Congratulations!
You’ve been invited to be a guest on a podcast. We are here to help you and your host get the best sound recording for the podcast.
Here are some pointers that will help you get prepared ahead of time and make the recording process as smooth as possible.
Computer Requirements:
Follow these tips to ensure that you easily connect and sound amazing!
Please Do:
Test Your Internet Speed
We recommend a minimum of a at least 5 Mbps upload and download, preferably 10 Mbps+
Check your internet speed here.
Connect Your Mic and Headphones BEFORE entering the session.
Headphones are highly recommended to eliminate echo. Your host and other guests will appreciate it. Plus better audio can be captured when everyone wears headphones. In order to prevent audio leakage to the mic, please keep your earphone volume turned down to a low but comfortable setting.
Microphone - A separate External Microphone is preferred. Internal (laptop) microphones will work, but external microphones are recommended to record quality audio. If necessary, earbud/mic combos will also work, but please avoid using Airpods, wireless, or Bluetooth devices when possible.
Use ONLY a Google Chrome browser
Other browsers are not currently supported. Close all other tabs and programs during the session.
If you organization does not allow you to use a Chrome browser, please let your host or producer know before your session.
Please Don't:
Do not use a phone or mobile device to record
IF YOU MUST USE A MOBILE DEVICE:
In order to join a session, you will first need to make sure the app is downloaded.
The Riverside.fm iOS App can be found on the Apple App Store here.
Once downloaded, you can click on the Riverside guest invite link that your host has provided.
This will open the app and ask for permission to access both your mic and camera. Permissions will need to be granted for both. You can choose to disable your microphone or camera prior to joining the session.
Once you have entered your name, you will be able to join the session!
Do Not Use a Private or Incognito Browser Window
Do not connect through an incognito window or in private browsing mode.
Do Not Open other Tabs or Programs During the Session
Please close all other browser tabs and programs to insure that your computer is running optimally for the session.
System Requirements
Operating System
Mac OS 10.14 or higher
Windows 10
- Check your current operating system on Windows
- Update your operating system on Windows
Computer Specs
Memory (RAM)
8GB+ of RAM (Very Important for Video!) – Please use a computer that has at least 8GB of memory installed.
Storage Space
10GB+ of Hard Drive storage space
Check Your Specs - Mac / Apple
- Check your memory on Mac
- Check your storage space on Mac
- Apple menu > About This Mac – Storage tab
Check Your Specs - Windows PC
- Check your memory on Windows
- Check your storage space on Windows
- Go to Setting > System > Storage. Or simply type Storage into the Windows search bar.
Web Browser
Please use an up-to-date version of one of these browsers:
- Google Chrome (Required)
Open the session in a regular window or tab, not in incognito mode or private mode.
Inputs and Outputs (Audio Settings in Your Computer)
It is very important to configure your default Input and Output audio BEFORE connecting to the podcast studio session.
Input Settings:
- Select the microphone that you are using and select it so that it becomes the default.
- Adjust the input to around 75%.
- Test your voice level with a few out-loud laughs to make sure that you do not peak the levels above 75% of the audio meter.
- Click Here for image of Windows computer settings
Output Settings:
- In your Sound Output settings select the location of where your headphones are attached to.
- If you are connecting your headphones to a USB microphone, or you are using a headset with mic, then your output device will be the same as your input.
- Click Here for image of Windows computer settings
Connecting to the Recording Session
Open the link provided to you by the host in a Chrome web browser.
Before Joining – Choose Your Devices:
- Choose your Mic (Audio Input device) *Grant microphone access if requested
- Select your camera (if you want to be seen)
- Choose how to listen (Output listening device)
Join the Studio
- Enter your name
- Indicate if you are using headphones
- Click “Join Studio”
That’s it! Now let’s create some great content!