Tools to Help Podcast Remotely

One of the biggest things we've learned through the Coronavirus epidemic is that many workers who previously performed their jobs on-site in an office have transitioned to a work-from-home environment. Between virtual desktops and conferencing apps, the workforce has adapted to continue moving forward.

But, it's not just day-to-day operations that have made the jump to the cloud. Many of our clients have adapted remote options for their podcasts in an effort to keep moving their message forward.

When we speak with clients about remote podcast set-up, there is a checklist we go through with them. At the top of that checklist? Have a good microphone. While plenty of people are using onboard microphones in their laptops or AirPods, having a decent external microphone can keep you from sounding like you're podcasting from a tin can. It will also make clean-up for your audio editor a little easier if you can give them a quality audio recording to work with.

Aside from a microphone, we ask clients to wear headphones during the recording. If you're asking yourself why I just told you that AirPods won't work for this, but now I'm telling you to use headphones in addition to a microphone and AirPods would check that box for both, I refer you back to why we're using an external microphone to begin with. It's not about convenience. It's about quality. Speaking of quality, that is why we ask clients to wear headphones. Doing so allows you to check your audio in a live setting. If you sound low on your headphones, there's a good likelihood that you'll be low on your audio recording.

So, what else do you need to take your podcast remote? In addition to the hardware, you'll need some software to connect with your podcast guest or co-host and record.

Podcasters generally have their go-to audio software. As a Mac user, it might be GarageBand. Windows user? Maybe it's Audition or Audacity. Whichever you're using, make sure it has input options to bring in a remote guest through your computer, and that you have it set up accordingly. Then, it's a matter of making a call - either through the web using a client like Skype, or actually through your phone with an audio input option.

As a final word of advice - make sure that when you set up to record that your computer and software are connected through your external microphone so the good audio is what's being picked up and not the room audio from the onboard defaults.

Sidekick Media Services offers a variety of services - from web design, to social media, to audio production, to podcast production, to full-service video production and live streaming. We'd be happy to consult with you about your project!