From The Conversations Network, Doug Kaye and Paul Figgiani explain the tips and techniques for recording high-quality interviews using Skype.

1. Skype for Interviews
Doug Kaye
Paul Figgiani

2. The Conversations
Network
• 2,000+ Podcasts Since 2003
• Distributors of The Levelator
• A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

3. Broadcast Quality
• Hosts: Studio Quality
• Guests: Studio or Telephone via
Digital Hybrid

4. The Old Way
• Studio Mics for Hosts
• Telephones for Guests

5. Skype for Interviews?
• We’ve Always Said “No”
• Until Now

6. Skype for Interviews?
• We’ve Always Said “No”
• Until Now

7. Yes, Skype for Interviews!
• Skype Improved, Spring 2007
• Extensive Testing
• Best Practices

8. Example #1
• Paul on Telephone
• Doug on Telephone

9. Example #1
• Paul on Telephone
• Doug on Telephone

10. Example #2
• Paul on Studio Mic
• Doug on Telephone
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

11. Example #2
• Paul on Studio Mic
• Doug on Telephone
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

12. Example #2
• Paul on Studio Mic
• Doug on Telephone
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

13. Example #3
• Doug on Skype (Host)
• Paul on Skype (Guest)
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

14. Example #4
• Paul on Skype (Host/Local)
• Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone)
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

15. Example #4
• Paul on Skype (Host/Local)
• Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone)
• “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

16. Skype Out
• Guests Need Only a Phone
• Call Almost Any Country

17. The Proper
Environment

18. A Good (?) Headset
• Use USB
• Avoid Analog Inputs

19. Plantronics Audio 650 USB

20. Headsets
• Postion Mics Carefully
• Avoid Nose/Mouth Breathing

21. Shut Down Other Apps
• BitTorrent
• iTunes (!)
• email
• RSS readers
• IM clients

25. Have a Good Connection
• At least 5kBytes/second
(~40kbps)
• 100kbps to be safe!

28. dslreports.com

29. Conference Call?
• 100kbps per guest

31. SVOPC Codec
• Skype 2.6+ (OS X)
• Skype 3.2+ (Windows)

32. Technical Call Info
• OS X
Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced

35. Technical Call Info
• OS X
Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced
• Windows
Tools ➞ Options ➞ Advanced ➞
Connection

53. The Relay Problem
• Most firewalls block the
most optimal packets.
• Relays via SuperNodes
work around this problem.
• But SuperNodes add a hop...
• and may use TCP vs. UDP.

54. The Relay Problem
• Most firewalls block the
most optimal packets.
• Relays via SuperNodes
work around this problem.
• But SuperNodes add a hop...
• and may use TCP vs. UDP.

55. The Relay Problem
• Most firewalls block the
most optimal packets.
• Relays via SuperNodes
work around this problem.
• But SuperNodes add a hop...
• and may use TCP vs. UDP.

56. The Relay Problem
• Most firewalls block the
most optimal packets.
• Relays via SuperNodes
work around this problem.
• But SuperNodes add a hop...
• and may use TCP vs. UDP.

57. Avoid:
• Relays
• SuperNodes
• TCP

58. Router/Firewall Changes
• Your calls will bypass
SuperNodes.
• But your computer may be
used as a SuperNode.

59. Router/Firewall Changes
• Your calls will bypass
SuperNodes.
• But your computer may be
used as a SuperNode.

60. Avoid Being a SuperNode
• Shut down Skype or
• un-do the firewall changes.

75. Recording Skype Calls
• Route host and guest to
separate tracks.
• Record in high-quality
uncompressed format.

76. Recording Skype Calls
• Route host and guest to
separate tracks.
• Record in high-quality
uncompressed format.

77. Separate Tracks?
• Easier to edit in post-
production.
• Host and guest tracks may
need separate processing.

78. Separate Tracks?
• Easier to edit in post-
production.
• Host and guest tracks may
need separate processing.

79. Record Uncompressed
• MP3 is for final release only!

80. Audio Hijack Pro

94. Recording (OS X)
• AudioHijack Pro *
• Call Recorder

95. Recording (Windows)
• CallBurner *
• Pamela
• TotalRecorder Pro
• CallSoft VOiP

100. Post-Production

110. Skype for Interviews
Doug Kaye
Paul Figgiani

111. For More Information
conversationsnetwork.org/forum

112. For More Information
conversationsnetwork.org/forum