Thank you so much for taking the time to join me on the Gem Sessions Podcast. I appreciate your time and can’t wait to make this an amazing episode.
Rather than Zoom, Skype or Google Meet, we use Riverside.fm as our recording studio. Here are some best practices to get the best recording and guest experience possible.
The Big 3
You’ve probably heard about or even experienced podcast nightmares. There are so many variables that go into a successful recording, but as long as we stick to these 3 things, everything else should be smooth!
If at all possible, please use an external microphone when recording. The built-in microphone on your device will work fine, however an external microphone delivers unmatched quality when using Riverside.fm.
Please wear headphones during our recording. This helps eliminate any potential echoing, feedback or sound quality issues.
You must use Google Chrome on a Mac or PC when recording unless you plan to use the Riverside app for iOS or Android.
The Studio
Please use this link to access our recording studio. When you enter, you will have the option to add your name and select which microphone, camera source and playback sources you’d like to use. The system may default to your built-in sources if it’s your first time using Riverside, so make sure you select your external sources if you’re using them. Here’s what your studio will look like.
Recording Devices
Riverside.fm allows guests to use a Mac, PC, iOS or Android devices. My recommendation would be to use whatever device is going to give you the best audio and video quality.
If you have a high-quality camera, you can connect that to your Mac/PC via USB or HDMI and select that as your video source.
If you have a high-quality microphone, you can connect that to your Mac/PC via USB and select that as your audio source.
If you want to use a smartphone or tablet, you can download the Riverside app here. With this set-up, I’d recommend a tripod and shooting in landscape mode.
And, of course, your built-in mic and camera on a laptop will work just fine as well, but may not deliver the same quality as the other options listed above.
10 Helpful Tips for Recording
Use an external microphone (and/or camera) if possible.
Wear headphones to eliminate feedback and echoing.
Use Google Chrome on a Mac or PC, or the Riverside app.
Turn off all notifications & close all other background apps/programs.
Disconnect other devices from your WiFi source.
Find a quiet room with good lighting. Avoid outdoors.
Make sure your device(s) are fully charged, or have a charger.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early to test your recording setup.
Elevate your camera to eye level, especially on a laptop.
After the recording, stay in the studio for 3-5 minutes for faster uploading.