro B2B workflows:
Guest Kit method: Ship a USB mic and wired earbuds to VIP guests. Include a one‑page setup card and a prepaid return label.
Producer role: Let a producer join the remote studio off‑camera to wrangle tech, cue segments, and monitor waveforms.
Capture room tone and a sync clap: Makes post much faster.
Format for video: As of May 2023, 22% of the top 250 podcasts published full video episodes. Capture 1080p+ if YouTube is part of your strategy.
FAQs on How to Record a Podcast Remotely
What is the best remote podcast recording software?
Riverside is a top pick because it records each participant locally in 48 kHz WAV and up to 4K video, then uploads clean files to the cloud. You get separate tracks, text‑based editing, AI show notes, and quick social clips. SquadCast is an excellent alternative with strong collaboration features.
How can I record a podcast remotely for free?
Use Zoom’s free plan (up to 40 minutes) and enable separate audio files per participant. Cleanfeed also offers a free tier for high‑quality audio. For best results, wear wired headphones, enable Original Sound in Zoom, and record a backup.
Can you record a podcast with people in different locations?
Yes, several ways. The simplest path is a remote recording platform that captures each voice locally. You can also use Zoom/Meet (with fidelity settings), a double‑ender for studio‑grade audio, or a VoIP/phone call as a last resort.
Is Skype good for podcasting?
Generally no. Skype often mixes voices into a single compressed file, which hurts quality and removes the flexibility you need in editing. Zoom or a podcast‑specific platform is a better choice.
How do I get separate tracks in Zoom?
Go to Settings > Recording and check "Record a separate audio file of each participant." In Settings > Audio, enable Original Sound and High‑fidelity music mode (use headphones). Start your meeting, click Record, and Zoom will export individual audio files after the call.
Conclusion:
Remote podcasting can sound as polished as an in‑studio session when you pick the right method and prep well. For most teams, a dedicated remote recording platform for podcasting delivers the best quality with the least friction. Zoom and Google Meet work in a pinch, especially with the right audio settings, and a double‑ender is your path to true studio‑grade audio if you don’t mind heavier post. Keep a VoIP or phone workflow as a simple fallback.
Use the checklist above, prioritize audio, and standardize your producer workflow. Do that, and remote podcasting becomes not just viable, but a competitive advantage for booking better guests, publishing consistently, and growing your show.
From one-time setup to end-to-end production (editing, clips, and show notes), we help founders and marketing teams publish consistently, book better guests across time zones, and turn remote interviews into results.