How to Record a Podcast Remotely (High Quality Guide)

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Recording a podcast with a remote guest doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice audio quality. If you have ever listened to a show where the guest sounds “robotic” or “underwater,” it’s likely because they were recording over a standard connection like Skype or Zoom.

The video above demonstrates how to solve this using StreamYard, my preferred remote podcasting software. It uses a technique called “local recording.”

Why local recording matters: Instead of recording the audio after it travels over the internet (where it gets compressed), software like StreamYard records the audio directly on your guest’s computer. It then automatically uploads the high-quality file to the cloud. This means even if your internet glitches during the call, your final recording sounds like you were in the same room.

It makes it insanely simple to record at the highest quality. Plus, because it automatically hands the files to the host, there’s no waiting for the remote person to process or upload the files — if you’ve ever chased someone for files, then you know what I mean! Check it out here.

1. What You Need Before Recording Remotely

Before you invite a guest, ensure you have the hardware basics covered to prevent common issues like echo and audio drift.

• Stable Internet Connection — A wired ethernet connection is best for stability, but strong Wi-Fi works if you are close to the router.
• Headphones for Everyone — Mandatory. If your guest doesn’t wear headphones, their microphone will pick up your voice coming out of their speakers, creating a nasty echo that is hard to fix.
• External Microphones — USB mics like the ATR2100x or XLR setups sound significantly better than laptop built-in mics. Explore mic options here.
• Quiet Recording Space — Avoid kitchens or tiled rooms. Carpeted rooms with soft surfaces (like a bedroom or closet) are ideal for dampening sound.

Want an all-in-one setup? Check out podcast equipment bundles.

2. Best Remote Podcast Recording Software (2025 Comparison)

When choosing software, look for “Double-Ender” tools that support:

• Local recording: Records to each participant’s device independently.
• Separate audio tracks: Essential for editing; allows you to cut a guest’s cough without deleting your own question.
• Ease of guest access: No complex downloads or accounts for them to manage.

Here’s a quick comparison of the top players:

Need help choosing? See this full comparison guide.

Best All-in-One Choice: StreamYard

3. Setting Up Your Remote Recording Session

Here’s how to prep for a clean, hiccup-free session:

• Do a “Tech Check” 5 minutes early — Check internet speed, latency, and ensure the correct microphone is selected in the settings (browsers often default to the webcam mic!).
• Control the Environment — Turn off noisy appliances, fans, and silence phone notifications.
• Record Backups — Tech fails. Have each person record their own audio locally using QuickTime or Voice Memos as a “just in case” safety net.
• Monitor Audio — Watch the wav forms on screen. If you see a flat line, stop and fix it immediately.

Learn more about mic positioning and gain control.

4. Audio Best Practices for Remote Guests

Your guest likely isn’t an audio engineer. Send them these quick tips:

• Mic Technique: “Stay close to the mic—about one fist width (3–6 inches) away.”
• Plosives: “Angle the microphone slightly to the side of your mouth to avoid popping sounds on P’s and B’s.”
• Headphones: “Please wear wired headphones. Bluetooth headsets often lower the audio quality to save battery.”

If you hear echo during the call, here’s how to fix it.

5. Editing & Post-Production Tips

Remote files can sometimes drift out of sync or have different volume levels. Here is how to polish them:

• Loudness Normalization: Use tools like Auphonic to ensure both you and your guest are at the same volume (usually -16 LUFS for stereo).
• Drift Correction: If your guest’s audio slowly de-syncs from yours, you may need to stretch/shrink the track slightly in your editor. Dedicated software like Riverside/StreamYard handles this automatically.
• Silence Removal: Remove awkward pauses or lag caused by internet latency. Here’s how.

Want software picks? Check out this roundup.

6. Going Beyond Audio: Video Podcasting Tips

If you’re also recording video for YouTube or Spotify:

• Camera: Use a quality webcam or DSLR (see our picks).
• Lighting: Face a window or use a soft light. Never have a bright window behind you, or you will look like a silhouette.
• Eye Contact: Look at the camera lens, not at the screen, to simulate eye contact with the viewer.

Final Checklist Before You Hit Record

Make sure every episode starts strong:

• ✅ All participants have headphones plugged in
• ✅ Correct microphone input selected in settings
• ✅ Notifications/Do Not Disturb turned on
• ✅ Backup recorders are running
• ✅ Water is nearby (no dry throats!)

Conclusion

Remote podcasting doesn’t need to sound remote. With the right software, solid prep, and a few pro tips, you can record studio-quality shows from anywhere.

Recommended next steps:

• Try StreamYard or Riverside.fm for pro-level results. If you’re curious about StreamYard’s pricing click here.
• Browse the full Podcast Equipment Guide to level up your setup.

FAQs

Can I record a podcast remotely for free?

Yes! Free options like Zoom or QuickTime exist, but audio quality is often compressed and tracks are mixed together. For professional results, a dedicated tool is recommended.

How do I record remote guests with separate tracks?

Use StreamYard, Riverside, Zencastr, or SquadCast. These platforms record each person’s audio independently, allowing for cleaner editing.

What if my guest has bad internet?

Choose a tool that supports local recording (like StreamYard). The recording happens on their computer, so even if the internet drops, the file remains high quality.

What’s the best mic for remote podcasting?

A dynamic USB mic like the ATR2100x or the Shure MV7 is a solid starting point because they reject background noise better than condenser mics.