Podcast Guest Connection Guide

Congratulations! You’ve been invited to be a guest on a podcast.

To ensure the best sound quality, we have some tips to help you and your host get ready for the recording. Following these guidelines will make the process much smoother. For the best audio experience, it is recommended that everyone wear headphones and have an external microphone. We understand that this is not always possible so please find below some helpful tips.

Please Do:

Test Your Internet Speed – We recommend a minimum of 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 your 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 Open other Tabs or Programs During the Session

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.
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.

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.