Remote podcast guests are connected to West Digital Studios via the online podcasting app Riverside.
It works through your browser much like Zoom or Teams.

The Riverside app is only compatible with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, so please ensure you use either of those.
If you do not have either they can be downloaded via these links.

https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/edge/mac?form=MA13FJ

Before the recording West Digital Studios will send you a link which you simply click on or paste directly into the Internet browser.

If you would like to use your tablet or mobile phone to connect to the studio you will need to download the Riverside app
available from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Likewise, at the time of recording you simply need to click on the link we send you or paste it directly into the Internet browser.
Full details of joining by phone or app are at the end of this document.

General information on the Riverside app can be found here https://riverside.com/
In advance of the recording it is advisable to ensure that you have fully set up your recording space.

Set Up Your Space

For the best possible recording try to find a well lit quiet space. If you have access to lighting
feel free to use this as it will enhance the recording.

Camera placement
Make sure the camera is placed at eye level and not pointing up at your face. If you are
using a laptop a laptop stand is ideal for getting the correct height. If you do not have a
laptop stand some thick books will work just as well.

Lighting
If possible try to position yourself facing a light source. This might be an open window, or a
ring light, etc. Avoid having any light sources in the background of your shot or lighting
yourself from behind.

Audio
For the best sound quality try to place yourself in a room with a lot of soft furnishings, heavy
curtains, heavy rugs, etc. This will help avoid any echoes that can sound unpleasant on the
recordings. We suggest using headphones over laptop/phone/tablet mics (if using bluetooth
headphones please make sure they are charged before the recording). If you have a good
quality external microphone feel free to use this as it will help the sound quality.

Riverside FM

Joining by Computer
To join by computer simply click on the link supplied or paste it directly into the browser and
join the call. Our techs will check everything is working correctly for you before we start the
record.

Joining by phone or tablet
Please make sure your battery is charged or your device is plugged into a power source.

1. Download the Riverside app from AppStore or Google Play Store. You don’t need to open an account in the Riverside app to join the call.
2. For best results please use headphones.
3. On your device open the Riverside link that was sent by our bookings team, or past it directly into your browser.
4. If it is your first time opening the app please enable permissions for Camera and Audio.
5. If using a phone, flip it into landscape mode (horizontal).
6. Continue onto the next page and join us at the studio!

Any questions at all please contact mcr@westdigital.co.uk or call on +44 020 8743 5100.