Cleanfeed

What is Cleanfeed?

Cleanfeed is a professional-grade browser-based platform for recording high-quality remote audio conversations, designed specifically for podcasters, radio broadcasters, and audio professionals who demand broadcast-quality sound from remote participants. Founded in 2017 by audio engineer and broadcaster Marc Bakos, Cleanfeed emerged from frustration with existing solutions that sacrificed audio quality for convenience. Unlike consumer-focused tools that compress audio for real-time transmission, Cleanfeed prioritizes uncompressed, lossless audio capture while maintaining the low-latency monitoring essential for natural conversation flow. This dual focus on quality and usability has made Cleanfeed the tool of choice for professional broadcasters, podcast networks, and audio producers worldwide.

What distinguishes Cleanfeed from consumer recording platforms is its professional architecture that captures separate, uncompressed audio files locally from each participant while providing low-latency monitoring for conversation. This “double-ender” approach records pristine audio directly on each participant’s device, eliminating the quality degradation inherent in traditional internet transmission. Participants hear each other in real-time with minimal delay enabling natural conversation, but the final recordings are studio-quality local files unaffected by internet connectivity issues, bandwidth limitations, or streaming compression. This professional methodology delivers audio quality indistinguishable from in-person studio recordings despite participants being continents apart.

Cleanfeed has established itself as the industry standard for remote broadcast and podcast recording among professionals who refuse to compromise on audio quality. Major broadcasters including BBC, NPR, and professional podcast networks rely on Cleanfeed for daily production, trusting it for interviews, panel discussions, and live broadcasts where audio quality directly impacts credibility and listener experience. The platform’s combination of browser-based accessibility requiring no participant software installation, professional-grade audio quality, and reliable performance even under imperfect network conditions makes it the definitive solution for serious remote audio production.

Key Features

• Lossless Audio Recording: Captures uncompressed, broadcast-quality audio files locally from each participant with 48kHz 24-bit resolution for professional post-production.
• Low-Latency Monitoring: Real-time conversation with minimal delay enables natural discussion flow and professional interviewing without awkward pauses or talking over.
• Browser-Based Platform: Guests join simply by clicking a link in any modern browser without downloads, accounts, or software installation eliminating technical barriers.
• Separate Track Recording: Independent audio files for each participant provide complete post-production control over levels, processing, and editing.
• Backup Recording: Simultaneous mixed recording provides safety backup ensuring no loss if individual tracks fail unexpectedly.
• Professional Audio Options: Support for audio interfaces, studio microphones, and professional monitoring setups used by broadcasters.
• Network Resilience: Intelligent handling of connection issues maintains conversation quality and audio capture integrity despite network fluctuations.
• Multi-Participant Support: Host panels, roundtables, and group discussions with multiple remote participants simultaneously.
• Recording Management: Organized storage and retrieval of recordings with metadata for efficient production workflows.
• Pro Features: Advanced capabilities including ISDN quality codec, phone dial-in support, and integration with professional broadcast equipment.

What’s New

Cleanfeed continues evolving based on professional broadcaster feedback, regularly introducing features that enhance reliability, expand capabilities, and improve the production workflow.

• Enhanced Audio Quality: Improved codecs and processing deliver even better monitoring quality while maintaining lossless local recording integrity.
• Better Network Handling: Advanced algorithms maintain conversation quality and recording continuity during challenging network conditions.
• Expanded Browser Support: Improved compatibility across browsers and platforms ensures reliable access for guests using various systems.
• Performance Optimizations: Reduced latency and improved stability during long recording sessions enhance the professional recording experience.
• Interface Refinements: Streamlined controls and clearer status indicators help hosts manage multi-participant sessions more effectively.
• Recording Reliability: Enhanced failsafe systems and backup mechanisms provide additional protection against potential data loss.
• Mobile Improvements: Better support for mobile guests joining from smartphones and tablets when necessary.
• Integration Updates: Improved compatibility with professional audio interfaces and digital mixing consoles used in broadcast environments.

