Remote Interview

Why This Matters: Internet-based audio suffers from compression artifacts, dropouts, and quality degradation. By recording locally at each location, you capture broadcast-quality audio regardless of connection quality. Platforms like Riverside, Zencastr, and SquadCast automate this process while maintaining professional standards.

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

What This Skill Does

1. Selects optimal recording approach - Platform vs. manual double-ender
2. Prepares guest technical setup - Equipment, environment, troubleshooting
3. Manages recording workflow - Pre-checks, backup systems, session flow
4. Ensures quality capture - Audio levels, monitoring, issue prevention
5. Handles post-production sync - Aligning tracks, editing, export

How to Use

Plan Remote Interview Setup

Help me set up remote interview recording.
Interview type: [podcast/media/research]
Guest technical level: [savvy/average/low]
Quality requirements: [broadcast/professional/good enough]
Budget: [range]

Prepare Guest Instructions

Create guest preparation guide for remote interview.
Platform: [Riverside/Zencastr/SquadCast/manual]
Recording date: [date/time]
Expected duration: [minutes]
Guest equipment: [known setup or unknown]

Troubleshoot Recording Issues

Help diagnose/fix this remote recording issue:
Problem: [describe issue]
Platform: [which platform]
Guest setup: [what we know]

Instructions

When setting up remote interviews, follow this methodology:

Step 1: Choose Recording Approach

Select the right method based on needs and constraints.

## Recording Approach Decision

### Option 1: Dedicated Platform (Recommended)

Best for: Regular podcasters, non-technical guests, convenience

**Platform Comparison (2026)**:

| Feature | Riverside | Zencastr | SquadCast |
|---------|-----------|----------|-----------|
| Video Quality | 4K | 4K (paid) | 1080p |
| Audio Format | Lossless WAV | High-quality | High-quality |
| Local Recording | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Max Participants | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| Livestreaming | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| AI Editing | ✅ | ✅ (ZenAI) | Via Descript |
| Hosting | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free Tier | 2 hrs/mo | Trial only | 1 hr/mo |
| Best For | Quality-first | All-in-one | Descript users |

**Recommendation by use case**:
- Podcast + Livestream → Riverside
- Podcast + Distribution → Zencastr
- Already use Descript → SquadCast
- Budget-conscious → Zencastr trial or Riverside free

### Option 2: Manual Double-Ender

Best for: Maximum quality, technical guests, existing equipment

**Setup**:
- Host: Records on DAW (Logic, Audition, Audacity)
- Guest: Records on Voice Memos, Audacity, or phone app
- Sync: Manual alignment using clap or verbal cue
- Communication: Zoom/Meet for video only (audio muted)

**When to use**:
- Guest has professional setup already
- Maximum control over quality needed
- Platform doesn't support your use case
- Free/budget priority

### Option 3: Backup Recording (Zoom)

Best for: Casual interviews, fallback capture

**Limitations**:
- Compressed audio (not broadcast quality)
- Single-track or limited multitrack
- Connection-dependent quality

**When acceptable**:
- Informal interviews
- Backup alongside primary recording
- Guest absolutely cannot use dedicated platform

Step 2: Equipment Hierarchy

Recommend appropriate equipment for guest's situation.

## Equipment Recommendations

### Tier 1: Professional (Best Quality)
- **Microphone**: XLR mic (Shure SM7B, RE20, AT4040)
- **Interface**: Focusrite Scarlett, Apollo, RodeCaster
- **Headphones**: Closed-back monitoring (Sony MDR-7506)
- **Environment**: Treated room or vocal booth
- **Result**: Broadcast quality, professional sound

### Tier 2: Prosumer (Excellent Quality)
- **Microphone**: USB mic (Rode NT-USB, Blue Yeti, AT2020 USB)
- **Headphones**: Any closed-back or good earbuds
- **Environment**: Quiet room, soft furnishings
- **Result**: Professional enough for most podcasts

### Tier 3: Minimum Viable (Good Quality)
- **Microphone**: Lavalier/clip-on mic ($25-50)
- **Headphones**: AirPods or standard earbuds
- **Environment**: Quietest room available
- **Result**: Clearly better than laptop mic

### Tier 4: Emergency (Acceptable)
- **Microphone**: Smartphone (Voice Memos, close to mouth)
- **Headphones**: Wired earbuds with inline mic
- **Environment**: Closet full of clothes (seriously)
- **Result**: Salvageable, may need heavy processing

### Tier 5: Avoid
- **Laptop mic**: Distant, echoey, picks up typing/fans
- **AirPods mic**: Inconsistent, compression artifacts
- **Speakerphone**: Echo, room noise, unusable

### Equipment Quick Guide for Guests

"For the best audio quality, here's the hierarchy:
1. Best: USB microphone (Rode, Blue Yeti, AT2020)
2. Great: Wired headset/earbuds with mic
3. Good: AirPods/wireless earbuds
4. Last resort: Phone close to face

Please avoid using your laptop's built-in microphone if possible."

