We record the Photo Share Podcast using a Skype to Skype call; I make a Skype call to my podcast co-host Sandra and record the conversation, editing and mixing the audio file (.wav) later. We do this because it’s convenient and cheap (Skype to Skype calls are free), but there’s a bunch of problems that can crop up. Here are my top 5 potential screw-ups when recording these calls:

1. You forget to hit the record button on your software. Yup, I’ve done that, and it’s kind of easy with the software I use, Audio Hijack Pro from Rouge Amoeba. Recording the audio from a Skype call is a two step process: first you “hijack” then you record–two different buttons. For some reason I was distracted and forgot to hit the record button, only discovering it when I went to edit the file.
2. Forget to channel all the audio into Audio Hijack Pro. Using a Mac and Audio Hijack, an application called SoundSource is also needed to move the incoming audio from the Skype call into Audio Hijack, otherwise you’ll only record one side of the conversation. Yup, I’ve done this too. This one is even easier to do than forgetting to hit the record button.
3. Forget to turn your computer speakers off. I’ve found that leaving my speakers on results in a nasty hum on any recording, and because of this I turn off any electronic equipment I can. It’s probably overkill, but I rather prevent a problem than have to go back and re-record.
4. Make sure the person with the highest speed connection initiates the Skype call. The better your bandwidth, the less likely you’ll have dropped calls and the quality will be improved. I recently did an interview with someone that had a DSL connection (I have cable), and the quality suffered.
5. When recording a Skype call try to get the best headset or microphone you can. I have a good headset, but when talking with someone who has a quality microphone I noticed the difference.

My best recommendation is to keep a Skype recording checklist next to your computer, that way you don’t repeat the same mistakes that I do!

Tell me, what mistakes have you make when recording a Skype call?

5 screw-ups you can make recording a skype to skype call is a post from: Netcast Blog

Tags:audio hijack pro, headset, how to, interview, podcast, skype

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One of the ways to cheaply record a podcast that has multiple hosts is to use Skype, the voice over internet protocol (voip). I’m using this technique when I record Photo Share Podcast with Sandra, my co-host. This post will try to steer you away from some of the mistakes we’ve made.

There’s really no point in me explaining the mechanics of recording a Skype call. Many others have done it, plus I could only tell you how to do it on a Mac. Also, I’ve found that the recording software I use, Audio Hijack Pro, is updated so often that the directions are constantly evolving (getting easier). If you want more information about recording a Skype call, you can look here, here, here and here.

One thing I haven’t found is advice on what mistakes to avoid. Here are our 5 mistakes to avoid, in no particular order:

1. Use a good headset. In general, I recommend spending about $50 for your headset. Remember, the better the headset, the better the quality of audio it will capture. I use a Plantronics headset, but I’m sure you can find other headsets with good “dynamic range”.
2. When recording your audio turn off speakers and any other electronic equipment that may interfere with the audio. When I forgot to turn the speakers off, a low hum was captured, which I didn’t hear until I tried to edit. Other possible interference sources could be dimmer switches, external hard drives, and other unshielded electric cords.
3. This is pretty basic, but remember to turn off any fans or other sources of “white noise”. When you try to edit the audio those noise sources will no longer be white; the smallest background noises can be captured.
4. When using a headset, keep the microphone adjusted slightly away from your mouth and control the cord so it doesn’t move around when you’re talking. I had to re-record an entire podcast when I made the mistake of thinking that standing would improve my vocal quality, but didn’t remember the headset cord knocking around on the desk.
5. Before sitting down to record your first podcast using Skype, make time to create at least one demo show, from soup to nuts. I found putting together a complete podcast for only demo purposes to be valuable in identifying problems and elements that I want to improve in the future.

I hope you find this useful in your podcasting endeavors. And if you did, please consider subscribing to the Netcast Blog Feed.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Recording A Skype To Skype Podcast is a post from: Netcast Blog

Tags:how to, photo share podcast, podcasting, skype

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