System Requirements

Web Browser (Primary Platform)

• Browser: Chrome 90+ (recommended), Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+
• Internet: Stable broadband connection (5+ Mbps recommended for optimal quality)
• Processor: Modern multi-core processor for audio processing
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended for hosting)
• Storage: Adequate space for local recording files (varies by session length)
• Microphone: Professional USB microphone recommended
• Headphones: Essential for preventing audio feedback and monitoring

Host Requirements (Session Leader)

• Cleanfeed Account: Paid subscription required to host sessions
• Audio Interface: Professional audio interface recommended for best quality
• Monitoring: Studio monitors or quality headphones for accurate monitoring
• Internet: Reliable, stable connection with adequate upload bandwidth

Guest Requirements (Participants)

• Browser: Any modern browser, no account required
• Internet: Stable connection (3+ Mbps recommended)
• Microphone: Best quality possible (USB mic recommended, built-in acceptable)
• Headphones: Required to prevent echo and feedback
• Note: No downloads or registration needed for guests

How to Install Cleanfeed

Host Setup (Session Creator)

1. Visit cleanfeed.net in your web browser
2. Click “Sign up” or “Start free trial” to create account
3. Choose subscription plan appropriate for your needs
4. Complete account setup and payment information
5. Grant browser microphone permissions when prompted
6. Configure audio input from microphone or interface
7. Create your first session and invite guests

# Access Cleanfeed
# Navigate to: https://cleanfeed.net

# No software installation required
# Browser-based platform for all users

# Host account required:
# - Free trial available for testing
# - Paid subscription for regular use
# - Professional and enterprise tiers available

# Initial setup:
# - Grant microphone permissions
# - Select correct audio input device
# - Test audio levels before sessions
# - Configure headphone monitoring output

Guest Joining (Participants)

1. Receive Cleanfeed session link from host
2. Click link to open session in browser
3. Enter name when prompted (no account needed)
4. Grant browser microphone permission
5. Put on headphones to prevent feedback
6. Test audio and confirm connection
7. Begin conversation when host starts recording

# Guest participation:
# - No registration or account required
# - No software downloads needed
# - Works in any modern browser

# Best practices for guests:
# - Use headphones to prevent echo
# - Use quality microphone if possible
# - Close bandwidth-intensive applications
# - Use wired internet when available
# - Find quiet environment for recording

# Browser permissions:
# - Grant microphone access when prompted
# - Allow pop-ups if blocked
# - Enable audio playback permissions

Audio Setup Best Practices

1. Use professional USB microphone or audio interface
2. Position microphone 4-6 inches from mouth
3. Wear headphones to prevent feedback and monitor audio
4. Test recording levels before important sessions
5. Use wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi
6. Close unnecessary applications to free resources
7. Record in quiet environment with minimal background noise

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Broadcast-Quality Audio: Lossless local recording delivers professional studio-quality files unaffected by internet connection issues or streaming compression.
• No Guest Installation: Participants join via simple browser link without creating accounts, downloading software, or technical setup eliminating common friction.
• Professional Reliability: Industry-proven platform trusted by major broadcasters ensures confidence for mission-critical recording sessions.
• Low-Latency Conversation: Natural discussion flow with minimal delay enables professional interviewing and genuine conversation without awkward pauses.
• Separate Track Recording: Individual audio files for each participant provide complete post-production flexibility for professional editing and mixing.
• Network Resilience: Intelligent handling of connectivity issues maintains usable recording quality even during temporary network degradation.
• Professional Features: Advanced capabilities including phone dial-in, ISDN-quality codec, and broadcast equipment integration serve serious production needs.

Cons

• Paid Subscription Required: Host must maintain active subscription with costs starting around $20 monthly, unlike some free alternatives.
• Learning Curve: Professional feature set creates steeper learning curve compared to simplified consumer recording platforms.
• Browser Dependency: Requires modern browsers and may experience compatibility issues with older systems or restrictive corporate networks.
• No Integrated Editing: Focuses purely on recording; requires separate software for editing, unlike all-in-one production platforms.
• Guest Technical Requirements: Participants need adequate internet, proper headphones, and basic technical competence for best results.

Cleanfeed vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Cleanfeed?

Cleanfeed is ideal for:

• Professional Broadcasters: Radio stations, news organizations, and broadcasting professionals requiring broadcast-quality remote interviews and live connectivity.
• Serious Podcasters: Established podcast creators who prioritize audio quality and need reliable recording for monetized or sponsored content.
• Audio Producers: Production companies creating content for clients where professional quality is non-negotiable and reputation depends on reliability.
• Interview Podcasts: Shows built around conversations where natural flow and professional audio quality are essential to format success.
• Podcast Networks: Organizations managing multiple shows benefit from Cleanfeed’s reliability, team features, and professional capabilities.
• Live Broadcast Production: Those conducting live radio shows or streaming broadcasts requiring stable, low-latency connections for real-time content.

Cleanfeed may not be ideal for:

• Casual Podcasters: Hobbyists or beginners may find free alternatives like Riverside or Zencastr sufficient for their quality needs and budget.
• Video Podcasters: Those requiring video recording capabilities should choose platforms offering integrated video capture like Riverside.fm.
• Budget-Conscious Beginners: New podcasters unwilling to invest in paid tools before validating their concept have free alternatives available.
• All-in-One Users: Creators wanting integrated editing, transcription, and publishing may prefer comprehensive platforms over recording-focused tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cleanfeed cost?

