How to Record a Call for Podcasts or Interviews

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

just to throw a non sponsored endorsement of riverside - it’s worth trying (with tyler’s code). the difference between this and a zoom, both immediately and (especially) after tweaking the video and audio, is huge.

[@stalman]

Thanks Phil! Yeah it really is night and day, sounds like both people are in the same room

[@samtayts2869]

@@stalman hello Tyler, I was texted that I am a winner of a camera and a drone, is that correct? Because the account I was texted seems to be not original (it has only 5 subscribers)

[@samtayts2869]

You've asked me to text you to you in telegram and pay for the FedEx delivery of 150$, I asked you to send me your picture showing 3 fingers as proof that that's you, but “you” didn't want to, saying that you are not supposed to prove anything, so I decided to text you here

[@stalman]

Sorry about the Sam, it’s become an extremely common spam format on KZbin and has been causing havoc in the comments. No KZbinr will ever ask you to message over telegram

[@jacobhelbig]

Hi! Correction: Around 7:12 you differentiate between dynamic and "cardioid" mics. Many dynamic mics actually are cardioid. I think what you meant was a condenser microphone, which in almost all cases will be cardioid. "Cardioid" describes the shape of the pickup pattern, which does affect how much of the room you hear, but really the two most important differences between dynamic and condenser microphones are 1) the sensitivity: Condenser mics are much more sensitive, so you need to get closer to a dynamic microphone to get a usable signal, and 2) the typical recording difference. With a dynamic mic, if you're more than a foot away from it, your voice will sound thin and too quiet. The ideal recording distance from a condenser microphone, though, is about a foot. If you get closer, you'll get more low end, and if you get very close, your plosives will distort and you'll get too much sibilance; you might even ruin the diaphragm. A dynamic mic is made to sound good and not break, even if you're just an inch away from it - that's why they pick up way less of the room. Pickup patterns that are tighter than cardioid include super- and hypercardioid, which will pick up even less of the room. You'll only really find these on dynamic mics, large-diaphragm condenser microphones with a variable pickup pattern, or small-diaphragm condensers with interchangeable capsules. Two out of the three mics you recommended did actually have a cardioid polar pattern! Only the Deity is a supercardioid.

[@dcell922]

The other difference is condenser mics need power where as dynamic mics do not. This is a little confusing lately because many of these podcast mics need power anyway for the built in electronics (preamp, headphone amp, USB circuits, etc) and it all gets powered via USB so it doesn’t get mentioned or discussed. Where this WILL matter is when using a mic with an XLR connection to a preamp like the Focusrite mentioned. If using a condenser mic, you would need to turn on the 48v phantom power in the preamp. Dynamic mics won’t need the phantom power.

[@Levi_Allen]

I’m wanting to do a a riverside video as well, their software is really impressive

[@allisonfreed]

The timing of this couldn’t be more perfect. Just about to start a new series next week and was going to try out Riverside. This was super helpful!

[@carlosluna309]

I started using Riverside at the start of the pandemic and they have come a long way! Not only do they have a great service but they have AMAZING customer service. I’ve definitely had some user error problems and they were responsive and recovered all my files. Great company! Love to see them getting some spotlight!

[@thebritishindian1]

I cancelled my subscription when I, and many others, started experiencing sync issues last year. They gave the refund after acknowledging the problem. I wouldn’t trust it again over Zoom, even though the quality of Riverside is great. I just can’t take the risk with guests, whose diaries are so tough to coordinate.

[@ethannorman5446]

Love the content, Tyler! Would love to see a full podcast editing workflow that you mentioned in the video. With some of equipment recommendations you made and getting to experience riverside, an end-to-end with the software would be super helpful! Thanks!

[@gamasierra]

I recently found your channel from mic test video you did and I don't know where you have been all this time, but your content is friggin awesome!

