Recording a podcast on Zoom: Optimized Settings for a Great Recording

The below is an AI overview for the best settings when recording a podcast on Zoom. Use your best judgement!

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To optimize Zoom for podcast recording, go to Settings > Audio and enable "Original sound for musicians," set "Suppress background noise" to Low, and disable "Echo cancellation" if using headphones. In Settings > Recording, enable "Record a separate audio file for each participant" for easier editing and ensure "Optimize the recording for 3rd party video editor" is checked. 

Before the meeting

• Download the latest version of Zoom to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.

• Ensure your guests have the latest version of Zoom as well.

• Choose a quiet recording environment with minimal background noise, and ensure your computer is plugged in or fully charged.

• Wear headphones to prevent audio feedback and to ensure your guests are also wearing headphones.

• Do a short test recording to check your microphone levels and the overall audio quality. 

Zoom settings

• Click the gear icon to open Settings.

• Go to the Audio tab:

  • Select your external microphone from the Microphone dropdown menu.

  • Select your headphones from the Speaker dropdown menu.

  • Uncheck "Automatically adjust microphone volume" and manually set your microphone level between 75% and 90%.

  • Set "Suppress background noise" to Low.

  • Enable "Original sound for musicians" and check the box for "Show in-meeting option to Turn on Original Sound".

  • Disable "Echo Cancellation".

  • Ensure "High-fidelity music mode" is enabled.

• Go to the Recording tab:

  • Check the box for "Record a separate audio file for each participant".

  • Check the box for "Optimize the recording for 3rd party video editor".

  • Uncheck "Add a timestamp to the recording" and "Display participants' names in recordings" to avoid burnt-in text.