Cleanfeed operates on a subscription model with several tiers. The basic “Recorder” plan typically costs around twenty dollars monthly and includes standard recording features for individual creators. The “Professional” plan at approximately forty dollars monthly adds advanced features like unlimited session length and phone dial-in support. The “Multitrack” plan for broadcast use costs around sixty dollars monthly with expanded capabilities. Enterprise pricing is available for organizations requiring custom solutions. While not free like some alternatives, the pricing reflects professional capabilities and reliability that broadcasters and serious podcasters require. Free trials are typically available for evaluation.

Do my guests need Cleanfeed accounts to join?

No, guests do not need Cleanfeed accounts, software downloads, or any setup to participate. Hosts send a simple browser link that guests click to join the session immediately. Participants enter their name, grant browser microphone permission, and connect within seconds. This frictionless guest experience is one of Cleanfeed’s key advantages—you can invite professional interviewees, occasional guests, or non-technical participants without requiring them to navigate complex setup processes. Only the session host needs a paid Cleanfeed account to create and manage recording sessions.

What makes Cleanfeed different from Zoom or Skype for recording?

Cleanfeed fundamentally differs from video conferencing tools through its focus on high-quality audio recording rather than real-time communication. While Zoom and Skype compress audio heavily for efficient transmission, sacrificing quality, Cleanfeed records uncompressed audio locally on each participant’s device, delivering broadcast-quality files unaffected by internet quality. Cleanfeed also provides separate audio tracks for each participant, enabling professional post-production. The platform prioritizes low-latency audio monitoring for natural conversation while background-recording pristine files. For video calls, use Zoom; for professional audio production, Cleanfeed delivers significantly superior results.

Can Cleanfeed be used for live broadcasting?

Yes, Cleanfeed is specifically designed for live broadcasting and is used daily by professional radio stations worldwide. The platform’s low-latency monitoring enables real-time conversation suitable for live-to-air broadcasting. Features like phone dial-in support, ISDN-quality codec, and integration with broadcast mixing consoles make it broadcast-ready. While the local recording provides high-quality files for post-production, the real-time audio connection is sufficiently low-latency and stable for live broadcast use. Many broadcasters use Cleanfeed as their primary remote contribution platform, trusting it for mission-critical live programming where audio quality and reliability are paramount.

What happens if someone’s internet connection drops during recording?

Cleanfeed’s local recording architecture provides substantial protection against internet disruptions. Since audio records directly on each participant’s device rather than streaming to a server, the local recording continues unaffected by internet issues. If someone’s connection drops, their local recording preserves everything up to that point. When they reconnect, recording resumes. The host’s mixed backup recording may have gaps, but individual tracks remain intact. This resilience is crucial for professional use—technical issues become manageable inconveniences rather than catastrophic data losses. This contrasts with cloud-based recording where connection loss can result in permanent audio loss.

Final Verdict

Cleanfeed stands as the definitive professional solution for remote audio recording, earning its reputation through unwavering focus on the two factors that matter most: audio quality and reliability. The platform’s architecture delivering lossless local recording combined with low-latency monitoring represents the optimal approach to remote audio production—professional studio quality files despite participants being globally distributed. For broadcasters, professional podcasters, and audio producers who cannot compromise on quality, Cleanfeed provides confidence that recordings will succeed and deliver broadcast-grade results regardless of challenging circumstances.

The platform’s strength lies in doing one thing exceptionally well rather than attempting to be all things to all users. By focusing exclusively on high-quality recording without diluting development with editing tools, video features, or social elements, Cleanfeed delivers unmatched reliability and audio fidelity in its core competency. The frictionless guest experience requiring no downloads or accounts eliminates common technical barriers, enabling professional hosts to conduct interviews with anyone regardless of technical expertise. The proven track record with major broadcasters provides validation that matters when professional reputation depends on audio quality.

Cleanfeed earns strong recommendation for professional podcasters, broadcasters, and audio producers who prioritize quality and reliability over free access or integrated editing features. The subscription cost is justified by the professional results and time saved through reliable recording. Casual podcasters and beginners may find free alternatives sufficient initially, but serious creators inevitably graduate to tools like Cleanfeed as quality expectations increase. For anyone whose audio content represents professional work, client deliverables, or monetized media, Cleanfeed delivers the broadcast-quality results and reliability that define professional production. It remains the standard against which other remote recording platforms are measured.