Step 3: Environment Preparation

Guide guests to optimize their recording space.

## Environment Checklist

### For Guests (Send Before Interview)

**Room Selection**:
□ Choose smallest room with soft furnishings
□ Bedroom or closet > living room or kitchen
□ Avoid rooms with hard surfaces (tile, glass, concrete)
□ No background noise sources (AC, appliances, traffic)

**Sound Treatment**:
□ Close all windows and doors
□ Add soft materials (blankets, pillows) if room echoes
□ Position away from walls (not in corner)
□ Test for echo: clap hands, listen for reverb

**Technical Setup**:
□ Use wired internet if possible (Ethernet > WiFi)
□ Close all other applications
□ Disable notifications (phone on silent, computer DND)
□ Charge devices or plug in
□ Restart computer before session

**During Recording**:
□ Keep phone on airplane mode
□ Don't touch desk/table (transmitted as rumble)
□ Mute when not speaking (if platform supports)
□ Keep water nearby but pour quietly

### Common Issues to Prevent

| Problem | Cause | Prevention |
|---------|-------|------------|
| Echo | Hard surfaces | Add soft materials |
| Background noise | AC, fans, traffic | Turn off, close windows |
| Rumble | Desk vibration | Mic on boom arm or separate stand |
| Plosives | "P" and "B" sounds | Pop filter or angle mic |
| Mouth noise | Dry mouth | Water, green apple before |
| Interruptions | Family, pets | Lock door, schedule quiet time |

Step 4: Pre-Session Checklist

Steps before hitting record.

## Pre-Recording Checklist

### 30 Minutes Before

**Host**:
□ Test platform is working
□ Create/test room link
□ Check your audio levels
□ Prepare backup recording (Zoom, phone)
□ Review questions and flow
□ Set up notes/questions visible

**Guest Communication**:
□ Send join link with instructions
□ Remind: "Please use Chrome browser"
□ Remind: "Use headphones if possible"
□ Remind: "Choose quiet location"
□ Share expected duration

### 10 Minutes Before

**Tech Check with Guest**:
□ Test audio—ask them to speak, check waveform
□ Test video (if applicable)
□ Confirm they hear you clearly
□ Check for background noise
□ Verify recording is actually capturing

### Start of Session

**Sync Protocol** (for double-ender):
1. Both start recording
2. Host: "3, 2, 1, clap" (or snap)
3. Both clap simultaneously
4. This creates sync point for post-production

**Level Check**:
□ Ask guest to speak at normal volume
□ Verify levels not peaking (aim for -12 to -6 dB)
□ Adjust if needed

**Backup Confirmation**:
□ Verify primary recording running
□ Start backup recording (Zoom, phone)
□ Announce: "Recording has started"

Step 5: During Recording

Manage the session for optimal capture.

## Recording Session Management

### Monitor Throughout

**Watch For**:
- Audio levels (not too hot, not too quiet)
- Connection warnings from platform
- Background noise appearing
- Guest technical issues

**If Issues Occur**:
- Brief technical problems: Continue, can edit later
- Major issues: Pause, troubleshoot, resume
- Unrecoverable: Stop, reschedule affected portion

### Interviewer Best Practices

**For Clean Edit**:
- Don't talk over guest (wait for them to finish)
- Use non-verbal acknowledgment (nod, smile) instead of "mm-hmm"
- If you must react verbally, do it after they complete thought
- Re-ask questions cleanly if needed for edit

**For Backup Safety**:
- At natural breaks: "Let's pause for a moment"
- Check platform shows recording active
- Confirm backup still running

### Common Mid-Session Fixes

| Issue | Quick Fix |
|-------|-----------|
| Echo appearing | Guest: mute when not speaking |
| Noise introduced | Identify source, eliminate or pause |
| Connection dropping | Both continue recording, sync later |
| Levels changed | Stop, reset levels, note timestamp |

Step 6: Post-Recording Workflow

Handle files after session ends.

## Post-Recording Process

### Immediately After

**Platform Recording**:
1. Confirm recording saved/processing
2. Download all tracks (WAV preferred)
3. Verify files play correctly
4. Back up to cloud storage

**Manual Double-Ender**:
1. Collect guest's recording (file share)
2. Import both tracks to DAW
3. Find sync point (clap)
4. Align tracks precisely

### File Management

**Naming Convention**:

[Date][Guest][Topic]_[Track].wav

Examples: 2026-01-26_JohnSmith_AIMarketing_Host.wav 2026-01-26_JohnSmith_AIMarketing_Guest.wav 2026-01-26_JohnSmith_AIMarketing_Backup.wav

**Storage Structure**:

interviews/ ├── raw/ │ ├── 2026-01-26_JohnSmith/ │ │ ├── host.wav │ │ ├── guest.wav │ │ └── backup.wav ├── edited/ │ └── 2026-01-26_JohnSmith_final.wav └── published/ └── episode-45_john-smith.mp3

### Quality Check

□ All tracks recorded completely
□ Audio is clear, no major issues
□ Sync point exists (clap/verbal)
□ No missing sections
□ Backup is usable if needed

Examples

Example 1: Podcast Guest Setup

Context: Regular podcast needs to onboard non-technical guest.

