How to Record a Podcast on Zoom?

Nearly 40 percent of podcasters are using Zoom. The only issue with that is the platform tends to compress audio significantly, and that impacts audio quality.

Here is a step-by-step guide for how to use Zoom and get the best audio quality possible.

Why Zoom Podcast Audio Settings Matter

• Zoom applies compression that can reduce clarity and fullness.
• Correct settings and prep can dramatically improve your recordings.
• Recording separate tracks makes editing interruptions and crosstalk much easier.

Zoom Podcast Audio Settings – Account and Plan Basics

Be signed into Zoom and be aware of what plan you’re on.

Free plan: you only have 40 minutes to record your interview.

Zoom is constantly changing their free plan offerings. You may have access to a feature now on the free plan, and not have it two months from now.

If you think you’re going to need more than 40 minutes to record or you want to know that you have the features you enjoy having, upgrade to a paid plan so you know what you have available before you even get recording.

Prepare Each Participant and Environment

Make sure that everybody’s situation is set.

• Everyone should be in a quiet room or quiet space to record.
• Everyone needs to have their own microphone and their own set of headphones.
• Devices should be charged, and the internet should be strong.
• Apply the same standards to yourself and everyone involved in the interview.

Connect Your Microphones and Select Inputs in Zoom

Make sure that Zoom has acknowledged your microphone as the input device.

Step-by-step:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Audio.
3. Under Microphone, make sure your microphone is selected as the input device.
4. Confirm that each participant is using their own microphone as their input device.
5. If a guest is having a hard time getting set up, have them share their screen and walk them through these steps.

Configure Zoom Podcast Audio Settings for High-Quality Audio

Pick the right audio settings. This is where you get that high quality audio.

Step-by-step:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Audio.
3. Turn Suppress background noise to Low.
4. Turn on Enable Original Sound.
5. Select High fidelity music mode.
6. Uncheck Echo cancellation.

Zoom Podcast Audio Settings – Recording Settings

Recording separate tracks will make it easier to edit out interruptions and crosstalk. Your future self will thank you.

Step-by-step:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Recording.
3. Check Record a separate audio file of each participant.

Do a Test Run Before You Record

System and Environment Check

• Have everyone check their internet connection again.
• Make sure devices are fully charged or plugged in.
• Close any unnecessary windows or apps so nothing causes background noise or notifications during recording.

Listen Check

• Do a quick sound check.
• Listen for audio levels to be even and equal.
• Try to detect any background noise so you can fix it before you hit record.

Enable Original Sound Toggle

• Ask everyone to toggle on the Original Sound option at the top left of their Zoom window.

Defaults and Workflow

Once you’ve set these settings in your account, they become your default. When you bring people into an interview, you will mainly be helping them get their settings set up, because yours will already be set.

Final Thoughts

Zoom can compress audio in ways that hurt quality, but careful prep and the right settings make a big difference. Confirm your plan, prepare each participant, select the correct microphone inputs, enable Original Sound with high fidelity music mode, turn background suppression to Low, uncheck echo cancellation, and record separate tracks.

Do a quick test run, balance levels, and you will be set for cleaner, easier-to-edit podcast audio.

Zoom is only one option for recording long distance interviews, and there are other platforms that are specific to podcasting, but these steps will help you get the most out of Zoom.