Recording your podcast remotely can unlock incredible guest opportunities and keep your production consistent, even if your co-host lives across the country. But many podcasters worry that recording remotely means sacrificing audio quality. The good news? With the right tools and workflow, you can achieve studio-quality audio without being in the same room.

Here’s how to make your remote podcast recordings sound professional.

1. Prioritize Microphone Quality

Your microphone matters more than any editing trick. Encourage all hosts and guests to use:

  • A USB microphone like the Samson Q2U or  Rode Podmic USB for ease of use and good quality.

  • If using a built-in mic is the only option, ask guests to use wired earbuds. The ideas is you want the microphone close to your mouth (about three finger widths). If all they have is a built in microphone, if they aren't an A-List celebrity, I would pass (and give them a link to the microphones mentioned above). Bad audio hurts your brand, and takes more time to edit.

2. Choose the Right Remote Recording Platform

Platforms designed for podcasters can record each participant’s audio locally (on their computer) and then upload high-quality files, avoiding internet glitches in the final audio. Some reliable options include:

  • Riverside.fm – Records up to 4K video and WAV audio locally.

  • SquadCast – Simple interface with local audio and video recording.

  • Boomcaster - Remote recording and livestreaming

  • Cleanfeed– A great option for those not needing video.

If you’re just starting out, even Zoom with local recording and a good mic can work, but specialized tools will give you a cleaner result.

3. Optimize Your Recording Environment

Even with a good mic, a noisy room will hurt your audio. Encourage all participants to:

  • Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise.

  • Use soft furnishings (blankets, curtains, rugs) to reduce echo.

  • Place the mic close to their mouth (about a fist away) and speak directly into it.

  • Put pets into another room

  • Silence your phone, and close all programs on your computer except your browser

See for yourself why podcasters are switching to Podpage today

Preview your website for free Book a Demo →

4. Test and Monitor Audio Before You Hit Record

Run a quick test recording to check:

  • Mic levels (not peaking into the red).

  • Background noise (fans, air conditioners, pets).

  • Internet stability (even if you’re using local recording, a stable connection reduces dropped video and sync issues).

  • Have the guest tap your microphone to ensure the software is picking up the right microphone.

5. Backup Your Recording

Technology can fail. Always:

  • Record a backup using another tool (for example, recording your own local track in Audacity or using your phone’s voice recorder in airplane mode).

  • Enable cloud backups on your platform when possible.

6. Edit for Polish, Not Perfection

Post-production can clean up minor issues:

  • Use noise reduction to remove hum or hiss. Accentize has great tools.

  • Cut out long pauses and filler words for tighter pacing.

  • Match volume levels across tracks for a consistent sound.

But remember: good recording habits reduce the need for heavy editing. Be careful when removing silences and filler words. You want people to sound human, and humans breathe and occasionally say “um.” My rule is if the “um” is alone by itself, remove it. It is runs into another word, it stays.

Long pauses can also show that the guest is thinking. The goal should be to make yourself and your guest sound professional, smart, and confident. You want to remove anything (like tangents) that don’t delver value to your audience.

Practice Before You Have A Real Guest

While all of these tools are easy to use, you still don’t want to do an interview without testing it out. Have a friend of family member play the roll of the guest and do a test recording. Do this enough to where you feel confident with your tools.

Interviews can make you anxious, and one thing you don’t want making your nervous is the understanding of your tools.

 

Why Audio Quality Matters for Your Podcast Website

When listeners visit your Podpage website, they’re often deciding whether to press play. Clear, professional audio builds trust and keeps people listening, increasing your chances of turning visitors into subscribers and loyal fans.

For those that do video shows, you often feel lighting is the most important and it’s not. People will watch a slightly dark video with great audio before they will watch a well lit set with bad audio.

Final Thoughts

Remote podcasting doesn’t have to sound like a scratchy phone call. With a good mic, a quiet environment, and the right recording platform, your podcast can sound professional wherever you or your guests are located.

And once your audio sounds great, your Podpage website will showcase your episodes beautifully, making it easy for visitors to listen, subscribe, and share.

 

Advice