How to record remote podcast interviews using the 'Simul Rec' technique

This article was migrated from an old version of our website in 2025. As a result, it might have some low-quality images or non-functioning links - if there's any issues you'd like to see fixed, get in touch with us at info@journalism.co.uk.

In these days of working from home, podcasters will be wondering how to record their interviewees when they are not face-to-face with them.

Yes, you can record Skype calls or use tools like Zencastr to record your interviewee remotely, but you might not achieve the sound quality you are looking for.

But a technique called 'simul recs' - or simultaneous recordings - allow you to achieve in-room sound quality of all participants without being in the same room.

How? We show you all the ins and out in our video explainer. But here is a quick cheatsheet:

1. Talk to your interviewee on a video or voice call platform, like Skype or Google Hangout
2. Record yourselves into an another device as the conversation takes place, such as a mobile phone or desktop recording software
3. The interviewee sends their audio to the host
4. The host syncs and edits both pieces of audio together

And voila, you have a remote interview without using phone call sound quality. For more tips and considerations, check out the video.

Subscribe to the Journalism.co.uk podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Spotify