Whether you’re recording with a co-host in the same room or adding a remote guest to the conversation, Riverside makes it easy to record in-person and hybrid sessions in one studio. Use these tips to get clean, consistent results.
Microphones and audio interfaces
For in-person recording, each participant should use their own microphone so Riverside can generate separate audio tracks.
General microphone best practices
These apply to all in-person setups, regardless of microphone type:
- Use one microphone per person.
- Use directional microphones, such as cardioid or unidirectional, to reduce room echo and bleed.
- Prefer dynamic microphones for speech, as they capture less room noise.
- Match microphone placement so each speaker is the same distance from their microphone.
- Use similar microphones when possible to keep audio balanced.
- Adjust mic gain so normal speech peaks clearly without clipping, and bleed from the other speaker stays quiet.
Using XLR microphones with an audio interface
Use this setup when connecting two XLR microphones to one computer.
Connect microphones to an audio interface that supports multiple inputs.
Make sure each microphone is sent on its own channel so Riverside records separate tracks.
Set healthy input levels on the audio interface first, then fine-tune levels in Riverside.
Using USB microphones
You can also record in-person sessions using USB microphones without an audio interface.
- Connect each USB microphone directly to the computer.
- Assign the correct microphone to each in-person participant before recording.
Note: When two people share a microphone, Riverside saves one audio track. The transcript may identify speakers, but the recording remains a single track. For multi-track editing, connect two mics.
Headphones
Headphone requirements depend on whether remote participants are present.
In-person recording only (no remote participants)
Headphones are not required. In-person participants hear each other naturally in the room.
In-person recording with remote participants (hybrid sessions)
Headphones are required for all in-person participants. They prevent echo and allow in-person participants to hear the remote participant.
You can:
- Connect headphones through an audio interface.
- Share earbuds between in-person participants.
- Use a headphone splitter for audio output only.
Room setup and technique
- Adjust seating: Sit slightly farther apart and angle mics away from each other to reduce spill.
- Maintain mic distance: Keep a consistent position and avoid handling noise.
- Take turns speaking: One person speaking at a time ensures the cleanest tracks.
- Improve acoustics: Use soft furnishings or acoustic treatments to reduce echo.
Pre-record checklist
- Record a 15–30 second test and listen on headphones.
- Confirm mic assignments and input levels.
- For hybrid sessions, verify headphone routing.
- Silence background noise sources (e.g. fans, notifications).
- Adjust camera framing and lighting for in-person participants.
Good to know
- A producer can join as a non-recorded participant to monitor levels and spot issues early.
For hybrid recordings, in-room participants must use headphones. Speakers are disabled to prevent echo.
- If multiple people join the Studio using one device and the same audio and camera input, such as sitting side-by-side in front of a laptop, their audio and video is saved as one track.