[@ajaxravenel1765]

I definitely need you to make more podcast creator content please! This video was the most helpful one I have watched

[@aisamsonreal]

This was very inpsiring! Can't wait to try out a podcast style video on my channel. Thanks for the quality content

[@samtayts2869]

Hay Stalman, thank you for the video! I’ve been using riverside for a month, and some times it was good, but most of the time my experience was very bad and i lost a lot of time and money to fix the issues. I want to share two cases that happened to me. The first one is when the interview wasn’t recorded on the side of my guest, we were talking for 2 hours and the software showed that everything is recording properly as usual, but when we ended the session, there was no clip from the side of the guest. The customer service is very slow and answers ones in couple days, and they couldn’t help me with the issue, unless sending me a backup in 144p that i cant use for the work. I can not understand, why would you download the app etc, if it doesn’t record the session and it doesn’t even say that there is an issue. The second thing is progressive audio delay. In case you are using the audio tracks of the riverside recording, i often got an issue with a audio delay which progresses during the interview, in my case, the delay in the beginning was 0:03 sec and in the end the delay was 2:36:06 sec. In order to fix it i had to spend an additional 4-5 hours for editing the clip. The whole idea is very good and very handy! But unfortunately, the software is very raw which makes it very unreliable, forcing you to backup the session with an additional in camera recording, but what is the point of the service then.. I do like the idea, it sounds very handy, but at this point, I’ve experienced more of the cons than pros of the survive and lost a lot of money because of it.

[@mrdonsmith]

I think Final Cut Pro X is the BEST! And, I was once a beta tester for Premiere! I especially like the MultiCam in FCPX and I did a number of MC edits for a large tech company. I would have three, sometimes 4 people speaking. One camera on each person, a wide shot, and a roaming camera that would start and stop during the shoot. I asked for unique sound tracks, meaning, every voice was on its own track. I could also use a stereo recording where two people were each occupied only one side. That works too. So, when editing a conversation each person was isolated automatically to reduce room noise. If a speaker talks over the end of another speaker, I just drag the audios to extend over each other just for the moment where both talents were speaking at the same time. One time, I got a two-shot of the presenters with a stereo audio track where each person was isolated to line side of the stereo track. I duplicated the two-shot so that I had two identical angles. Then, on one angle, I would change the stereo track to a dual mono and silence one of the speakers. Do the opposite of the other presenter. Then, just edit! You won't see the change in the video but the audio will switch with the edit to iso the person speaking. If one person speaks over the last few words of the other person, just start the second person earlier by extending his audio. Finally, anyone who has tried FCPX and didn't like it it has always been, in my experience, someone who only tried clicking around to edit like they were on a track-based NLE. Once in a while, when I get one of those people to understand the Magnetic Timeline, the light would go on and they declared that they would never go back to track-based editing.

[@AdamBuker]

TLDR: Use a condenser mic with a cardioid pickup pattern for best results, but most mics can sound decent with a little work. Turn off fans and HVAC systems and other noisemaking devices while recording. @7:23 Did you mean to talk about the microphone pickup pattern (cardioid vs omni-directional) or did you mean to talk about type of microphone (dynamic vs condenser mics)? This could be confusing as a dynamic mic can and often does have a cardioid pick up pattern. Omni will pick up everything around the mic, and you see this type used for room mics and inexpensive lavalier mics (where the mic is so close to the talent that everything else naturally sounds lower by comparison). Cardioid picks up sound from the front and some from side of the mic. Cardioid is just the pick up pattern of the microphone itself. Cardioid mics placed close to the talent work fairly well for podcasting. The Shure Beta 58 ---which is one of the best stage vocal mics ---has a cardioid pick-up pattern and is a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones and condenser microphone differ in how they transform sound into an electrical signal. Dynamic mics are built somewhat like a loudspeaker in reverse where the sound moves a diaphragm connected to a magnetic coil. A condenser mic moves a diaphragm that changes the distance between two capacitor plates. Condensers tend to be more fragile than most dynamics, but can offer superior sound quality. I've gotten pretty decent results even with a cheap condenser mic from Amazon. Dynamic mics are better suited for live events and on-location situations, but in a studio environment I'd go with a condenser every time. Honestly the biggest difference that most people can make is to do what they can to minimize background noise. I turn off fans, HVAC systems, appliances , silence my devices, and record while my family is out of the house or asleep.

[@joshrexford]

such a comprehensive video for what can be a daunting subject - love it man!

