Top tips for a professional recording setup for podcasts and virtual events

After producing hundreds of podcasts, virtual events, and remote recordings, we’ve come to learn what makes an excellent remote setup.

Whether you are a guest on a podcast, speaking at a virtual event or being recorded for a montage video, it can be overwhelming working with audio and video technology alongside focusing on the content you are delivering.

We have outlined our top tips to help you create a setup that provides the best possible audio and video quality. These tips are ideal for professionals joining recording sessions and live events from home, but we’ve also included some quick wins for editors and producers looking to improve their end result.

Microphone positioning for different content types

Depending on your content, you can position your microphone differently to get the best possible outcome:

• Podcasts/Video: Position the microphone 15-20 cm from your mouth, slightly off-axis.
• Virtual Events: Ensure the microphone is in frame but not dominating.
• Panel Discussions: Position to minimise pickup from other speakers.

Acoustic treatment on a budget

These tips will help you reduce echoes and get a clear feed of your audio:

• Hang blankets behind your setup.
• Record in carpeted rooms with soft furnishings.
• Use a reflection filter (£30-50) for immediate improvement.
• Position yourself away from hard surfaces.

Software settings for top quality audio

Here are some quick wins to apply at the editing stage to take your audio to the next level:

• Set input levels to peak around -12dB.
• Enable noise suppression in your streaming software.
• Use a high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency rumble.
• Monitor with closed-back headphones to prevent feedback.

Multipurpose setup

If you’re being asked to speak at a webinar, chances are you’re also being invited onto podcasts and contributing to a range of other content types. There’s no need to have a separate setup for each of these use cases. Here are our tips for a versatile setup that serves all your content needs:

• Use a boom arm for flexibility.
• Mark positions for different content types.
• Invest in good lighting for video content.
• Keep backgrounds neutral and professional.

Our recommended testing protocol

Before any recording or live event, follow these steps to allow you to feel confident you’re capturing what you need ahead of getting stuck in to the session:

• Test audio levels with typical speaking volume.
• Record a 30-second sample.
• Check for background noise.
• Verify monitoring setup.

When to upgrade your setup

In another knowledge hub article, we’ve outlined the best USB microphones that will serve most content creators well for years. You should consider upgrading to an XLR setup with an audio interface when:

• You’re producing multiple shows or events weekly.
• You need multiple microphone inputs.
• You require advanced audio processing.
• You’re integrating with professional video equipment.
• Your content is generating significant revenue.

When to partner with a production professional

With remote recordings and virtual events, it can be easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all yourself. In reality, this often leads to delays, increased risk and content that isn’t usable.

When you’re creating material for multiple platforms, for example turning a live webinar into clips for social media or a podcast, it’s important to plan your setup with those uses in mind. At those times, it’s worth bringing in a professional early in the process to advise on your approach and make sure everything you capture is fit for purpose.

When your speakers’ and audience’s time is valuable, it pays to have experienced support on hand. Partnering with a broadcast specialist such as This is Fever helps you get the most from every session while avoiding the stress and uncertainty that can come with managing production alone. You’ll finish your recording or event confident that everything has been handled to a professional standard and ready for use across your chosen platforms.

With over a decade of experience delivering high-quality recordings and virtual events, we know how to make the process smooth, efficient and effective, and how to help you avoid unnecessary risks with your content quality and delivery.