Recording your podcast is one thing, but finding the right place to record is quite another. This is especially relevant if you’re planning on filming your podcast.
So, how do you design a practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space?
The good news is you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or have a spare room to record great-sounding audio. If you can follow a few steps and find the right podcasting equipment, you can transform almost any space into a personalized podcast studio.
Here’s how.
- How to Set Up a Professional Podcast Studio
4 Easy Steps to Set Up Your Podcast Studio
Let’s start with the most foundational step:
1. Essential Equipment for Your Podcast Studio
You need three pieces of equipment to set up a podcast studio: a podcast laptop, a mixer or audio interface, and a podcast microphone.
Podcast laptop
You could always rely on a desktop, tablet, or cell phone, but the podcast laptop offers the benefits of each in a single device. It’s easy to set up, extremely portable, and usually pre-installed with basic recording software.
Many of our clients have purchased the following laptops for podcasting:
- Acer Aspire 5: A low-cost option for podcast live streaming starting at $499.99 USD.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3: A budget-friendly, easy-to-transport laptop starting at $479.99 USD.
- Apple MacBook Pro: A high-performance option with built-in software and equipment starting at $2,499 USD.
Mixer or audio interface
Most people use audio interfaces for quick and simple live streaming. Others use podcast mixers to compile multiple sources into the same audio track.
The prices, features, and capabilities of these devices vary dramatically from brand to brand. However, you should look for the tool that offers the greatest bang for your buck and makes the most sense for your use case.
You may want to evaluate popular options such as:
- TASCAM Mixcast 4: All-in-one audio interface and audio mixer with four mic inputs, eight sound pads, and the free TASCAM Podcast Editor for $399.00 USD.
- Focusrite podcast equipment bundles: A simple audio interface with two XLR inputs, editing software, and cables for ~$299.99 USD.
- PreSonus StudioLive AR8: One audio mixer with four microphone inputs, USB 2.0 connectors, and an onboard SD card recorder for variable used pricing.
Podcast Microphone
You need at least one for yourself, one for your co-host (if applicable), plus additional mics for every in-person guest. Dynamic and condenser mics are the two most popular options, and you can access both with two basic connectors (USB or XLR).
There are lots of brands and price points to choose from:
- Shure MV7X: Dynamic mic with XLR connector starting at $179.99 USD.
- PreSonus Revelator: Dynamic mic with USB connector starting at $99.99 USD.
- Samson Q2U: End address dynamic mic with USB and XLR connector starting at $69.99 USD.
You should know this isn’t an exhaustive list of equipment — you may need additional tools to bring your show to life. For example:
- Cables and power cords will keep your devices running. In addition to charging your interfaces and recording tools, you’ll need certain cables such as an XLR or TRRS cable to run audio signals to and from your devices. Podcast cameras record video alongside your audio. There’s never a bad time to upgrade your podcast audio to video, whether you want to use your cell phone or a DSLR camera.
- Podcast headphones can help you listen back to your mix as you record. There are two major types to consider: over-ear, and in-ear.
- Podcast software can help you cut, polish, and publish your final episodes. Podcast editing software is great for complex edits, while podcast hosting software can help to distribute your episodes to various platforms and channels.
So, where can you find the right mics, laptops, and cables? You’re welcome to read our guide on the best podcast equipment kits.
2. Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatments
Most modern rooms are inherently soundproof to some degree because they’re filled with insulation, carpeting, and furniture. However, professional podcasting requires a very different level of acoustic insulation — one that’s not always built into spare bedrooms or unused conference rooms.
There are two major ways unproofed rooms can affect your audio quality:
- Reverb: Sound that persists in a space even after the original sound has passed. Some refer to this phenomenon as ‘feedback’ or ‘echo.’
- Room Reflections: Sounds that bounce back from walls, floors, and ceilings to create a distant or hollow sound. The echo-y sound you hear when moving into an empty home or apartment is a great example of roof reflection.
When combined, these issues result in low-quality, hard-to-understand recordings.
What’s the easiest way to avoid unusable audio? Purchasing soundproofing and acoustic treatments to insulate your room.
We recommend the following options:
Acoustic panels
Acoustic panels are textured foam squares you can hang on your walls or ceiling to dampen sound. You can purchase professional panels, or try to DIY your own. Either way, you’re looking at a price range of $20 USD to $100 USD per panel.
We recommend a mid-tier 50-pack option starting at $58.99 USD.
Bass traps
You can use base traps to capture low-end ‘rumbles’ that tend to gather in the corners of your room. They may not necessarily affect every podcast environment, but they can be a great help in larger spaces.
Keep in mind base traps are often expensive. Most bass traps on Amazon range between $25 USD and $170 USD.
Reflection filters and isolation shields
If you don’t have the money or space for traditional soundproofing, you can always opt for reflection filters and isolation shields instead. You can think of these as miniature ‘force fields’ designed to reflect sound waves back into your microphone.
This Amazon isolation shield is a great place to start for under $70 USD. Just know it’s not meant for multiple guests, so you’ll need to purchase more than one shield if you plan on recording with in-person guests.
Curious to learn more about soundproofing for podcasts? We wrote a dedicated guide to handling room reflections and reverb in your podcast recordings.
3. Optimal Microphone Placement and Setup
Perhaps more so than your podcast studio, your podcast microphone can make or break your podcast. A low-quality model, distortion and clipping, or sitting too close or too far away can greatly reduce your audio quality and chase away listeners as a result.
