The Skype Podcast | Alan Expressions

Posted by Alan on July 19, 2012

My first few experiences recording a Podcast via Skype sucked. I had all sorts of cables, hardware, and other complications that in the end were not required.

Below is my setup for recording sessions over Skype while on the road. It is simple but still keeps the risk for issues as low as can be without having several computers and a super-sexy Internet connection.

1. Use your computer for Skype but nothing else. Shut-down all background applications. If you can arrange a hard-wired Internet connection, use it. Even if your Wifi shows 5 bars I?ve found wired connections to be more robust. If you still have issues, cut the video and perform an audio-only call.
2. Use an external recorder. I use a Zoom H2n paired with either a pop filter or windscreen to cut the noise a bit. It does a great job of being able to record the podcast while also being able to handle the stereo output from a computer (an issue for many recorders, which were only built for line/mono-in).
3. Don?t get overly concerned about how well the remote Skype participants hear you ? Skype does a solid job of setting the gain on your signal to the appropriate level as long as you have a mic in the first place :^).
4. Use a single cable between the recorder and the computer; I use the stereo-out audio jack on the computer connected to the line-in on the recorder.
5. Don?t plug power into your recorder and computer at the same time. I know it is tempting; I think about it every time I connect my devices up. Due to potential noise issues, only connect one device to power if possible.
6. Set your microphone (and beer/drink/bottle of wine) on a towel. This doesn?t sounds amazing in any special way but assists a great deal when the microphone stand shifts around, or you pickup your bottle of JD to take a swig. Yes, you can use a hotel towel, they won?t charge you.
7. Plug your headphones into the recorder ? this will assure that you hear the recorded signal rather than some artificial signal.

That is about it. If you check your microphone levels and assure that the room isn?t complete trash for recording it usually works out pretty well. The biggest tip with online audio recording is to remember that if the audio is not performing up to spec have the person repeat, and if necessary re-connect to the conference. If you can?t achieve?reliable?Internet access all-else?becomes?difficult.

Source: http://noshut.com/2012/07/the-skype-podcast/

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