remote-interview

What this skill does

# Remote Interview Recording

> Capture professional-quality remote interviews using double-ender technique and dedicated recording platforms for podcasts, media, and content production.

## When to Use This Skill

- Setting up remote podcast interviews with guests
- Recording media interviews across distances
- Creating customer interview content
- Producing expert interviews for thought leadership
- Conducting research interviews with high audio quality
- Planning equipment recommendations for interview guests

## Methodology Foundation

**Source**: NPR Engineering Standards + Remote Recording Best Practices

**Core Principle**: "Local recording is key." The gold standard for remote interviews is the "double-ender" technique—both participants record locally on their own devices, then tracks are combined in post-production. This eliminates internet compression, lag, and connection issues that plague Zoom-style recordings.

**Why This Matters**: Internet-based audio suffers from compression artifacts, dropouts, and quality degradation. By recording locally at each location, you capture broadcast-quality audio regardless of connection quality. Platforms like Riverside, Zencastr, and SquadCast automate this process while maintaining professional standards.


## What Claude Does vs What You Decide

| Claude Does | You Decide |
|-------------|------------|
| Structures production workflow | Final creative direction |
| Suggests technical approaches | Equipment and tool choices |
| Creates templates and checklists | Quality standards |
| Identifies best practices | Brand/voice decisions |
| Generates script outlines | Final script approval |

## What This Skill Does

1. **Selects optimal recording approach** - Platform vs. manual double-ender
2. **Prepares guest technical setup** - Equipment, environment, troubleshooting
3. **Manages recording workflow** - Pre-checks, backup systems, session flow
4. **Ensures quality capture** - Audio levels, monitoring, issue prevention
5. **Handles post-production sync** - Aligning tracks, editing, export

## How to Use

### Plan Remote Interview Setup
```
Help me set up remote interview recording.
Interview type: [podcast/media/research]
Guest technical level: [savvy/average/low]
Quality requirements: [broadcast/professional/good enough]
Budget: [range]
```

### Prepare Guest Instructions
```
Create guest preparation guide for remote interview.
Platform: [Riverside/Zencastr/SquadCast/manual]
Recording date: [date/time]
Expected duration: [minutes]
Guest equipment: [known setup or unknown]
```

### Troubleshoot Recording Issues
```
Help diagnose/fix this remote recording issue:
Problem: [describe issue]
Platform: [which platform]
Guest setup: [what we know]
```

## Instructions

When setting up remote interviews, follow this methodology:

### Step 1: Choose Recording Approach

Select the right method based on needs and constraints.

```
## Recording Approach Decision

### Option 1: Dedicated Platform (Recommended)

Best for: Regular podcasters, non-technical guests, convenience

**Platform Comparison (2026)**:

| Feature | Riverside | Zencastr | SquadCast |
|---------|-----------|----------|-----------|
| Video Quality | 4K | 4K (paid) | 1080p |
| Audio Format | Lossless WAV | High-quality | High-quality |
| Local Recording | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Max Participants | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| Livestreaming | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| AI Editing | ✅ | ✅ (ZenAI) | Via Descript |
| Hosting | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free Tier | 2 hrs/mo | Trial only | 1 hr/mo |
| Best For | Quality-first | All-in-one | Descript users |

**Recommendation by use case**:
- Podcast + Livestream → Riverside
- Podcast + Distribution → Zencastr
- Already use Descript → SquadCast
- Budget-conscious → Zencastr trial or Riverside free

### Option 2: Manual Double-Ender

Best for: Maximum quality, technical guests, existing equipment

**Setup**:
- Host: Records on DAW (Logic, Audition, Audacity)
- Guest: Records on Voice Memos, Audacity, or phone app
- Sync: Manual alignment using clap or verbal cue
- Communication: Zoom/Meet for video only (audio muted)

**When to use**:
- Guest has professional setup already
- Maximum control over quality needed
- Platform doesn't support your use case
- Free/budget priority

### Option 3: Backup Recording (Zoom)

Best for: Casual interviews, fallback capture

**Limitations**:
- Compressed audio (not broadcast quality)
- Single-track or limited multitrack
- Connection-dependent quality

**When acceptable**:
- Informal interviews
- Backup alongside primary recording
- Guest absolutely cannot use dedicated platform
```