Input:

Set up remote interview recording. Guest is a marketing executive, not technical. We need professional quality for weekly podcast. Using Riverside.

Output:

Guest Onboarding: Riverside Setup

Pre-Interview Email (Send 3 Days Before)

Subject: Quick setup for our interview on [Date]

Hi [Guest],

Looking forward to our conversation on [topic]! Here's everything you need for a smooth recording.

Recording Link: [Riverside room link]

When: [Date, Time, Timezone]

Duration: Approximately [X] minutes

Simple Setup for Best Audio:

1. Browser: Please use Chrome (works best with our platform)
2. Headphones: Any earbuds work—this prevents echo
3. Location: Quiet room with soft furnishings (bedroom works great)
4. Internet: Wired connection if available, strong WiFi otherwise

5 Minutes Before:

• Click the link, allow camera/microphone permissions
• I'll be there to do a quick tech check

No software to install—it all works in your browser.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Day-Of Checklist (Host)

30 min before: □ Open Riverside, test your setup □ Verify recording settings (WAV, separate tracks) □ Prepare Zoom backup link (just in case) □ Review questions

When guest joins: □ Greet, make them comfortable □ "Can you say a few sentences? I'm checking audio levels" □ Verify waveform shows good signal □ "Great, your audio sounds perfect"

Before starting: □ "I'm starting the recording now" □ Click Record □ Brief pause, then begin

If Issues Arise

Guest audio is echoey: "Could you try using headphones? Even phone earbuds work great."

Connection seems unstable: "Let's try turning off your video—often helps with connection." "Do you have a phone you could use as a backup?"

Platform isn't working: "Let me send you a Zoom link as backup while we troubleshoot."

Example 2: High-Stakes Media Interview

Context: Important media interview requiring broadcast quality.

Input:

Recording interview with major tech CEO for industry publication. Must be absolute best quality. CEO has staff who can help with setup. What's the ideal approach?

Output:

Premium Interview Setup: Tech CEO

Recommended Approach: Assisted Double-Ender

Given the importance and available support, use a hybrid approach:

• Platform: Riverside (for convenience + automatic local recording)
• Backup: CEO records locally on professional equipment
• Result: Dual-redundant broadcast-quality capture

Executive Brief (Send to CEO's Team)

Subject: Technical Setup for [Publication] Interview

Recording Date: [Date/Time]

Our platform will handle most of the technical work, but for the absolute best quality, here's the ideal setup:

Equipment (if available):

• USB microphone (Rode NT-USB, Blue Yeti, or similar)
• Wired earbuds or headphones
• Quiet, private room

If professional AV support is available:

• XLR microphone into USB interface
• Record local backup via voice recorder or DAW
• Ensure 48kHz/24-bit settings

Minimum acceptable:

• AirPods or headset with microphone
• Chrome browser
• Quiet location

We will send:

• Riverside link (no install needed)
• Brief tech check 5 minutes before

Host Preparation

Primary Recording: Riverside

• Room created with guest name
• Settings: 4K video (if video), Lossless audio, Separate tracks
• Downloaded permission: Enabled

Secondary Recording: Local DAW

• Audio interface active
• Recording armed
• Sync clap planned

Tertiary Backup: Zoom

• Meeting created (not shared unless needed)
• Cloud recording enabled
• Last-resort option

Quality Assurance Protocol

Before Recording: □ Confirm guest's audio is clean (no echo, background) □ Verify Riverside shows strong signal □ Confirm CEO's team is recording backup locally □ State sync phrase: "Recording starting. Three, two, one, sync." □ Both clap simultaneously

During Recording: □ Monitor Riverside waveform □ Watch for connection warnings □ If any issue: "Let's pause briefly to ensure we're capturing this properly"

After Recording: □ Confirm Riverside saved all tracks □ Request CEO team's local file via secure transfer □ Compare both for best quality □ Archive all versions

Deliverable Quality

• Minimum: 48kHz/16-bit WAV
• Preferred: 48kHz/24-bit WAV
• Usable backup: 44.1kHz/16-bit or high-quality MP3

Example 3: Budget Remote Recording

Context: New podcaster with limited budget needs to interview remote guests.

