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How to Record a Remote Podcast Guest

Beginner · ~45 min

Overview

Recording a remote guest with studio-quality audio is easier than you think once you understand the core problem: video call apps like Zoom and Teams compress audio aggressively for bandwidth. The solution is to record each person locally and combine the files in post.

What You Need

  • A microphone for yourself (USB or XLR)
  • A recording app — Audacity, GarageBand, or a dedicated tool like Riverside.fm
  • A video call app for the conversation (Zoom, Meet, etc.)
  • A DAW or editor for mixing the two tracks together

Steps

1

Understand why Zoom audio sounds bad

Zoom and Google Meet apply variable bitrate compression, noise suppression, and automatic gain control — all designed for intelligibility, not quality. The result is pumping, artefacts, and processing smear. Recording the Zoom call directly will always sound like a Zoom call.

2

Choose your recording method

Double-ender (free): Both host and guest record themselves locally and share the files after. Dedicated platform (paid): Tools like Riverside.fm record each person at full quality locally in the browser, then upload post-session. Use the double-ender for budget setups, a dedicated platform for consistent professional results.

3

Set up the double-ender

You run Zoom for the conversation while also recording in Audacity separately. Your guest does the same — they record their own voice locally while on the call. After the session, your guest sends you their audio file. You now have two clean, uncompressed tracks.

4

Brief your guest before the session

Most guests have never recorded themselves before. Send a simple pre-session checklist: record in a quiet room, use headphones during the call (prevents bleed), press record before joining the call, clap once at the start so you have a sync point. Keep it to five bullet points — long briefs don't get read.

5

Sync the audio tracks in post

Import both tracks into your DAW as separate lanes. Use the clap you recorded at the start: zoom in on both waveforms and drag them until the clap transients align. From that point they'll stay in sync for the whole interview. Delete the pre-clap sections.

6

Mix and export

Process each track independently — EQ, compress, and noise-reduce them separately before setting final levels. Export as a stereo mix or combine to mono for podcast delivery. Aim for −16 LUFS on the final export.

Pro Tips

  • Tell guests to turn off their phone and close all browser tabs — notifications are the most common recording-ruiners.
  • If your guest doesn't have a microphone, ask them to use AirPods with the mic rather than their laptop's built-in microphone.
  • Always record a Zoom backup even when using a dedicated platform — it's your safety net if local recording fails.
  • Use our Remote Recording Apps guide to compare platforms like Riverside.fm, Squadcast, and Zencastr.