How to Set Up A Podcast Studio
You’ve already started making podcast episodes, but what about that next step in making that creative studio?
Maybe you’ve looked on YouTube for tips, or searched for reviews online - but everything seemed to be more confusing than clear.
Don’t worry!
Whether it's getting better equipment, or practicing smaller habits, there is a wealth of options that can help you improve your content, grow your audience, and help you succeed in podcasting.
Let’s dive in!
Small Investments, Big Results
Two major areas that every podcaster needs to address at some point are their audio and their thought flow.
Let’s face it: everyone likes an episode that’s easy on the ears and no one likes to listen to people ramble.
It might even surprise you that some podcasters frankly don’t like the sound of their voice!
That said, some of our recommended solutions that are easy on the budget yet big on results might just surprise you.
1. Noise Reduction
Has a listener already commented “Love the content, but it’s a little hard to listen to” on your podcast?
Good news: you have an engaged audience - and even better, you have something that you can easily fix!
To improve the quality of your recordings, consider adding foam or blankets to your recording space to reduce echo and outside noises (like neighbors, pets, or busy streets).
You may be shocked by the impact on your audio after putting up a thick, well-placed rug!
Alternatively, you can buy foam paneling to attach to your studio walls.
There are adhesive and non-adhesive choices available, so you can easily install these in your recording space. Some other options include:
Recording in the room furthest away from noise;
Adding a thick rug to increase sound absorption; and
Closing windows to stop street noises from adding to your recording.
2. Speech Practice
Successful podcasts are always great to listen to, but not everyone can handle a back-and-forth talk right away.
Put some time into practicing your conversational skills to make sure you always sound great with tips from classics like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, Robert Cialdini’s “Influence”, or Larry King’s “How to Talk to Everyone”.
3. Artwork
Standing out among the many other podcasts available isn’t just a question of great audio.
Your title card needs to be distinct and memorable too!
The last thing you need is to get your message lost in the crowd after all your hard work.
Fortunately, image editing services like Canva are free to access online and easy to use!
With a vast library of fonts and stock images, it’s never been easier to keep your audience focused on your brand across all your channels.
You can also look at sites like Pixabay, Unsplash, and Pexels for that perfect picture to use in your next episode!
Taking It to the Next Level
Eyeing that new upgrade, but not sure what to pick first?
It can be daunting to consider what you should be getting right away - especially on a tight budget.
But combing through reviews can be equally challenging (and time-consuming).
Fortunately, these can be narrowed down to the following concerns.
1. Hardware: Microphone + Cable & Pop Shield
Making sure you sound great starts with the right recording equipment!
Consider upgrading to a high-performance microphone for crisp sound and ease of editing.
Some of the more popular ones are:
The world-acclaimed Shure MV7 ($269), with its proven track record for podcasts and content creation, is always a great option for creators looking for industry-level solutions.
On the other hand, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x ($79) can be light on the budget (and the space!).
Remember to add a microphone cable and a pop shield to make sure that your recordings are skip- and plosive-free!
2. Software: Descript, Hootsuite, and Audacity
While most software apps can seem difficult for beginners, investing in both the license and training can pay dividends for creators who want the most control over their recordings.
Some applications also allow the addition of image media and captioning, allowing easy creation of both short- and long-form videos for your audiences.
Descript is an all-around editor’s tool that has a variety of controls for audio editing, clip transitions, and more.
Is pure audio more your jam? Then apps like Audacity should be on your radar, with their laser-like focus on everything sound-related.
On the other hand, Hootsuite lets you manage and schedule your podcast’s social media channels all in one place - perfect for busy schedules! All you need to do is set things up, hit OK, and they’ll do the rest while you tackle other things.
3. Laptops, Headphones, and More
A laptop is the home for the apps and files of many podcast creators today, so it only makes sense that you’d want the best one available.
Not sure what that looks like for you?
Here are some options:
The Apple M2 Macbook is considered the best option for podcasters who want all their work (from audio, video, and more) in one spot - and it looks great, too!
Preferring an option that’s easy on the eyes (and wallet)? Then the Acer Aspire 5 is a productivity-focused option for you.
For those who want a more hands-on approach, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 can do everything you need, with the added convenience of a touchscreen. Sweet!
How about putting a finer touch on what you say and hear?
Your choice of head- or earphones can help you monitor sound levels, prevent audio bleed, and watch what you’re saying in real-time.
Popular choices include:
Sennheiser’s HD 280 PRO ($129) for that easy-going, next-level finetuning of your next stellar episode,
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M20X ($69) for cord-free comfort and ease of use (especially for first-timers),
Apple’s AirPods (2nd Gen) ($99) are a great fit if you prefer an ultra-light setup,
or the Sony MDR-7506 ($119) if you want what studio professionals use as an all-around solution in making their hits!
But whatever your pick might be, it doesn’t have to be an immediate purchase unless you’re sure you’re ready for it.
After all, some things are nice to have, but not everyone has a bottomless budget (yet!).
Getting Your Environment Right
Just because you’ve got the latest and greatest tech has to offer doesn’t mean that your work is going to magically shine on its own!
Here are some handy tips for making the most of your new setup:
Using an external mic? Make it a habit to check the Audio Settings on your recording software to ensure that the correct input device (i.e. your external mic) is selected.
Getting a great recording down - only to find out the audio isn’t as clear as you planned - can be a real bummer.
If you want more control while editing and mixing your audio, always make sure that you have a separate audio track for each speaker.
If you’re all on the same track, it’s harder to edit out the parts you may not like in the final cut.
Stuck on ideas on where to record? Try to look for a rectangular space with few things that can cause echoes (such as tiles, glass, and concrete), and stay consistent with it!
Getting lost while trying to make sense of online recording software like Zoom? Remember: you always want to check the Settings option before starting a recording session.
It’ll let you check if you’ve got the right setting for the key things we recommended, like testing your input device and locating individual audio tracks.
Some applications also let you pick a folder for your files when the session ends, so you know where it is!
Small noises like phone alerts and jangling jewelry can be avoided if you take the time to mute or remove them before recording.
Fans and air conditioners can also add unnecessary sounds to your audio, so be sure to minimize or completely turn off those appliances before you hit record.
Put your mic in a sweet spot where you won’t bump it for smooth recording, and remember to keep a short distance between it and your mouth while talking.
Three to five inches (or a little over half of the length from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist) is recommended but do always check for that perfect distance as it can vary per equipment.
And You’re Ready!
Investing in upgrades, whether large or small, can enhance the quality of your podcast and improve your overall production value.
Getting good reviews, more listeners and potential advertising or guest spots is a lot easier when your podcast gets polished bit by bit.
Whether it’s simple ones like acoustic paneling or bigger hardware and software investments, making the right choices–and practicing with them regularly–can help you produce even greater results.
Still mulling it over? Consider booking a call with our team today!