The most crucial aspect of any podcast is getting the audio right, yet many new podcasters struggle with this when they begin.
With so many options out there, few platforms are explicitly made for high-quality podcasts. That’s until Zencastr showed up on the scene.
So, how to use Zencastr? As a podcast recording platform, Zencastr helps you create high-fidelity and quality audio for your series, whether audio, video, or both.
The software must be downloaded onto your device and your guests’ devices. Once the recording is done, you will have a separate audio track for each speaker.
If you’re ready to take your podcast to the next level and need a professional sound, Zencastr has little competition in this area.
This beginner’s guide will explain everything, including what it is, its benefits, and how to use it for your podcast.
What is Zencastr?
Zencastr is audio recording software explicitly designed for podcasters. It gives you all the tools you need to capture high-fidelity audio from the comfort of your home.
A unique URL created for the recording allows you to access the recording studio on your browser. You can then send the link to anyone you want to invite to speak.
If you’re uncomfortable tinkering with the audio files, Zencastr has tools that automatically splice them together for you, requiring even less effort.
Along with this handy tool, many others work seamlessly in the background and record to deliver exceptional audio for the finished piece.
Zencastr has effects like volume leveling and hum reduction, which are perfect for people who aren’t comfortable performing these tasks themselves.
How to Use Zencastr
To get an idea of how easy Zencastr is to use, we’ll lay out the steps required to create your first podcast recording. This is all you’ll need to do to get yourself an account with Zencastr and start making your first audio file:
- Sign Up: Create a free Zencastr account.
- Create a New Recording: Go to your dashboard and select ‘Create New Recording.’
- Setup Your Episode: Name your show and grant microphone access if prompted.
- Invite Guests: Send the recording link to your co-hosts.
- Record: Press ‘Record’ to start and ‘Stop Recording’ when finished.
- Save Your Files: Download the local audio tracks to your computer.
- Post-Production: Use Zencastr’s automatic post-production tools to edit your recording.
- Publish: Upload the finished product to your podcast platform.
Zencastr Benefits
There are loads of reasons why podcasters look to platforms like Zencastr to take care of their audio recordings.
Here are just some of the most popular ones that can make a massive difference for your podcast:
Single track per speaker
The biggest issue with most VOIP podcast recording platforms is that the finished audio is compiled on a single track. You won’t be able to edit the speakers separately, so if one of you has inferior audio, it’ll ruin the whole show.
Cool features
A handful of features help Zencastr stand out, including live chat with other speakers, cloud drive integration, automatic backup, and a unique guest interface for show visitors.
The software was designed to make the user experience as easy as possible, even for those who are new to this type of platform.
Free plan available
Unlike other podcast software that charges you to use it, Zencastr is available for free.
The free plan offers some limitations, but for most hobbyists and intermediate podcasters, it offers a whole host of features that can instantly improve the audio quality of their show.
As you start making money from your podcast, you can upgrade to the Pro plan for just $20 a month and experience much more.
Automatic editing and post-production
If you’re unsure of your editing skills, Zencastr offers many automatic post-production tools.
Once you’ve finished the recording, check out the live sound editing and studio that lets you apply a range of filters and fixes, giving you a polished finished product to publish. However, you’ll need to be signed up to their Pro plan to use the best of these.
Built-in VOIP
Rather than relying on a third-party program for VOIP calls and then having to record them separately for your podcast, you can do it all through Zencastr.
If you’re not ready to record, you can still make VOIP calls anywhere in the world with the program and then start recording audio at the press of a button when you’re in the middle of a call.
High-quality audio
Even after you’re done editing them in post-production, they’ll still be of fantastic quality, and at the same standard you’d expect a professional studio to record in.
Some Downsides of Zencastr
As with any piece of software, some issues you might encounter with Zencastr could put you off.
These are a few of the minor downsides that customers have noted while recording their podcast with it:
- Quality Headphones Required: You need quality headphones to make Zencastr work, so make sure they’re over-ear and plugged in. Phone earphones and Bluetooth connections aren’t ideal as they can interfere with the audio signal, so be mindful of that.
- Desktop and Laptop Only: Zencastr works only on desktop and laptop computers, so you won’t be able to use it on your smartphone or tablet. Any other speakers or co-hosts will have to access it via a URL on their computer.
- Browser Compatibility: Zencastr should only be used with Google Chrome for the best results, as some issues have been reported with Safari and Firefox.
- Local File Storage: All files on Zencastr are recorded locally, so you need to clear enough space on your computer to store them when done.
Plans and Pricing
As one of the better-quality audio recording platforms, it surprises many that Zencast has a substantial free offering.
At last look, the platform offered two different plans for customers to choose from: the free Hobbyist plan and the $20 a month Professional plan, depending on their needs.
When you’re brand new to podcasting, this is more than enough to create a stellar-sounding show.
For those who want to take their podcast to another level, the Professional plan is also a good bang for your buck, and it comes with a 14-day free trial to test it all out.
The $20 per month fee lets you host more than five guests and includes everything on the free plan: unlimited video recordings, a live editing soundboard, unlimited transcriptions, and up to 10 hours of audio and video mixing a month.
With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to create studio-quality audio for your podcast.
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Price (Annually) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | $0 | • Host up to 4 guests • Unlimited audio recordings • Trial 1080p video recordings |
| Professional | $20 | $18 per month | • Host up to 5 guests • Unlimited audio & video recordings • Live editing soundboard • Unlimited English transcriptions • 16-bit 48k WAV recordings • Audio/Video mixing (10 hours/month) |
| Growth | $59 | $49 per month | • All features of the Professional plan • Additional advanced features |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Zencastr without downloading any additional software?
Yes, Zencastr is web-based and can be accessed through a supported desktop or laptop browser without additional software.
What post-production options are available in Zencastr’s paid plans?
Paid plans include automatic audio enhancements such as volume leveling and noise reduction and the ability to download separate WAV tracks or a Final Mix file.
How can I ensure a smooth recording experience with Zencastr?
Use a stable internet connection (5 Mbps or higher), a supported browser, headphones to prevent echo, and an external microphone for better audio quality.
Final Thoughts
The audio quality of your podcast plays a crucial role in its success. Ensuring top-notch sound can set your content apart and attract a loyal audience.
Zencastr is a powerful tool that can elevate your podcast’s audio quality. However, whether you choose Zencastr or another high-fidelity podcasting software, investing in superior audio technology is essential for delivering professional-grade sound that engages and retains listeners.
Resources:
- ElegantThemes.com
- Support.Zencastr.com