Input:

I'm starting a podcast and need to record remote interviews. Don't want to spend much money. What's my best option?

Output:

Budget Remote Recording Setup

Free/Low-Cost Approach

Best free option: Riverside Free Tier

• 2 hours/month recording
• Watermark on video (audio clean)
• Local recording for quality
• Separate tracks

Alternative: Zencastr Free Trial

• 14-day full access
• Good for getting started

Zero-cost manual method:

• Communication: Zoom free (audio muted, video only)
• Your recording: Audacity (free) or Voice Memos
• Guest recording: Voice Memos (iPhone) or Easy Voice Recorder (Android)
• Sync: Clap at start, align in post

Equipment on a Budget

For you ($50-100):

• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB ($79) - excellent value
• Or: Fifine K669 USB mic ($30) - good enough to start

For guests (free):

• Their phone's Voice Memos app
• Wired earbuds (prevents echo)
• Quiet room

Budget Workflow

Before Interview:

1. Set up Riverside free room
2. Email guest link + instructions
3. Prepare backup plan (both record on phones)

Guest Instructions Email:

For best audio:
1. Use Chrome browser
2. Wear any headphones/earbuds
3. Find quiet spot
4. Click this link: [Riverside link]

No downloads needed! I'll be there 5 min early to check sound.

During Interview:

1. Start Riverside recording
2. Start local backup (Voice Memos on phone)
3. Have guest record on their end (as backup)
4. Do quick clap for sync

After:

1. Download Riverside tracks (separate)
2. Edit in Audacity (free)
3. If Riverside had issues, use backup recordings

Upgrade Path

As podcast grows:

1. Month 1-3: Free tier, learn process
2. Month 4+: Riverside paid ($24/mo) for unlimited
3. Month 6+: Better equipment as revenue allows

Total starting cost: $30-80 (mic only)

Checklists & Templates

Guest Preparation Email Template

Subject: Recording Setup for [Show Name] - [Date]

Hi [Name],

Excited for our conversation on [topic]!

**Quick Setup** (5 minutes):

🎧 **Headphones**: Please use any earbuds or headphones (prevents echo)

🔇 **Quiet Space**: Find a room away from noise, soft furnishings help

💻 **Browser**: Use Chrome for best compatibility

**Join Link**: [Your platform link]

**When**: [Date, Time, Timezone]

**I'll be there 5 minutes early** to do a quick sound check.

Reply to confirm, or let me know if you have questions!

[Your name]

Pre-Recording Checklist

## 30 Minutes Before

□ Platform tested and working
□ Room link created/verified
□ Your audio setup tested
□ Backup recording ready (Zoom/phone)
□ Questions/notes prepared
□ Water within reach

## When Guest Joins

□ Audio check: "Can you speak for a few seconds?"
□ Video check (if applicable)
□ Confirm headphone use
□ Listen for background noise
□ Check levels on platform

## Before "Record"

□ State: "I'm starting the recording now"
□ Click record
□ Sync clap: "3, 2, 1, [clap]"
□ Brief pause
□ Begin interview

## After Recording

□ Confirm file saved
□ Download all tracks
□ Thank guest for time
□ Send follow-up email

Technical Troubleshooting Quick Reference

## Common Issues & Solutions

### Audio Problems

| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---------|--------------|-----|
| Echo | No headphones | Guest: use any earbuds |
| Robotic audio | Bad connection | Turn off video, switch to phone |
| Quiet audio | Low mic gain | Platform: adjust input level |
| Distorted audio | Too loud | Move back from mic |
| Background noise | Environment | Mute between speaking |

### Connection Problems

| Symptom | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| "Connection unstable" | Turn off video |
| Freezing video | Lower quality settings |
| Keeps disconnecting | Switch to mobile hotspot |
| Won't connect at all | Try incognito window |

### Platform Problems

| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| Mic not detected | Check browser permissions |
| Recording not starting | Refresh, try again |
| Platform down | Switch to Zoom backup |
| Files won't download | Wait, try different browser |

Skill Boundaries

What This Skill Does Well

• Structuring audio production workflows
• Providing technical guidance
• Creating quality checklists
• Suggesting creative approaches

What This Skill Cannot Do

• Replace audio engineering expertise
• Make subjective creative decisions
• Access or edit audio files directly
• Guarantee commercial success

References

• Riverside. "14 Tips for Recording Interviews Professionally"
• NPR Training. "Audio Recording Standards"
• Buzzsprout. "How to Record Remote Podcast Interviews"
• Transom. "Recording Phone Calls and Skype"
• Podcasters' Guide to Audio Engineering

Related Skills

• podcast-production - Full production workflow
• podcast-interview - Interview technique
• audio-editing - Post-production processing
• voice-design - When AI voice is needed instead

Skill Metadata (Internal Use)