[@AntonioDiaz]

Love this! Can you also make a video on how you set up your audio and what audio devices you use??!

[@driziiD]

intricate Riverside ad

[@LoverOfTech]

Videos like this are a gem for me

[@chrisgavin]

Great videos and tips, thanks. I'm just testing this now with Riverside, in advance of recording some remote interviews soon for a corporate video project. The testing is going OK, but I worry that my interviewees might not all have decent equipment. I'm thinking Lav mics (I've used the Rode ones before) might be a good solution. They clip on closer to the mouth (reducing room noise) but also they are tiny and reasonably affordable, so I could mail them out to the interviewees in advance of the recording session. I also don't really want to be seeing enormous desk mics on stands in my recordings, because I'm making more of a documentary video than a podcast style video. i.e. I think it'll be more natural not to see big mics in the shots.

[@loztageditbay]

Great video! One thing. Cardioid refers to the polar pattern of the microphone. Dynamic mics are mostly cardioid or supercardioid (like the one you’re using). I believe you’re talking about condenser microphones which are more sensitive but also come in those said patterns. There are some great condensers out there that are pretty versatile e.g. the Neumann KMS105.

[@dudedavid522]

my theory is most people mix this stuff up because they dont know, but some people do it on porpoise to mess with us.

[@OlafBlomerus]

Great vid, Tyler. Learnt a lot.

[@marceltheory]

This was a really good video and very thorough. Thank you for helping me start my podcast!!!

[@Dulcilady]

Great video. I don’t podcast but enjoy watching how things are done & I pick up ‘equipment’ tips along the way. Good information regarding the cardioid vs condenser mic. Thanks for sharing!

[@BrandonRKH]

Great video. What about using the mic built into the airpods?

[@saarin0tsorry]

Pretty sure you meant “condenser microphone” vs. dynamic. (not “cardioid”) Great video! Lots of fantastic tips!

[@JJ-wv5pi]

WoW, wonderful video 📸!!

[@simonfeilder]

Great video. Big fan of riverside. Would love to see your podcast audio edit workflow yes please 🤓

[@jamiehayes6714]

Fantastic episode! I use Heil PR 40s and Vocaster Two interface. Video via a Sony ZV-E10 with Sigma 16 MM 1.4 lens. My challenge has been audio sync, getting voice and camera to be in sync. The best has been to send the audio from the Vocaster Two camera out into the Sony mic input. If I were using Riverside would there be a better way of achieving camera/mic voice sync? Plus... I have been looking at eCamm Live. Have you done a comparison to explain the differences between eCamm and Riverside? Greetings from Brisbane Australia.

[@CodyNitcher]

Awesome video. I’d definitely be interested in seeing a more in depth podcast editing workflow video!

[@Faisal_priv]

Can't for a podcast editing workflow video. 😊

[@DPT2Go]

Would love to see your editing tutorial for podcasts! 🙌

[@dearolddad4319]

Yooo... I do a podcast and am hesitant about doing remotes. But you're so thorough in your tutorial that I'm definitely gonna start working on perfecting this method. Ive been using cap-cut for video editing but you low key gave Final Cut Pro classes just now too.... Definitely subscribing and gonna start toying with doing remotes!!!!! Thanks for Helprin me add another tool to my podcasting belt...And its incredible how you used final cut and riverside to give some dynamic to the video portion!!!! thanks again... And I'll be back to watch Final Cut Tutorial and probably with questions. Like for starters most of the people I interview will probably be on their phones.... Will riverside clean up their audio for me!?

[@sdguy55]

Been using Riverside for about a year. While it definitely is not the most stable software (I have lost my fair share of recordings or couldn’t record because of technical issues) the quality you get is GREAT when compared to other programs.

[@IAmDavidWhipple]

I recently switched to Riverside from Zoom but am having major audio issues. I'm trying to use headphones, but I can't get my guests audio to go through them. I've chatted with their support and they say that we can't hear our guests audio through our headphones. Is anyone else having this issue? I can hear my own voice through my headphones, but not the guest. That kind of defeats the point of using headphones, right? Or is everyone else just straining to hear the guest on the built in Mac speakers through the headphones on their head? I like Riverside for its video, but this audio situation is kind of a deal breaker. Can somebody please help me out if I'm missing something?

