The EMSEduCast – the podcast by and for EMS educators – is recorded using Skype’s group calling features. Here are some tips to get high quality sound and minimize delays, echos, background noise, and other sound imperfections:
- Free up as much computer resources as possible by shutting down any other applications running on your computer. Especially apps running in the background like downloads of Windows updates or virus scans.
- Do the same on other computers connected to the same home or small business network. For example, no one should be streaming a movie from Netflix on another computer connected to same network during the recording.
- Close browser windows and tabs not needed for the conversation.
- Connect to your router with a hard-line instead of a wireless connection.
- Mute phone ringers, pagers, and applications like Outlook and Tweetdeck when new messages arrive.
- Use built-in microphone features to mute your audio pick-up when you are not speaking to avoid broadcasting your sighs and coughs.
- Skype also has a mute button you can use. Just remember to unmute when you want to talk.
- Turn-off phones, radios, TVs, and other background noisemakers. I am always surprised about the things that get picked up.
- Use a headset with a microphone and not the microphone built into your lap top. I use Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Headset
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Finally, if you have a paid Skype account you have the ability to simply call people. Call a landline and apply the same rules to minimize distractions and remember to mute when not speaking.
What are your tips for using Skype to create podcast content?
