Anyone have any recommendations for recording podcast audio when interviewing people?
http://anchor.fm
Anyone have any recommendations for recording podcast audio when interviewing people? So far I have Zencastr and Anchor.fm but sometimes challenging to have to get interview to sign up for the app!
Also, feedback is appreciated: www.pursuitofhabit.com
Zencastr is amazing -- guests don't need an account, you just send them a link. I then use Anchor.fm to publish too all the pod catchers. Zencastr is the best audio quality too since it records locally for everyone and then uploads.
Hey Crowe, I was wandering. I just recoreded my first episode, and zencastr provides two audo files (one for me and one for interviewee) is there a way to merge them in zencastr/anchor? Or do I need to do this in audacity?
I use garageband as my editor. When editing, it is a HUGE benefit to have the audio files on separate tracks (i.e. if a fire truck goes by in one of them so you can mute just that track). I'm not sure if you can combine within anchor, but it may be possible!
Thank you, I think this is the go to option. Do you use the free version of Zencastr?
I'm actually still on the free tier....they allow for a lot of free hours, they could easily charge us for how much we use it lol I think audio quality may be better on the higher tier anyway
Awesome thanks so much! I was under the impression it was by downloads / recordings per month. If it's based on time than I am good to go, any tips on Zencastr would be greatly appreciated!
ps. any feedback you have on the site is greatly appreciated! www.pursuitofhabit.com
I'm just starting to pull people together for a podcast. Great to learn about these services. I like that zencastr does some audio mixing, but I'd need to test the results.
Have you tried recording to quicktime and then using an audio editor? Initial set-up will take longer, but overall the audio quality could be better. And it bypasses the signup issue.
I haven't thanks for the tip! I am trying to find the lowest cost option that will provide good sound quality, really don't mind the extra effort!
Audacity is free. Garage Band is also pretty good for audio editing. Whether or not it's worth it depends on how much you produce. Zencastr free tier is pretty great.
All of that said, I think the biggest challenge in getting good audio is getting your interview subjects to record well. They're not going to have lavs and boom mics handy. I've been thinking of putting together a handout sheet on where/how to record for interviews.
I wonder if Zencastr can record from a phone? Probably can - I actually think that's the easiest way to get good sound. Focused directional mic right near the source.
Thanks for the insight! Are you saying its best to have a double recording ie. I record on Zencastr and then get them to also?
Best,
Logan
I think it's best to keep it simple and run a test. To me, the simplest possible set up seems to be Zencastr and phones. Phones are designed to get decent audio in bad spaces, most mics are not - you need the right room, they need to be positioned properly, you need to control ambient sound and background noise.....
I'm assuming this will be audio only, and you're not doing a video version.
Here's a great video on setting up and recording audio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIJpOcFf5h4
Breaks it all down better than I could. The challenge is if you're interviewing someone. If you bring them in to a controlled space, great. But if not you need another way to go. But again, most radio shows rely on phones, so I'd try that first to see if it's acceptable.
Perfect, would you suggest using my airpods for audio vs. my larger headphones with a mouth piece for voice? This is so awesome thank you neil! I was also planning on using Zencastr via my computer, are you saying it will work on my mobile better?
Also given you're in Vancouver I'd be happy to woodshed the process. I'm a bridge or two away.
Definitely, I just sent you a message on LinkedIn, looking forward to speaking!
If you have headphones and an integrated mic use that. I think that would probably work well (minus pops etc. from natural speaking). Set your mic to directional if you're using an external like a Snowball. Mic choice matters a lot, and that video I posted will help.
For your guests I think phones are the best option if they don't podcast themselves.
I think doing a trial run with a friend would be a great place to start. Set up a fake interview with a friend with you on your laptop/headphones/mic and them on a mobile phone. I'd love to know the result. I'd be happy to help out and be the phone side if you like. I'm trying to figure out the best approach myself, and getting the guest sound is the hardest part.
Hey Neil,
Thanks so much for the valueable feedback! Ive done a few epsiodes now and your advice was great. I recorded via Zenzastr on my laptop and the sound quality was really good.
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