[@SickleCellWith05]

So you’re recording with the camera on your computer right ? And If I’m using my iPhone I can record on my iPhone but the edit and do more I have to use a computer ?

[@YesItsMeToolz]

Hey Tyler! I love love love your content! I have learned so much from you. Your video encouraging people to use their phones to shoot using the app Spark Camera gave me the push to start doing more content so thank you. This video is amazing and I will be going with Riverside to do my podcast but would love to know your thoughts on hosting, promoting, video vs. audio, etc. A how-to start your podcast series would be very helpful.

[@danonsports]

Tyler. Great video. Where did you get your pop filter for Heil PR40?

[@MrKajuKatli]

loved the info , definitely useful

[@krzysztoffolta4823]

This is actually so handy!

[@DaniAlexandria]

Any alternatives that are free but dat have a meeting limit like zoom?

[@SeePlanDoShow]

You just had me make the switch with this! Thank you. Ill be using your link an subbing

[@TCayFF]

What webcam do you use for such good quality?

[@EndrikDesespereert]

Is the free version from Riverside useable?

[@Fahad11-0]

Can i use camera or mobile For this app i don't have a webcam

[@eliananeustadt6423]

Ahhh thank you so much for this!! I love Riverside! Total game changer 🫶🏼

[@TySPAID]

Are you able to host/manage a studio/recording without being on camera? For example setting up a podcast for two other people and editing/publishing yourself

[@stalman]

They also have producer mode, but I haven't used it yet

[@justafewquestions3647]

Good video. Thanks🙂

[@AnaMuriel]

August 2023: I can't decide if I prefer Riverside or Zencastr. Both are good.

[@TheGreyWolf1]

Does anyone know of any company or services where you can get a phone number to use for your listeners to call in to record their comments for your podcast? I’ve tried Google Voice for five days that with my friend who lives in another state and we can’t get the damn thing to work we can’t have it play our outgoing message it keeps defaulting to the female voice, or a beep only

[@sarahomar1348]

There’s a problem that I’m facing.. Now when I’m live in the session I have my camera mirrored but once I get to see the recording I’m inverted as in (left to right) btw I’m using FaceTime HD Camera Plz I need some help

[@mindleadercoach-patrick-gruel]

Many thanks for your video. Riverside is an awesome platform. But i got a massive problem. I cant get in the studio as a host....can´t enter it. I dont know why. As a producer i can´t record the video. If i´ll enter the studio as a host i just got a failure information like this "An error occurred: Database Error Please contact Riverside support Refresh now" WHAT CAN I DO???

[@errevusongs]

Sorry Tyler, but does riverside give the option to record a standard call from mobile? Many times the guest has no skills (especially elder ones not good to use new technologies) and it's easier just to call them and record the podcast in this way.

[@sloanNYC]

It is insane that this isn't just built into computers, especially Macs. Desktop Publishing > Desktop Video Editing > Live Shows (Podcasts/Videos)... a natural progression that Apple has dropped the ball on.

[@86sineadw]

So what happens if the person you’re interviewing doesn’t have a mic? Which they most likely won’t have. Do I post them a microphone? And get them to send it back when they’re done?

[@stalman]

Tell them to use the Voice Memos app in their phone and hold is close to their mouth as if it's a microphone, then have them send you the file after. But I seriously pressure my guests to always have a microphone. If they want to be on a podcast its a courtesy to the audience.

[@melodymelody2197]

Must the guest have the same app rivetside?

[@stalman]

Nope, just a web browser

[@gnosjo]

What is the weird delay on your voice?

[@k.nilsson]

Thanks Stalman! Great episode alot of value. Just bought a Shure MV7 and will start recording soon. Cheers from Sweden

[@Mark-ql5ni]

Do you really only use your MBP Webcam for your podcast?? I'm surprised you're not using a camera...

[@CherryNeticShorts]

Made my mark as 2nd here!

[@gamboagarciamx]

Riverside sound like a great addition to replace zoom, but actually I can't make it to work. Just seconds after the count ends, my guest or co-host disconnects...

