If you are planning to create a podcast, capturing good quality audio from interviews and conversations is a key skill. These instructions outline two possibilities: 1) in-person interviews and 2) interviews conducted online

In-person interviews

Start by getting the best environment you can. Look for a quiet place. Check that there are no loud items (fans, clocks, squeaky chairs etc.).

Decide what device you will use to capture sound:

• A laptop with a USB microphone will have good quality (MRC microphone check out)
• An mp3 recorder will also have good quality (MRC recorder check out)
• A laptop with built-in microphone should also work well
• A phone with a voice recording app will also usually work well

Decide which application you will use to record. For laptops, Audacity or Adobe Audition are good choices. The voice memos or a voice recording app will work on a phone.

Test the process ahead of time to make sure all is working.

Check that devices are plugged in and have ample batteries and storage

Before starting, check that all speakers are well positioned for the microphone–not too far away, not so close as to capture breathing and pops, etc.

When you conduct your interview:

• Make sure to tell the participant that the session is being recorded and how the materials might be used
• Try to leave audio space for the interview subject to speak. Limit interruptions and audio gestures (Mmhmms, Ahas, I agree, etc.)
• Follow your plans and interview questions, but also allow responses to develop organically

When finished:

• Check that audio has been successfully captured
• Move any materials off of phones or mp3 devices to your laptop or a cloud folder
• Organize the files and folders; consider using the date and speaker name

Online interviews

For online recording sessions, follow the advice for starting with a good, quiet ambient environment and getting the best microphone and sound recording you can.

Two methods allow you to interview online and record at the same time: 1) Zencastr captures higher quality audio, and 2) Zoom is easy to use and can record the audio from a session.

Zencastr connects people online and captures all of their audio separately, making it ideal for online recording of interviews. If you are not recording a group of more than four people, you can use the free version.

• Go to https://zencastr.com/ and sign up for a free account, then verify your account and login
• Create a new episode; include video to make the interview subjects show up on screen; allow Zencastr to use your camera and microphone
• Use the Invite button to invite others to the session. You can send individual invites, or share a link with others
• Once everyone has joined the session, use the Record button to capture the audio
• When finished, Stop the recording
• At the bottom of the screen, you should find options to download MP3 or WAV files for everyone who participated in the session.

You can use Zoom to record audio.

• Create a Zoom meeting and invite others to join the session
• When ready, select the Record button, and choose Record to this computer
• Conduct your session, and then stop the recording
• When ready, End you Zoom session
• Zoom will create and audio and a video file in a folder on your computer
• Use the audio file for your podcast projects

The options above should allow you to capture good quality audio either in-person or remote. You can also explore the guide created by the Media Resource Center.