remote interview instructions and tips
from your podcast engineer
INTERNET
Do a speed test of your internet service.
UPLOAD speed should be greater than 5 mb per second (download speed is of less consequence).
If it does not meet these specs, let us know and we will work out alternatives.
We’ll send you a link for the recording: Please use CHROME browser.
VIDEO
While the podcast will be broadcast as audio only, we like video contact while recording, in order to help us monitor. Be mindful of your lighting and background, avoiding shadows on your face or bright lights behind you.
AUDIO
Whatever recording system you use, the biggest sound problems with most home recordings come from the environment where the recording is made.
Choose a medium sized quiet room that has few reflective surfaces. Bare walls or a room with a lot of glass windows are bad - rooms with a lot of curtains, carpets, couches or irregular surfaces like bookshelves are good.
Room size does matter. A closet won't sound very good and neither will a gymnasium.
A good seal on doors and windows is important.
Eliminate noise sources. Close the windows. Turn off the A/C, space heaters, fans, appliances… Turn off your cell phone.
Other background noises to avoid include refrigerators, tv or radio, aquariums, computers with fans, babies, barking dogs...
If you can, test your setup. Record a 15 second video of silence using the setup you will use for the podcast. Do this in the space you're using and then listen back to it on headphones. You'll be amazed to hear how much noise you ignore on a regular basis.
Next record a sample of your voice and then listen back to that. Make sure that you sound clear and intelligible.