Podcasting secrets – recording interviews


Podcasting secrets – recording interviews

If you have a show and want to be able to record interviews you need to create an audio file that you can edit on your computer.  Below is what I have been using for my podcasts.  The third, manual option I use when I’m interviewing someone for a written article.  This way I can focus on the person and not have to take detailed notes.

I don’t have and have never had a studio or any professional audio mixing equipment. (I know, it shows!)  Recording interviews is really easy and inexpensive.  Giving a good interview is something that takes a little practice!

  • 1. A free conference call service called http://www.instantconference.com/ I’ve been using it for 4 years.  Client calls a 218 number and you enter a code.  It sends a low qualify mp3 file to your inbox.  Has paid 1-800 option too.

These are the interviews you hear on my show that sound ‘telephone quality’.

Pros: Free.  Extremely portable and reliable.  I can do them from my cell phone while walking the dog.

Cons: Low audio quality compared to ‘real recording’ options.  Noticed it doesn’t work very well with multi-party calls.

  • 2. Pamela for Skype.  This is a small program that lets you record skype calls from your computer. It drops a .wav file into a directory when you are done.

Pros: Excellent audio quality depending on the internet connection and the hardware used.

Cons: Doesn’t work if you have a balky internet connection.  Need to be at a computer.  Costs a little money to buy Pamela.  Skype is an annoying and invasive software product for the casual user.

  • 3. Manual recording with a speaker phone.  I do this to record calls that I don’t need to have a good audio on.  Buy a $40-50 hand-held dictation recorder.  Put your phone on speaker phone mode and put the recorder next to the phone.

Pros: simple, portable, and other person doesn’t need to know they are being recorded.

Cons: Audio quality is horrible. Need a speaker phone.  Have to transfer it to your computer.  Need a quiet place.  Recording people without their knowledge is illegal in many places.

 

Enjoy your interview audio.

Chris,

 


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