How to Record a Long-Distance Podcast In 2025

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 6 minutes

Recording a podcast with participants in different locations presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can create professional-quality content that rivals in-studio productions. This guide covers everything you need to know about remote podcast recording, from planning and equipment selection to post-production techniques.

Planning Your Remote Podcast

Establishing Your Format and Communication Channels

Before recording begins, clearly define your podcast’s structure. Will you have a single host interviewing guests? Multiple co-hosts? Panel discussions? Your format dictates your technical needs.

Create a shared document outlining episode structure, talking points, and technical requirements for all participants. Use a communication platform separate from your recording software (like a text chat) for sharing links, addressing technical issues, and signaling breaks without disrupting the recording.

Scheduling Across Time Zones

When working with participants in different time zones, use tools like World Time Buddy or Every Time Zone to find suitable recording times. Schedule sessions that respect everyone’s local time—avoid asking participants to record very early in the morning or late at night when possible.

Send calendar invitations that automatically adjust to each participant’s time zone, including links to your recording platform and any preparation materials.

Essential Equipment

Microphones

Quality audio begins with good microphones. For remote podcasting, recommend these options to your participants:

  • USB microphones: Affordable and simple to use, requiring no additional hardware. The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, Blue Yeti, or Rode NT-USB are excellent choices.
  • XLR microphones with audio interfaces: For higher quality, participants can use an XLR microphone like the Shure SM58 connected to an audio interface.
  • Headset microphones: A decent backup option if participants don’t have access to better equipment.

Headphones

Closed-back headphones are essential for all participants to:

  • Prevent audio feedback
  • Monitor their own voice
  • Hear other participants clearly
  • Detect audio issues in real-time

Even basic earbuds are better than using computer speakers, though over-ear headphones like the Sony MDR-7506 or Audio-Technica ATH-M20x provide superior monitoring.

Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for remote recording. Advise participants to:

  • Use a wired ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi when possible
  • Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
  • Ask others on the same network to minimize bandwidth usage during recording
  • Have a backup internet option (like a mobile hotspot) available

Recording Software Options

Double-Ender Recording Platforms

Double-ender recording platforms record each participant locally, then upload and synchronize the files afterward, effectively eliminating internet quality issues.

Top Options:

  1. Riverside.fm : Records separate audio and video tracks locally at up to 48kHz WAV quality. Features include producer mode, automatic backup recordings, and seamless file uploading.
  2. Zencastr: Offers high-quality WAV recording, automatic post-production, and a built-in soundboard. The free tier is suitable for basic needs.
  3. SquadCast: Provides reliable recording with automatic cloud backup and a clean interface focused on audio quality.
  4. Remotely.fm: Designed specifically for podcasters with intuitive controls and effective audio processing.

Video Conferencing Software

While not ideal, standard video conferencing platforms can work for recording:

  • Zoom: Can record separate audio files for each participant (enable this in settings). The quality is compressed but acceptable for casual podcasts.
  • Skype: With the “Record call” feature plus third-party tools like Audio Hijack or Ecamm Call Recorder.
  • Google Meet: Limited recording features but works in a pinch.

Pre-Recording Setup

Environment Preparation

Guide your participants in setting up their recording environment:

  1. Choose a quiet location: A small room with soft furnishings is ideal.
  2. Reduce reflections: Hang blankets on walls or record in a closet filled with clothes if necessary.
  3. Eliminate background noise: Turn off fans, air conditioning, and notifications on all devices.
  4. Consider lighting: For video podcasts, position light sources in front of participants, not behind them.

Technical Checks

Before each recording session:

  1. Run a technical rehearsal: Test the entire setup with all participants at least a day before recording.
  2. Check microphone placement: Position microphones about 4-6 inches from the mouth, slightly off-axis to reduce plosives.
  3. Set proper levels: Aim for recording levels that peak between -12dB and -6dB.
  4. Test recording: Make a short test recording and listen back to verify quality.
  5. Prepare backup options: Have a backup recording method ready (even a smartphone voice recorder app).

During the Recording

Effective Remote Recording Practices

  1. Start with a sync point: Have everyone clap simultaneously or count down to create an audio spike that helps with synchronization during editing.
  2. Record room tone: Capture 30 seconds of silence in each participant’s environment for noise reduction in post-production.
  3. Use visual cues: On video calls, establish hand signals for technical issues to avoid interrupting the flow.
  4. Monitor audio levels: Watch for clipping or significant level changes.
  5. Address technical issues promptly: If quality degrades, pause and fix rather than continue with poor audio.

