Zencastr is a web-based platform that helps users create professional-sounding podcasts, meetings, conversations, interviews and other remote recordings. It is ideal for two or more participants.
Compared to other podcast or remote recording platforms, it is more effective and efficient in creating high-quality audio.
The software is user-friendly and easy to use. It is cloud-based, so you do not have to use a browser extension or install anything. You only need to create an account and then open your browser.
The best thing about this is that if you already have an account, all the other participants in the group do not have to have one. The voice call is done through the browser.
Zencastr records participants’ tracks separately and then each one is uploaded to the platform’s servers. Each recording can then be downloaded and stitched together.
You can also have the software do this automatically for you. This leaves you with a polished, high-quality recording.
You and the participants in your Zencastr recording only need a microphone and headphones to ensure the efficiency of the process.
Although computers, especially notebooks or laptops, come with their own built-in microphones, using a standalone one or a headset that’s connected to your device is the best option because it produces higher quality recordings.
The Zencastr recording process is convenient for users because it ensures lesser internet connection-related problems.
More specifically, it minimizes incidents like participants suddenly leaving the conversation or recording because they had weak internet connection.
Zencastr Features
One of the first things you will notice when you start using Zencastr is its dashboard. It’s one of the reasons that the platform is easy to use.
The things the app does are all laid out there. Additionally, it’s also what you will use to invite participants to your recording.
Likewise, in the dashboard, you’ll find some of Zencastr’s important features.
You’ll see a VoIP toggle on the lower right side. Of course, you’ll also find the recording button (Create New Episode), which is located at the top part of the dashboard.
Zencastr’s most important features, aside from the above-mentioned, are the following:
Separate tracks
As mentioned earlier, Zencastr records audio tracks separately or locally. What this means for you is crystal-clear quality and minimal to zero dropouts, making recording more efficient.
Built-in Voice over Internet Protocol
With a built-in VoIP, you do not have to use Google Hangouts, Skype or other third-party voice chat apps. You and the other participants can chat with each other directly using the said Zencastr feature.
Post-production features
Zencastr makes post-production work easier for you through its automatic post-production feature. A button you’ll find after all the tracks have been uploaded, clicking this will enable you to easily stitch the tracks into one.
Once the mixing is done, the final track will be sent to you, via Dropbox and Zencastr recording page.
This feature, however, is not free. As such, you’ll have to purchase this in addition to the plan you have chosen. Long-time users prefer to add this feature because it makes the recording process more convenient for them.
Lossless WAV recording
Another guarantee that Zencastr’s recording quality is way above the average is its lossless WAV feature. Audio is recorded in 16-bit 44.1k lossless WAV. What this means is that the recording is uncompressed so it does not lose its original quality.
Additionally, since your audio track is solid—audio processing information is complete—it will be easy for you to process the recording, edit or correct it and improve its overall quality.
Think of it this way: Editing compressed audio files is like editing a low resolution poorly taken photo. You can only do so much. Thus, with the lossless WAV recording feature, producing high-quality audio is a 100% guarantee.
Live editing soundboard
This feature is what you use if you want to add additional audio, such as an intro, when you record live.
It is important to keep in mind, though, that using this feature for adding an ad, an intro or any other audio while live recording will embed the said element into the track you are working on.
The other option for adding audio is to do so while in post-production.
Cloud drive storage
As was mentioned earlier, you’ll find a Dropbox or Google Drive integration on your dashboard. This is what makes file uploading and sharing easy. Zencastr will automatically deliver recordings to these cloud-based storage drives.
Chat
Zencastr’s chat feature is an added convenience, especially if there are participants who want to communicate with you while the recording is ongoing.
Track muting and echo-canceling
You, as host, can mute the participants if needed. They can also mute themselves though, like when they need to cough or something. The only thing you cannot do is adjust audio levels—i.e. fade in and fade out.
On the other hand, you can use the echo-canceling feature for muting yourself so you won’t be heard in the background of the participant’s audio or recording—and they won’t be heard in yours as well.
If you plan to get a Zencastr premium plan, you’ll be able to enjoy automatically recorded multiple audio formats.
Zencastr Benefits
Zencastr is a user-friendly recording app, which makes it an advantage for a lot of people—not just for podcasters. Anyone who wants to have high-quality audio recordings can benefit greatly from it.
Cloud-based
You won’t have a difficult time inviting participants to your recording as Zencastr is cloud-based. You and everybody in your group can easily access it using your respective web browsers.
All you need is good internet access—plus your computer or laptop and preferred browser—and you can do your recordings wherever you are and no matter what time of day it is.
Doesn’t require everyone to sign up
If you’re the host, you will need an account to start the recording. So, yes, you have to sign up with Zencastr. However, all the other participants in your recording do not need an account.
They do not have to download anything, as well. All that you need to do is send them a link to the recording and input the participants’ names, and then you’re good to go.
Uploads audio tracks automatically
No time is wasted with Zencastr because as soon as the recording is done, participants can choose to leave the group.
This won’t create any problems because the app will automatically upload the tracks to Google Drive or Dropbox as they are being recorded.
Allows users to record long audio
You and your participants do not have to worry about cutting short your recordings. Zencastr allows recordings of up to three hours. Depending on the type of computer you have, you can even go over three hours.
Audio backups
Aside from automatically uploading audio recordings to Google Drive and Dropbox, Zencastr also downloads the audio files into your file system.
Therefore, you’re guaranteed to have backups, which means even if you are not able to access Drive or Dropbox, you’ll still be able to get the clips.
Zencastr works even when internet connection is bad
The usual problem when recording with audio or video is a bad internet connection. This is not the case for Zencastr though. Even when the internet connection is cut, once you have started recording, the process will continue.
The recording will not be cut. This saves you the inconvenience of re-recording your audio.
Simple guest interface
Participants or guests do not have to be highly skilled in technology to use Zencastr. To join the recording, all they need to do is click and invite the invite link that you send.
Zencastr Pricing
Zencastr has two pricing plans for its users, the Hobbyist package and the Professional package.
Hobbyist
The Hobbyist package is free and is intended for a maximum of two guests. Total monthly recording time allowed is eight hours.
You are assured of high-quality mp3 recordings. If you want to use the post-production feature, you’ll have to pay an extra fee per use.
Professional
The Professional package sells for $20 per month. You’ll enjoy unlimited recordings for an unlimited number of guests. Likewise, you’ll have access to the app’s live editing soundboard.
Recordings are in 16-bit 44.1k Wav and in excellent quality mp3. Additionally, you’ll enjoy automatic postproduction of 10 hours every month.
You can also choose to avail of the Professional package annual subscription. All you have to do is pay the yearly fee of $18 per month.
The Professional package is available for a 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
Zencastr is a no-frills, easy-to-use and extra convenient podcast and audio recording platform that anybody can use for creating high-quality recordings.
It’s useful for those who want to come up with crystal-clear audio recordings without having to spend a lot—whether the purpose is for podcasts, meetings, class discussions, interviews and other similar activities and events.