Podcast Recording
For this recording, you’re going to connect to an online recording platform called SquadCast, which will record both video and audio. Please reference the following to make sure you’re all set for a great recording!
1. Connecting
The starting point for a successful remote podcast recording is to have a good internet connection. Fibre / ADSL are generally the best options, and you should be positioned as close to your wi-fi router as possible. Wi-fi will do the job nicely, but for added peace of mind, you can connect directly to your router via Ethernet, if possible. As for which browser is best, the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Brave, & Edge all support SquadCast.
2. Audio
Ideally, you should position yourself in an area that’s as free from outside noise as possible, and at the same time has a decent amount of soft furnishings. This helps with sound absorption and will help the recording sound less echoey. To be clear, we’d rather you’re in a lounge with a little bit of background noise than in your quiet bathroom!
If you have a USB microphone, please use it rather than your computer’s mic. Be aware that you may need to adjust some settings on Riverside to ensure it’s working correctly. More on that shortly.
We encourage the use of headphones / ear buds, but they are not essential. More on this shortly!
3. Notification
You will receive a SquadCast link via e-mail beforehand, which will confirm the date and time. When you’re ready to connect to the recording, click the “Join the Session” button in the email.
The SquadCast Platform
The SquadCast link will take you into the Green Room – don’t worry, we’re not live yet! This is the page on which you can add your name and select your camera and microphone. If you choose not to wear headphones, please switch Echo Cancellation on.
Please be aware that you may need to grant SquadCast permission to access your camera and microphone, which in turn may require a restart of the browser. Once you’re satisfied with your settings, click “Join Session”.
Once inside the recording, you will see yourself and the other participants. A few useful tools here:
The gear icon (bottom left) will open a pane that allows you to change settings like mic and camera, should you need to.
The speech bubble icon (bottom right) will open a pane that allows you to message people within the chat – this may come in handy if you experience any technical issues.
A producer will be monitoring the recording, and may interject to ask for statements to be repeated or clarified, or to alert the participants of any technical issues.
Please do not disconnect until you’ve been given the ok by the producer – disconnecting early may compromise your recording. This progress window will keep you informed of your upload.
A final word: we understand that recordings can be a daunting experience! A few things to keep in mind for your session:
- Most importantly, it’s not live! If you make a mistake, want to rephrase a statement, or check a fact before answering, you’re free to pause and start again.
- It’s not an interrogation, it’s a conversation. The aim of the recording is to discover more about your particular story or field of expertise.
- If anything in this guide is unclear, or if you have further questions, please feel free to email us.
get in touch
Whether it’s just an idea within the brand team, or an existing series, we would love to work with you to ensure your podcast delivers results.
Please schedule a time to find out how we can assist.