Guest recording guide
Riverside records each of us locally on our own device, so your audio and video come through in studio quality even if your internet has a hiccup. A few minutes of prep is all it takes. Here's everything you need to know.
No account needed
Computer or phone
About 10 minutes to prep
Before recording day
Run through this checklist a day or two before we record.
Device
A laptop or desktop with Google Chrome works best (Edge and Safari are also supported). Don't use an incognito or private window. Plug your laptop into power and make sure you have at least 5 GB of free space. Joining from a phone? Download the Riverside app first.
Audio
Headphones stop our voices from echoing back into your microphone. Wired headphones or earbuds are best. Bluetooth headphones can add delay and drop out mid-conversation.
Audio
If you have an external USB microphone, use it and keep it about a fist's width from your mouth. No external mic? The mic on your wired earbuds is the next best choice, and much better than your laptop's built-in mic.
Connection
Plug into your router with an Ethernet cable if you can. On Wi-Fi, sit close to the router. Turn off any VPN, and close other tabs and apps, especially anything else that uses your camera or mic, like Zoom or Teams.
Space
Choose a small room with soft furnishings (carpet, curtains, a couch) to cut echo. Silence your phone, pause notifications on your computer, and let your household know you're recording.
Video
Face a window or lamp so the light is on your face, not behind you. Raise your camera to eye level (a stack of books works) and frame yourself from the chest up against a tidy background.
On recording day
1
Click the Riverside link in your calendar invite. On a computer it opens in your browser. On a phone it opens the Riverside app. You don't need to create an account.
2
Your browser will ask for permission. Click Allow. If you miss it, click the camera icon in the address bar to turn access back on.
3
Type your name, select that you're using headphones, and choose the right camera, microphone, and speakers from the dropdowns. Say a few words and watch the mic meter move.
4
Click Join Studio. If you land in a waiting room, hang tight. We'll let you in as soon as we're ready.
5
We handle the recording. You'll see a timer when it's running. Speak naturally, and keep your distance from the mic consistent. If something goes sideways, just pause and say it again.
6
This is the most important step. Your recording uploads from your device during and after the session. When we wrap, stay on the page until the upload reaches 100%. Closing the tab or your laptop early can cut off your recording.
Troubleshooting