I have been doing a lot of podcasts lately and trying out various services that will allow me to record the interviews. There is no perfect method, and a lot depends on the quality of your Internet connection and where you other parties are located and what software they can use to connect to you. There are three different methods that you can use.
Method 1. Audio uploading service
The idea here is to just use a telephone and call in to a recording service. You don’t need to be a computer whiz, and the service will record the call and turn into a digital file like an MP3. This is great if you are the only one on the podcast and need something quick and dirty to get going.
Advantage: Uses an ordinary telephone and inexpensive
Disadvantages: Only one person can be recorded for each call
Sound quality is inferior
Free services: Gcast.com, Gabcast.com
Paid services: Hipcast ($5-20/mo depending on your storage and bandwidth needs. With free 7 day trial)
Method 2. VOIP Services.
The idea here is to use a computer with a headset and software to make the outbound calls.
Advantage: When it works the sound quality is terrific
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to setup and obtain consistent audio levels from all parties, especially if some are reached via PSTN, and PSTN calls will cost a few cents per minute too.
Services: Skype.com (need audio recording software or use Evoca.com service), Gizmoproject.com
Method 3. Use audio conference service
The idea here is to use one of the standard telephone conferencing service vendors and have them do the recording of the conference and send you a digiial file.
Advantage: Only a phone call away for all parties, albeit a toll call
Disadvantage: Somewhat finicky to setup, and most will cost some money
Services:
- Voice2Page.com (Pro plan, $30/mo.)
- Freeconference.com (10 cents/min/caller)
- TheBasementVentures.com (Free but flaky)
- FreeAudioConferencing.com ($10/call or $50/mo. to download recordings)
- Spiderphone.com (8 cents per min per caller)
TheBasementVentures has a bargain but like most the recording feature doesn’t always work. They have a really nice Web control panel that can monitor the call in real time and allow you to mute participants, as well start and stop the recordings. Lately, I haven’t been able to get this to work from a variety of browsers on both Mac and Windows, and calls to their support email box have gone unanswered.