[@dealerdude]

What about the guests. Kind of important to know how to address audio since most guests aren't going to have a microphone. 😮

[@BrandonColePhotography]

I dont like the fact that riverside does not provide different layouts DURING the actual podcast. You cant change the views between you and your guest to make it more fun, appealing and keep it interesting. Even when you edit the video, you can only choose ONE layout. You cant change the layout in another other part of the clip for a different layout. That sucks. I even tried splicing the video and changing the layout and NOPE still stuck with the same layout. This is coming from someone who just changed from streamyard because of the high quality but I think im going back to Streamyard 1080 because riverside has way to many restrictions and I hate people are not talking about it or telling people the truth.

[@stratologies]

Never, ever, ever normalise audio. Normalising takes the loudest bit of the whole recording, and usually turns *down* everything else, so the one loud peak is at 'normal' level. So if you have a single loud noise anywhere in the audio, like accidentally hitting the mic with your hand, all speech gets turned down, not up. You already show how to use a Limiter at the end of the video - that's the way to go, because it turns down only the loudest peaks, and brings *up* the average volume - making everything seem louder. Additional hint - use a low cut filter (EQ) to cut out low end - like everything below 60-70Hz - before the Limiter. This removes popping 'p' noises, and similar low sounds, and does not affect speech in any negative way. EQ, Limiter, compressor are available as standard Audio Unit plugins in Final Cut Pro, so one can use what's already available, without spending any additional money...

[@boczemunie]

Jak dla mnie dodać do podstawy programowej z polskiego. Mur beton matura 2025.

[@vitart-info]

didn't work for me. one test - the guest sound was out of synchron, they investigated for 4 days now - no conclusion. I tested again, everything came out in synchron but a piece in the middle. The guest sound just disappeared for a few seconds. On every form of the recording, except the sample of the recording that I can not use. Too "not stable". Besides they record to the guest device and if the talk in like a 30 min interview, you risk to lose everything due to lack of storage at guests side. It is the same as if the guest records himself and then sends you their video via R..fm instead aGoogle drive. Asking every vip guest to clean their phones? sorry, no. besides, it didn't work with android, only iPone. Besides, it is too shady explained how exactly your plan eats your time. Too many disappointing points, although the idea is good and I really wanted to use it, even thought that I found a miracle. But I can not risk each time, sorry.

[@Josh_the_yung_hustla]

I recorded 1hr -30 min video n it never recorded

[@learningideas]

You’re getting mixed up between cardioid and condenser terminology. Might want to fix that as what you’re saying doesn’t make much sense

[@JimineyBob]

2:27 the biggest lie xDDD

[@yatjou6312]

Hello friend, I am Zhou Yiyou. I have been following your KZbin for a long time, and I like your channel very much. I have business to discuss with you..

[@kayliebooth8377]

Hello blogger, I am Kelly, I am very interested in your channel, I want to consult your business cooperation, I look forward to your reply, thank you

[@LuxHumana]

HOLD ON A SECOND. You're not wearing headphones. No cool podcaster I've seen wears headphones nor do their Interview-ees. Howwww, please. Thanks, Me

[@stalman]

Everyone should wear headphones, I just use AirPods

[@ascgazz]

A dynamic mic probably also has a cardioid pattern. Ypu mean “condenser” or “capacitor” mic. 😂 I can’t trust anything you say after that.

[@stalman]

I did mean to say condenser mic

[@ascgazz]

@@stalman430,000 people watch your channel mate, not all of them will be studio engineers and microphone collectors like myself. You owe it to them to be accurate in your language. If you’re going to assume the ego of a teacher, and with such a vast audience, you *must be accurate*. Very disappointing.

[@ascgazz]

@@stalmanthe fact it’s still up and not corrected demonstrates a greater loyalty to your own wallet and viewer numbers than to the information you’re attempting to share. You seem old enough to know better.

[@ascgazz]

Leaving this video up despite knowing knowing it’s wrong, is purposefully misinforming your viewers. I guess in the age of the influencer it’s quantity over quality. Very sad indeed. Here we come: Idiocracy.