It’s no surprise that remote recordings have become a necessity in the podcast space for the past few months. Although many shows have been recording their episodes remotely for years, many that are used to in-person or studio set-ups have had to turn to virtual recording studio options in light of social distancing. 

Although at Quill, we miss our studio dearly, we wanted to share some resources that podcasters can use when it comes to recording your series remotely. Below is a list of the top platforms you can use to record remotely, the pros and cons of each, and some other useful information to help you make a final decision on what will work best for your show.

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1. RiversideFM

Price: $7.50 - $24 USD

RiversideFM is the recording software that we use at Quill, we started using it throughout 2020 and have found that there are minimal (if any) audio glitches and all of our clients are incredibly happy with the platform when using it. RiversideFM doesn't have a free version but they do have a free trial where you can test their features for 60 minutes of recording.

Pros:

• RiversideFM uses local recordings so whether you have great internet or bad internet, you won't experience the same type of audio glitches that you may with other remote recording softwares.
• All users can access RiversideFM via their browser, no need for any apps or downloads.
• Only the host/producer needs to have a RiversideFM account, all other guests can access the recording without needing to login to anything (they just add their name when they go to the recording in their browser).
• RiversideFM has a video component as well as a live recording component.
• The platform will automatically upload your audio and video while you're recording so you can feel some sense of safety if your computer ever happened to crash.
• There’s an audiometer for you to monitor while you are recording to make sure you and your guest(s) stay at the right levels. 
• Overall, this program is great for podcasters at all levels.

Cons:

• The price is a little high for some users (but it's also worth it).
• They don't support Android local recordings at this time but hopefully we can expect this will change since they recently came out with an iPhone mobile app.
  

2. Cleanfeed 

Price: $0-$34/month USD 

Although there are many benefits to getting the paid “Pro” version of Cleanfeed, if you’re unsure you can start with the free version and upgrade to paid whenever you wish. 

Pros: 

• The audio and video is clean and clear. As a user, all you need is a mic and your browser - Cleanfeed handles the rest.
• As a podcast host, you’re the only user that needs an account so if you’re inviting guests, simply send them the recording link and they will be good to go whether they use Mac, Windows, Linux or Android.
• If you’re having multiple guests on your recording, Cleanfeed can easily handle it. As the Cleanfeed account owner, you have the ability to choose how to record your guests - you can even separate each voice so they’re all on different tracks. 
• There’s an audiometer for you to monitor while you are recording to make sure you and your guest(s) stay at the right levels. 
• Both desktop and mobile-friendly.
• Overall, it’s a simple program to use. 

Cons: 

• You can’t see other speaker’s audio feeds unless you are the host, which can make it difficult to jump in as a guest. 
• Cleanfeed doesn’t offer dial-in features for recording with your guests. 
• You will need to generate and send separate links to each guest. 
• No video option available. 

3. Zencastr 

Price: $0-$20/month USD

Again, the paid version does have various benefits but if you’d like to start with the free version it’s simple to upgrade to the paid version when you’re ready. Zencastr is also offering some bonuses due to COVID-19 such as unlimited guests and recording time when usually you can only have up to two guests and 8 hours of recording time. 

*Keep in mind that with the free version our team has had some difficulties getting more than 3 people on the recording. 

Pros: 

• You have the ability to separate tracks for each guest on the recording. 
• There’s a soundboard so you can live edit as you are recording your session (i.e. add intros, outros, transitions, etc.). 
• Zencastr offers audio enhancements to single mixed tracks when you’re exporting so less editing is required on your end depending on your show format and level of quality you would like (our team always recommends at least minimal editing to get the highest quality content). 
• There’s a Dropbox and Google Drive integration so your recordings can automatically be uploaded to your accounts. 

Cons: 

• There’s no audiometer during recordings, so you can’t tell if your audio is peaking (peaking is basically the warning signals used to tell the podcaster that their audio levels are too high - it’s usually seen in an audiometer and when it goes in the red that means you’re peaking).  
• The interface isn’t super attractive and easy to use. 
• This program occasionally has an audio drift (when the speakers become misaligned and out of sync during the editing process). 
• Zencastr is not mobile-friendly. 
• There is no dial-in feature offered. 
• No video option available. 

4. Squadcast 

Price: $20-$300/month USD 

There are 3 different plans available with Squadcast, all of which are paid versions that are dependent on the number of hours spent recording per month. However, Squadcast offers a seven day free trial for all plans, so make sure you test out the platform before committing to a particular plan. 

Pros: 

• Podcasters can schedule sessions for future recordings rather than creating/sending recordings as they’re happening (although this option is available too). 
• Video recordings are available if you want both audio and video formats. 
• Options for you and up to three guests to be recorded on separate tracks. 
• Users have libraries where they can access and organize all of their recordings. 
• There’s a “Green Room” for every recording that you book so you and your guests can test their look and sound before entering the session. 
• All audio and video recordings are continuously backed up. With Progressive Uploads, recordings are automatically stored in the cloud, processed, and ready to be downloaded.

Cons: 

• No dial-in feature available. 
• We have noticed that Squadcast can have an echo from you or the guests, which can be frustrating during recordings but they have introduced an Echo Cancellation feature for you to explore. 

5. Cast 

Price: $10-$30/month USD 

Cast has no free versions available but does offer a one-month free trial for you to test out their platform before you decide to commit to a package. 

Pros: 

• Offers recording, editing and publishing services for podcasts, so pretty much an all-in-one solution.
• No logins are required from your guests, simply send them a link to join the session. 
• There is a live text chat and show notes available during the recording for you to add to.
• You have access to audio storage in your cloud for all of your recordings. 
• Cast has its own analytics platform for you to track if you have published your podcast through them. 

Cons: 

• There’s no option available to export your audio files in a lossless WAV format - only MP3 is available (WAV files are uncompressed whereas MP3s are compressed, meaning that WAV files reproduce the recording most accurately without losing any quality). 
• The platform’s interface is fairly confusing to use. 
• You can only edit within Cast, there is not an option to edit in your platform of choice. 
• No video option available.

6. Soundtrap

Price: $9.99-$17.99/month USD

Similar to other platforms, Soundtrap does not offer a free version but has a one-month free trial for you to test out their platform before you decide to purchase one of their four packages. 

Pros: 

• The user interface is clean and easy to use. 
• It offers users a library of music and sound effects for you to use in your recordings.
• Easily download and edit your episode’s transcript.
• Since Soundtrap was created by Spotify, it’s the only platform that allows you to upload both your audio and transcript to Spotify to increase discoverability. 
• Only the podcast host needs an account with Soundtrap, simply share the recording link with your guest - no sign is required. 
• Option to record you and your guests in separate tracks. 
• Both desktop and mobile-friendly. 

Cons: 

• There’s only one guest allowed for remote recordings, so if you are looking to have 3 or more voices on your remote podcast this option will not work for you. 
• There’s no audiometer so you cannot tell if you or your guests are peaking. 
• No video option available. 

What Should You Choose? 

Overall, there’s no top choice for platforms. As a podcaster, you need to choose which remote recording software suits your needs best whether it’s from a monetary or functionality standpoint. Also be open to testing out multiple platforms until you find the one that you enjoy the most, it won’t be the same for everyone! 

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Quill Inc. is your branded podcast marketing and production agency. From working with brands such as RBC, CIBC, TD, Axway, The Globe and Mail, and many more, Quill’s goal is to facilitate connections between brands and trusted resources to better inspire, educate, engage, and of course, entertain audiences everywhere.

If you’re looking for expert help for producing and growing your podcast, let's chat.