Why I Use and Recommend Riverside for Podcasting (With a Few Caveats)
As a podcast producer, I’m always on the lookout for tools that streamline recording and enhance audio quality without compromising creative control. Over the years, I’ve tested various remote recording platforms, and Riverside has become my go-to for high-quality podcast production. While it’s not perfect, Riverside offers a robust set of features that make it one of the best choices for professional podcasters.
The Pros of Using Riverside
1. High-Quality Local Recording One of Riverside’s biggest advantages is its ability to record locally on each participant’s device. Unlike traditional video conferencing tools that compress audio and video, Riverside captures uncompressed files directly from each person’s microphone and camera. This means that even if a guest has a spotty internet connection, the final recording remains high-quality.
2. Multitrack Recording For podcasters who value flexibility in post-production, Riverside provides separate audio and video tracks for each participant. This makes it much easier to edit individual voices, reduce background noise, and fine-tune the final mix without being stuck with a single mixed-down file.
3. 4K Video Capabilities If you’re producing a video podcast or repurposing content for social media, Riverside’s 4K video recording is a huge plus. Many remote recording platforms max out at 720p or 1080p, so having the option to record in 4K future-proofs your content.
4. Live Call-In and Streaming Features For those who want to interact with their audience in real-time, Riverside allows you to invite live listeners and stream directly to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This feature is great for engaging your community and expanding your podcast’s reach.
The Cons of Using Riverside
1. AI Producer Tools for Audio Are Lacking While Riverside offers AI-driven tools for noise reduction and voice enhancement, I’ve found them to be underwhelming compared to either manually editing the audio or hiring a professional sound engineer. If you want truly polished audio, it’s still best to take the extra steps to mix and master your recordings properly.
2. Browser Compatibility Restrictions Riverside requires users and guests to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, which can be a limitation for those who prefer other browsers like Safari or Firefox. While Chrome is widely used, some guests may not have it installed, leading to additional setup time before recording.
3. Pricing for Advanced Features While Riverside does offer a free plan, many of its best features—like multitrack recording and 4K video—are locked behind paid tiers. This can be a barrier for hobbyists or new podcasters who are working with a limited budget.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few minor drawbacks, Riverside remains one of the best tools available for remote podcast recording. The high-quality local recording, multitrack audio, and video capabilities make it a powerful choice for professional podcasters. However, if you’re serious about audio quality, I recommend either editing the audio yourself or hiring a professional rather than relying on Riverside’s AI editing tools.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to produce studio-quality podcasts from anywhere, Riverside is well worth considering—just make sure your guests are ready to use Chrome or Edge before recording day!