The first step in avoiding this situation is purchasing quality equipment. For example, you can use aftermarket pop filters to avoid capturing plosives like ‘P’ and ‘S.’ You should also invest in a quality mic stand, whether you prefer desk stands, mounted desk stands, or boom arms in your space.
Either way, try positioning your microphone between six and 12 inches from your mouth. Tilting it slightly off-axis can help you avoid clipping and distortion and maintain consistent audio throughout the episode.
This, of course, is just the tip of the microphone iceberg. You may also want to consider the following podcast microphone tips:
- You may want to select dynamic mics over condenser mics since they’re more resilient against loud sounds or background noise. However, if you have a perfectly treated studio and want to capture a wider range of frequencies, you could always opt for more expensive condenser mics.
- Perform a mic check before you get started. You can do this with your mixer or audio interface, or use AI tools such as Adobe Podcast.
- Focus on recording the cleanest possible audio. This means avoiding funky filters or pre-sets while recording. Remember: you can always enhance your voice in post-production with dedicated editing software or tools like Adobe Enhance.
For more in-depth pointers on optimal mic placement, you can watch our video on podcast microphone positioning and accessories.
4. Choosing the Right Furniture and Layout
Even the best podcast microphones are still at the mercy of their environment. If you have to record in a loud or busy space, you might find yourself with audio that sounds faded, distant, or fuzzy.
Before you think about soundproofing a space, be sure to consider if it’s actually a good space for recording. You may want to consider:
- What’s in the room. You should try to select a recording room with ‘stuff’ already in it — furniture, carpeting, decorations, and more. These items work together to absorb bouncing soundwaves and tone down echoes or reflections (and they look good on camera too).
- The flooring and surfaces. You may want to avoid rooms with concrete or wooden floors, high ceilings, or large glass windows. You could try to add rugs and curtains to dampen reverb, but this isn’t always a foolproof option.
- Choosing a smaller space. The smaller your room is, the better your audio will be. This could be an office space at work, your walk-in closet, or even a pantry. The blanket fort method is always an option, provided you’re not planning to record video with your audio.
Above all, don’t forget to pay attention to the details. Turn off fans and AC systems, mute your laptop audio, and ask any remote guests to do the same.
Tips for Home Podcast Studios
Trying to set up an in-home podcast studio? You should start by asking the following questions:
- How often do you plan to record? If it’s more often than once per month, you may want to choose a closed-off space (such as a guest room or closet) for optimal recording quality. Otherwise, a corner of your bedroom, living room, or activity space may be enough for decent audio.
- How much budget do you have for your studio? If you’re working with tight numbers, a cheaper podcast recording bundle might make sense. If you have more wiggle room, you may want to consider higher-quality equipment.
- What space do you have available? As mentioned, your recording space will have the biggest impact on your overall audio quality. If you can’t access a dedicated room, consider a closed-off, easily soundproofed space. Walk-in closets and carpeted bedrooms are some of the best options.
Many team members at The Podcast Consultant have home studios for podcasting, mixing, and editing. Here’s what they suggest for setting up the perfect home podcasting environment:
“Getting great quality sound is more accessible than ever. Even a simple dynamic microphone going into an entry level interface with the gain set properly goes a long way.” — Quinn McGraw @ The Podcast Consultant
“If you are lacking in-home studio space, a big closet is always a great alternative. I suggest adding a standing desk and an isolation shield to create a space and cost-efficient studio .” — Rob Van Vranken @ The Podcast Consultant
Advanced Setup for Professional Podcast Studios
You’ll likely have more time, money, and space when setting up a B2B podcast studio. That said, the last thing you want is to waste your valuable resources on inefficiencies.
Here are some suggestions for getting it right the first time:
- Are you repurposing a room, or building a new studio from scratch? Repurposed rooms need very little to get started, provided you have some power outlets, plenty of soft surfaces, and a small budget for acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffuser panels. If you’re building a brand-new studio, you may want to consider higher-end sound treatments such as Helmholtz resonators, ceiling clouds, and specialized insulation.
- Are you planning to video record your podcast? If so, built-in video equipment such as phone cameras or webcams may not be enough for high-quality video. Consider exploring DSLR cameras instead, preferably with a mountable tripod in a corner of your studio.
- How many guests do you expect each session? B2B podcasts typically host one or more guests per episode. If your guests are in-person, you should consider purchasing multiple mics and headphones to accommodate them. If you’re planning on connecting via Zoom or Skype, you should brush up on best practices while hosting remote podcast interviews.
“A great sounding and looking podcast begins with the right studio environment. If you are seeking a professional look and sound, be willing to invest some thought and time into building a space that best suits your practical and technical needs.” — Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant.
“Mic position, some sound dampening, and a little post-pro magic can do a lot for your podcast audio.” — Quinn McGraw @ The Podcast Consultant
The Bottom Line on Setting Up a Professional Podcast Studio
Whether you’re podcasting for your business or building an independent show, a professional podcast studio setup will bring you one step closer to your goals. All that’s left is to take the next step — then start publishing and promoting your podcast online.
Want personalized advice for setting up your podcast studio? The team behind The Podcast Consultant would be happy to help. We’re proud to have over a decade of experience helping some of the world’s biggest podcasters bring their recording spaces to life.
You can book a free discovery call with a team member and inquire about consulting with one of our engineers.