For a remote interview, choose software that records each guest locally and uploads separate tracks; it gives you more editing control than a recording of the combined call. Riverside is a strong fit for video interviews with separate audio and video tracks, Zencastr is a flexible choice for audio-only or audio/video sessions, and StreamYard suits shows that also need a live-production studio. Zoom can work for straightforward interviews when separate participant audio files are enough. The right choice depends on what you need to edit, how you record, and how guests will join.
How to choose recording software
Start with the finished show, not the feature list. A solo audio edit, a video podcast, and a live talk show have different requirements. Check how the software captures each participant, what files you can retrieve, and what happens if a guest’s connection drops or an upload is delayed.
- Separate tracks: Individual participant audio or video files let you adjust each speaker independently. A single mixed recording offers less flexibility.
- Local versus call-stream recording: Local recording captures media on each participant’s device and uploads it. It can preserve source files when the live connection has problems, but it still depends on a usable connection for the conversation and a successful upload afterward.
- Guest setup: Consider whether guests can join through a browser link, which devices and browsers are supported, and whether they need an account or an app.
- Limits and retrieval: Confirm participant caps, recording allowances, storage, file formats, and how guests’ recordings are uploaded and accessed.
- Audio or video: If the show is video-first, verify that separate video files are included—not just separate audio tracks.
The specifications below are vendor-published claims, not results from comparative hands-on testing. Product limits and supported devices can change; confirm the current details with the provider before committing to a workflow.
Best software by recording workflow
1. Riverside: video interviews with separate tracks
Riverside’s official podcast page describes separate audio and video tracks, 48 kHz WAV audio, video up to 4K, progressive uploads, and sessions with up to eight participants. That makes it a candidate when you want individual guest video as well as audio for post-production. These are Riverside’s published specifications, not an independent quality comparison. See Riverside’s podcast recording details.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Zencastr: flexible audio-only and audio/video sessions
Zencastr’s FAQ says it supports separate participant tracks, up to six total participants including the host, and unlimited recording time. Its listed recording modes include audio-only, audio with live video on the call, and audio/video recording. The FAQ lists desktop Chrome, Edge, and Brave, as well as iOS support; check the current requirements for your guests’ devices. Review Zencastr’s FAQ and recording modes.
For an audio-only interview, Zencastr’s explicit audio-only mode can avoid capturing video you do not need. Its FAQ recommends headphones to help reduce echo and audio bleed. That is setup guidance, not a claim that headphones can correct poor room acoustics or microphone technique.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. StreamYard: recording alongside live production
StreamYard documents local recordings with separate participant audio and video files, browser-based guest links, and a live-production workflow. Its help page says free local recording is limited to two hours per month and paid plans have unlimited local recording. Those allowances concern local recordings; do not assume they describe separate live-stream recording limits. Check the plan details and confirm local capture is enabled for the specific mode you plan to use. See StreamYard’s local recording help and product features.
4. Zoom: a familiar option for separate participant audio
Zoom’s desktop app supports local computer recording and a setting to create a separate audio file for each participant. This can suit a basic interview when your editor is comfortable with a meeting-oriented workflow and separate audio is what you need. The cited feature establishes separate audio files; it does not establish separate local video files for each person. Enable the relevant setting before the interview. See Zoom’s instructions for separate audio files.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Quick comparison
| Option | What the official information describes | Best fit | Check before recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Up to eight participants; separate audio/video tracks; 48 kHz WAV audio; video up to 4K; progressive uploads. Source. | Video interviews that need separate participant files. | Current participant limit, supported devices, and plan terms. |
| Zencastr | Up to six participants including host; separate tracks; unlimited recording time; audio-only, audio with live video, and audio/video modes. FAQ; modes. | Audio-only interviews or flexible remote sessions. | Current browser and device support, participant cap, and upload workflow. |
| StreamYard | Local participant audio/video files and live-production use; free local recording: two hours monthly; paid plans: unlimited local recording. Source. | A talk show that needs a live studio as well as local recordings. | Current plan allowance and whether local recording applies to your chosen mode. |
| Zoom | Desktop local recording with a setting for a separate audio file per participant. Source. | A simple, familiar meeting workflow when separate audio is sufficient. | That the desktop app and separate-audio setting are ready before the session. |
Choose by the show you are making
Audio-only remote interview
Prioritize separate participant audio, guest access, and upload handling. Zencastr lists an audio-only mode. Zoom can create separate local audio files when the desktop setting is enabled. Decide whether you need a dedicated recording workflow or whether your guests’ familiarity with a meeting app matters more.
Video podcast or interview
Confirm you can retrieve separate participant video as well as audio. Riverside describes separate video tracks and video up to 4K; StreamYard describes per-participant local audio and video files. These feature descriptions do not establish which will look or sound better in your own conditions.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A talk show that also goes live
Consider whether you want one studio for live production and recording. StreamYard documents both uses; check that local recording is available in the exact live or recording mode you plan to use. A recording of the live program and separate local participant files serve different editing needs.
Frequent or long episodes
Check monthly recording allowances, storage, participant caps, and file retrieval. Zencastr’s FAQ states unlimited recording time and up to six participants including the host. StreamYard’s help page states two hours per month of free local recording and unlimited local recording on paid plans. Confirm these changeable details on current plan pages before scheduling a series.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Prepare guests and protect the recording
Before the session
- Ask each guest to use headphones to help prevent echo and audio bleed; Zencastr recommends them for that reason.
- Use a microphone for each speaker where possible. StreamYard’s setup guide recommends a microphone per speaker and suggests a USB microphone when available. This is general setup advice, not a tested model recommendation. Read StreamYard’s recording setup guide.
- Have every participant select the intended microphone and check input levels before starting.
- Choose a quiet room and close unnecessary apps or tabs. Allow time at the end for local files to upload, then verify that the files are present before ending the session workflow.
- For Zoom, use the desktop app and turn on the separate-audio setting before recording; do not assume it can be enabled retroactively.
During and after the interview
- Record a short test and confirm each person’s voice is audible on the intended track.
- Keep a backup plan for a guest whose device, browser, or connection fails; local capture does not eliminate the need for a working conversation connection.
- Afterward, check for every expected participant file and allow uploads to finish before editing or deleting local source material.
Common problems and what to check
- Echo or audio bleed: Ask participants to use headphones and check that their microphone is not picking up another speaker through speakers in the room.
- A guest is missing from the recording: Check whether the guest joined through a supported device or browser, whether their track was enabled, and whether their upload completed.
- You have one mixed file instead of separate tracks: Confirm the separate-track or local-recording feature was enabled before the session. Zoom’s cited instructions cover separate participant audio files, not separate participant video files.
- Video is missing when you expected it: Check that the selected mode records video rather than audio only, and confirm local recording was enabled for that mode.
- A long session exceeds an allowance: Verify the current plan’s monthly local-recording limit and distinguish it from live-stream recording allowances before relying on a free tier.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your talk show format uses prerecorded video as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate option from interview-recording software: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it includes automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. It plays uploaded videos and streams to YouTube; it does not capture a live camera interview. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
