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,