One of the deciding factors in whether or not your new podcast is likely to be successful is the quality of the audio. If your audio is garbled or low-quality, your listeners will quickly get frustrated and tune out.
On the other hand, if you use a reputable and highly functional recording platform to create your podcast episodes, listeners will be more likely to stick around and hear what you have to say.
Two popular platforms that podcasters are using to record their audio are Cleanfeed and Zencastr (see also our comparison of Zencastr and SquadCast). Both of these platforms are excellent, but for the sake of consistent audio (and your bank account) you’ll need to choose just one.
This review will compare Cleanfeed and Zencastr to help you make that decision today!
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| Primary Rating: 3.5 | Primary Rating: 3.5 |
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About Cleanfeed Podcast Recording Software
Cleanfeed has become well-known in the podcast industry because its creators have been the recipients of an Emmy award in the Engineering, Science and Technology category.
However, the platform definitely speaks for itself when it comes to reasons why it’s a good choice for recording your podcast.
Cleanfeed provides clear and crisp audio recording in a way that’s suitable for beginners.
There’s no need to use any complicated technology such as external mixers – you just need a microphone and your browser), but the audio is full duplex stereo audio with excellent codecs and it works on wireless, wired, 4G, and 3G networks.
Cleanfeed is also the ideal platform for remote podcasts by bringing guests onto your program. Using Cleanfeed, you can connect to anyone on the internet and record remotely by sending them a web link.
You can then interview other parties on your podcast, and you get to choose how to record the audio from each party (on the same track or separately). You don’t need each member to have a Cleanfeed account – only the person sending the link needs to be signed up to the service.
Cleanfeed is ideal for recording live because there are some audio repair tools built into the platform.
For example, if one party on your podcast doesn’t have headphones, the audio tracks might not be as good, but you can touch it up live using the ‘no headphones’ repair option. There’s also a full repair option for more serious audio complications.
Speaking of things you can do live using Cleanfeed, you can also add an intro or jingle, indent your audio, or even play it back.
If you have a question about your Cleanfeed subscription or a technical issue, you can contact Cleanfeed on the email address provided to get assistance. However, this support service is limited to Cleanfeed Pro account holders.
Users who don’t have a Cleanfeed Pro subscription can send feedback to a separate email address, but it is not guaranteed that you will get a response, so technical support is definitely Cleanfeed’s downfall.
About Zencastr Podcast Recording Software
Zencastr is another podcast recording platform that allows users to record professional-quality audio from their web browsers.
Like Cleanfeed, Zencastr allows for multiple guests to be recorded at the same time, and the audio for each guest can be recorded in a separate channel for increased clarity.
Speaking of clarity, Zencastr really comes through with the audio quality. All audio recorded through Zencastr is recorded in 16-bit and is 44.1L WAV for the best audio quality, so even total audiophiles will be able to get behind this level of quality.
One of the major benefits of Zencastr is that it includes automatic post-production. For example, you can mix different tracks into a single track after recording directly from Zencastr, and you can integrate with DropBox or Google Drive.
If you do need to do any editing outside of combining tracks, Zencastr also allows you to add an intro or outro and even include other audio files as you record using the live editing soundboard.
Users have also been very impressed by Zencastr’s built-in text and voice chat options.
The HD Video recording available through the Open Video Beta version allows you to sync up your audio and video recordings in postproduction for a visual podcast experience.
Zencastr subscriptions exist in two tiers: the Free tier and the Professional tier. Zencastr Professional is quite reasonably priced in our option, especially since it allows you to upgrade from a maximum of two guests to unlimited guests.
The live editing soundboard is also only available for Pro accounts, so that’s something to bear in mind if you want 10 hours worth of post-production monthly.
ALSO SEE: 10 Alternatives to Zencastr
Cleanfeed Vs Zencastr: Which Is Better For Audio Recording?
If you want to be able to connect with an unlimited number of people, for an unlimited amount of time, to record podcasts for free, then we recommend using Cleanfeed.
Cleanfeed’s free accounts come with more flexibility than Zencastr, which requires you to purchase a Pro account to access post-production features and a digital interviewing platform that enables you to connect with more than 2 guests.
With that being said, there’s a major flaw in Cleanfeed’s customer support, in that it only allows Pro account holders to email the support team for technical help.
The only other option for free account holders is to contact the feedback email address, which does not guarantee a response.
In addition to less limited customer support, Zencastr offers more post-production options including video recording and text chat, which will help to elevate your podcast recording system to the next level.
Ultimately, though, both Cleanfeed and Zencastr allow you to bring guests onto your podcast and record in high quality across separate channels, which can then be merged in post-production.
Why Is Podcast Audio Quality Important?
Podcast audio quality is important for a few reasons. First, it ensures that your listeners will be able to understand you and your guests clearly. Second, it creates a professional and polished sound that will help you to attract new listeners. And finally, a high-quality audio recording is simply more enjoyable to listen to.
Factors That Go Into Creating High-Quality Audio Files
There are a few different factors that go into creating high-quality audio for your podcast. First, you’ll want to ensure you’re using a good microphone.
A good microphone will reduce background noise and ensure that your voice is clear and easy to understand. (Also see, “What Is The Best Dynamic Microphone for Vocals?“)
If you’re recording in a less-than-ideal environment, you may also want to use a pop filter to further reduce background noise.
In addition to using a good microphone, you’ll also want to make sure you have a quiet recording environment. This means recording in a room with little to no echo and avoiding recording during times when there is lots of background noise (like during rush hour traffic). (Also see, “Podcasting Booth Ideas“)
You’ll also want to pay attention to the podcast recording software you’re using. Using a high-quality recording program, especially for separate tracks, will help to ensure that your audio files are clean and free of any unwanted noise.
Finally, it’s important to note that how you edit your audio files can also impact the overall quality of your podcast. For example, if you use a compressor to even out the levels of your audio, you can help to avoid clipping and create a polished sound.
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| Primary Rating: 4.6 | Primary Rating: 4.7 | Primary Rating: 4.4 | Primary Rating: 4.6 |
| $99.97 | $99.00 | $129.99 | $310.00 |
Final Thoughts On The Better Podcast Recording Software to Record Audio
Thank you for taking the time to hear our thoughts on the comparison between Zencastr and Cleanfeed.
Both Cleanfeed and Zencastr will help your podcast achieve success thanks to great quality audio and clear multi-channel recording.
The main questions you should ask yourself are whether unlimited connections and unlimited recording time for free (as provided by Cleanfeed) are more important than additional post production options and better customer support (as we have seen from Zencastr).
It’s a tough choice, so make sure you’re making the right decision for your podcasting projects moving forward.