Communication Techniques

  1. Leave space: Allow slightly longer pauses than in normal conversation to prevent talking over each other.
  2. Use speaker cues: Have speakers identify themselves or use verbal handoffs like “Back to you, Sarah” to guide listeners.
  3. Practice active listening: Use visual nods instead of verbal affirmations (“mm-hmm”) that can disrupt the audio.
  4. Maintain engagement: Keep your energy up despite the lack of physical presence.

Post-Production Workflow

File Collection and Organization

  1. Establish a naming convention: Use consistent file naming (Podcast_EpX_Name_Date.wav).
  2. Create a centralized storage location: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service.
  3. Request backup recordings: Have participants send their local recordings if using double-ender platforms.

Editing and Mixing

  1. Sync audio tracks: Align all recordings using the initial sync point or speech patterns.
  2. Apply noise reduction: Use your DAW’s noise reduction tools with the room tone as a profile.
  3. Normalize levels: Ensure consistent volume across all speakers.
  4. Apply compression: Use light compression to even out volume variations.
  5. Edit for content: Remove false starts, long pauses, and background disruptions.
  6. Add music and transitions: Insert intros, outros, and segment transitions.
  7. Mix to appropriate loudness: Target -16 LUFS for podcasts (-14 LUFS for platforms that normalize to that level).

Advanced Techniques

Remote Recording Enhancements

  1. Remote producer: Designate someone to monitor technical aspects without participating in the conversation.
  2. Real-time collaboration: Use collaborative DAWs like Soundtrap for simultaneous editing.
  3. Virtual mix-minus setup: Configure your audio routing to send everything except a person’s own voice back to them, creating a professional monitoring experience.
  4. Remote recording cart: Create a portable kit that can be shipped to guests for consistent audio quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Internet dropouts: If connectivity issues occur, have participants continue recording locally while attempting to reconnect.
  2. Audio drift: For longer recordings, insert regular sync points to correct timing drift between tracks.
  3. Varying audio quality: Use adaptive processing to match different recording environments.
  4. Echo and reverb: Apply selective EQ and de-reverb plugins to improve room acoustics in post.

Creating a Professional Remote Recording Setup

Equipment Recommendations by Budget

Starter Budget ($100-200)

  • Microphone: Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
  • Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
  • Pop filter: Any basic model
  • Software: Audacity (free) or GarageBand (Mac, free)

Mid-Range Budget ($300-500)

  • Microphone: Rode PodMic or Shure SM58 with audio interface
  • Headphones: Sony MDR-7506
  • Microphone arm: Rode PSA1
  • Acoustic treatment: Basic foam panels
  • Software: Reaper or Adobe Audition

Professional Budget ($500+)

  • Microphone: Shure SM7B with Cloudlifter
  • Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or RodeCaster Pro
  • Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
  • Acoustic treatment: Professional panels and bass traps
  • Software: Logic Pro or Pro Tools

Preparing Guests

Create a “Guest Preparation Guide” including:

  1. Equipment recommendations: What they need and affordable options
  2. Environment setup: How to optimize their recording space
  3. Technical walkthrough: Step-by-step connection instructions
  4. Troubleshooting tips: Common issues and solutions
  5. Etiquette guidelines: Recording best practices

Send this guide well in advance and offer a brief technical check session before the scheduled recording.

The Future of Remote Podcasting

Remote podcasting continues to evolve with emerging technologies like:

  • AI noise suppression: Tools like Krisp and NVIDIA Broadcast that remove background noise in real-time
  • Virtual studios: Platforms creating more immersive remote recording experiences
  • Adaptive bandwidth optimization: Software that adjusts quality based on available internet speed
  • Cloud-based production: Full podcast production workflows moving to browser-based solutions

Conclusion

Recording a long-distance podcast requires careful planning, appropriate equipment, and attention to technical details. By implementing the strategies in this guide, you can create professional-quality remote recordings that engage your audience and showcase your content effectively.

Remember that technical excellence serves your content—focus first on creating valuable discussions, then apply these techniques to ensure your message reaches listeners with the clarity and quality it deserves.

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