---

### Step 2: Equipment Hierarchy

Recommend appropriate equipment for guest's situation.

```
## Equipment Recommendations

### Tier 1: Professional (Best Quality)
- **Microphone**: XLR mic (Shure SM7B, RE20, AT4040)
- **Interface**: Focusrite Scarlett, Apollo, RodeCaster
- **Headphones**: Closed-back monitoring (Sony MDR-7506)
- **Environment**: Treated room or vocal booth
- **Result**: Broadcast quality, professional sound

### Tier 2: Prosumer (Excellent Quality)
- **Microphone**: USB mic (Rode NT-USB, Blue Yeti, AT2020 USB)
- **Headphones**: Any closed-back or good earbuds
- **Environment**: Quiet room, soft furnishings
- **Result**: Professional enough for most podcasts

### Tier 3: Minimum Viable (Good Quality)
- **Microphone**: Lavalier/clip-on mic ($25-50)
- **Headphones**: AirPods or standard earbuds
- **Environment**: Quietest room available
- **Result**: Clearly better than laptop mic

### Tier 4: Emergency (Acceptable)
- **Microphone**: Smartphone (Voice Memos, close to mouth)
- **Headphones**: Wired earbuds with inline mic
- **Environment**: Closet full of clothes (seriously)
- **Result**: Salvageable, may need heavy processing

### Tier 5: Avoid
- **Laptop mic**: Distant, echoey, picks up typing/fans
- **AirPods mic**: Inconsistent, compression artifacts
- **Speakerphone**: Echo, room noise, unusable

### Equipment Quick Guide for Guests

"For the best audio quality, here's the hierarchy:
1. Best: USB microphone (Rode, Blue Yeti, AT2020)
2. Great: Wired headset/earbuds with mic
3. Good: AirPods/wireless earbuds
4. Last resort: Phone close to face

Please avoid using your laptop's built-in microphone if possible."
```

---

### Step 3: Environment Preparation

Guide guests to optimize their recording space.

```
## Environment Checklist

### For Guests (Send Before Interview)

**Room Selection**:
□ Choose smallest room with soft furnishings
□ Bedroom or closet > living room or kitchen
□ Avoid rooms with hard surfaces (tile, glass, concrete)
□ No background noise sources (AC, appliances, traffic)

**Sound Treatment**:
□ Close all windows and doors
□ Add soft materials (blankets, pillows) if room echoes
□ Position away from walls (not in corner)
□ Test for echo: clap hands, listen for reverb

**Technical Setup**:
□ Use wired internet if possible (Ethernet > WiFi)
□ Close all other applications
□ Disable notifications (phone on silent, computer DND)
□ Charge devices or plug in
□ Restart computer before session

**During Recording**:
□ Keep phone on airplane mode
□ Don't touch desk/table (transmitted as rumble)
□ Mute when not speaking (if platform supports)
□ Keep water nearby but pour quietly

### Common Issues to Prevent

| Problem | Cause | Prevention |
|---------|-------|------------|
| Echo | Hard surfaces | Add soft materials |
| Background noise | AC, fans, traffic | Turn off, close windows |
| Rumble | Desk vibration | Mic on boom arm or separate stand |
| Plosives | "P" and "B" sounds | Pop filter or angle mic |
| Mouth noise | Dry mouth | Water, green apple before |
| Interruptions | Family, pets | Lock door, schedule quiet time |
```

---

### Step 4: Pre-Session Checklist

Steps before hitting record.

```
## Pre-Recording Checklist

### 30 Minutes Before

**Host**:
□ Test platform is working
□ Create/test room link
□ Check your audio levels
□ Prepare backup recording (Zoom, phone)
□ Review questions and flow
□ Se