Unless you’re conducting in-person interviews, your podcast just got a bit more technically complicated. You need to have the appropriate software to record your interview over the phone. Recording using software or hardware — once again you’re faced with choices. Recording Software is usually easier to set up and cheaper, but it might strain your computer’s CPU. If your CPU is overloaded, it could affect the recording quality.
Recording Interviews with Skype
When you’re recording interviews using Skype, things can get a bit more complex if you’re not meeting face-to-face. You’ll need the right Recording Software to capture your phone conversations. Skype, which you can find at www.skype.com, is one of the best options for this.
Skype is a free tool for making calls over the internet. It’s like iChat or AOL IM’s Audio mode, but it’s often more reliable and provides clearer sound. What sets Skype apart is that it works on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
However, Skype doesn’t have a built-in feature to record calls. To do that, you’ll need additional software or hardware. There are various methods and downloadable programs available for recording Skype conversations. Some Recording Software even lets you monitor the sound levels and volume as you record.
It’s important to note that there are legal rules about recording phone or Skype calls, and these rules can vary depending on where you are. It’s the responsibility of the podcaster to comply with these laws. Always make sure to ask for permission before recording someone, and it’s even better to get it in writing.
Call Recorder
eCamm Network’s Call Recorder for Mac (found at www.ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder) is a nifty piece of software that comes with a user-friendly interface. It lets you easily record both audio and video from Skype calls and save them in various formats for later editing. One downside, though, is that it saves the file as a large MOV file. To make it smaller for archiving or to create a compressed MP3 version, you’ll need to use a media player like QuickTime Pro to convert it into a more compact AIFF or WAV file. However, if you’re using GarageBand or Soundtrack Pro, you can skip this step altogether.
If you’re tight on budget and can’t afford a mixer and a second computer (or a portable recording device), the $15 investment in Call Recorder is definitely worth it. It offers a great deal for enhancing your recording setup.
SoundTap
For Windows users, there’s SoundTap by NCH Swift Sound (available at www.nch.com.au/soundtap/index.html). It’s a handy tool that allows you to capture any audio playing on your Windows computer. Once you install the software and activate it, all sound produced on or through your PC, including Skype calls, will be recorded as either WAV or MP3 files.
SoundTap works by tapping into the audio through a virtual driver, ensuring that the recording process maintains perfect digital quality. At the moment, SoundTap is priced at $19.40, offering a convenient solution for recording various audio sources on your computer, including Skype conversations.
WireTap Studio Pro
WireTap Studio by Ambrosia Recording Software is a versatile tool for Mac users that allows you to record various audio sources. It not only captures audio playing on your Mac but also enables you to record from a secondary source like a mixer, iTunes, or another media player.
Here’s a simple guide on Recording a Skype interview with WireTap Studio
- Open WireTap Studio Pro and ensure the Controller window is visible. You can do this by selecting Window ➪ Controller or pressing Ô+0.
- Choose your primary audio input source from the top menu, then select your secondary input source from the menu underneath it. The input menus for running applications that can be used as audio sources are displayed on the right side.
- Go to File ➪ Preferences to access the Preferences window of WireTap Studio Pro.
- In the Preferences window, click on the Source button at the top. While your interview subject (via Skype) is speaking, adjust your own audio levels (on your mixer, USB microphone, etc.) to ensure optimal recording quality.
- Select your desired audio format.
- Return to the Controller and click the Record button to start recording.
- End the recording by clicking the Stop button.
- WireTap Studio automatically displays the recorded audio waveform for editing.
- Once editing is done, you can save your recording to your preferred location, whether it’s iTunes or your local disk.
WireTap Studio provides tools for editing, looping, and adding basic audio effects to your recordings, making it a handy tool for podcasters and content creators.
SkypeOut
SkypeOut is a feature included with Skype that allows users to dial telephone numbers and use Skype to make calls to people worldwide, starting from around 2 cents per minute. The rates for calls to different destinations may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the Skype website for specific details on pricing. This feature enables users to make international calls at affordable rates, expanding the reach of their communication network.
To get started with SkypeOut, follow these steps:
- Visit the Skype Store website at www.skype.com/go/store and log in using your Skype username and password. Alternatively, you can click the “View Account” button in Skype’s startup window.
- Find the SkypeOut link and click on “Add Credit.”
- Choose the credit package you want (usually listed in Euros in increments of ten) and purchase it using PayPal or a major credit card. Each package details what you’re buying. Once purchased, your SkypeOut account is activated. Your account can become inactive if your credit balance reaches $0 or if 180 days have passed since your last SkypeOut call (credits expire after 180 days). If your account becomes inactive, simply purchase more credit to reactivate it.
- Go to the Skype website and click on the “Dial” tab. This will open a numeric keypad resembling a telephone.
- Enter the phone number you want to call and click the green “Call” button.
- To record the phone call, you can use Recording Software like WireTap Studio or Gizmo.
Following these steps, you can start using SkypeOut to make calls to landlines and mobile phones around the world at affordable rates.
Conclusion
The need for appropriate Recording Software to capture phone conversations becomes crucial in such scenarios. Whether you’re using Skype, Call Recorder, SoundTap, or WireTap Studio Pro, each tool offers its own set of features and benefits tailored to different user needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice of recording software or method depends on factors such as ease of use, budget constraints, and desired recording quality. By following the outlined steps and selecting the right tools for your podcasting needs, you can overcome the technical complexities and focus on delivering engaging content to your audience.
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