B&H has written many articles on how to choose the right podcasting equipment for one's studio. However, there's less talk about the kind of physical podcasting space you should build to enhance your recording experience. In this article, we'll provide some tips and guidance about how to make your podcasting studio not only sound good but also look good and feel good.
Select the Right Room
Generally, smaller is better with respect to your podcasting space. Smaller rooms have lower chances of echo and reverb, factors which can really detract from the professionalism of your recording. Avoid tall ceilings and bare floors and try to find a space with as few windows as possible. If you're just a one-person podcast and you're unable to find a small recording space, consider your closet if it's big enough. A closet tends to be well isolated from outside noise and reverberation can be effectively minimized, especially if you have lots of clothes absorbing the sound waves.
Acoustically Treat Your Room
While a closet may be a sonically wise choice for podcasting, it's not always practical or comfortable. At the end of the day, whichever space you choose needs to have good acoustic treatment for a successful podcast recording. If you have the budget for it, the best solution is to invest in absorbers, diffusers, and bass traps. Absorbers will dampen any echo and reverberation, while diffusers will help break up and disperse sound waves around the room to make for a more balanced acoustic environment. Small rooms are also notorious for build-up of low frequencies. So, bass traps placed in the corners of your room will also help you achieve clearer audio.
If you're a one-person podcast, a vocal booth or isolation chamber is another way to minimize echo and reverb.
However, for those who don't have the money to spend on professional acoustic treatment, don't worry. There are other ways you can "deaden" the sound in your studio. First, a rug is essential to prevent any vibration or reverberation coming from the floor. Second, the more stuff you put in the room, the better it will probably sound. Drapes, cushions, furniture, and plenty of knickknacks are a great way to absorb and diffuse sound.
If you're a minimalist who's bothered by clutter, consider putting up shelves of books instead.
With respect to sound isolation, if you're getting background noise, hum, or interference, you can utilize effective software, like MAGIX SOUND FORGE or iZotope, which can eliminate any unwanted sound.
Set Up Your Mic Correctly
With respect to both sound quality and comfort, a major consideration is how to set up your microphone. If you're sitting at a desk, we highly recommend a boom/broadcast arm. It will allow you to optimally position the microphone from your head and will adjust to your sitting position rather than you having to slouch or stay frozen in one spot. A good studio arm will also offer smooth and silent operation to help avoid the risk of vibration or handling noise.
If you're using a condenser microphone, it's essential to have a pop filter so that plosives and other mouth sounds are minimized. Shockmounts are also critical to avoiding vibrations. Most dynamic mics have pop filters and shockmounts integrated into the design, so they are usually less of a concern.
Use Background and Lighting for Video Podcasts
If you're recording video podcasts, your background and lighting are incredibly important. When working in a space that's less than aesthetically pleasing, consider getting a simple green screen; with the help of your computer and some good lighting, you can digitally remove the green color and replace it with the background image of your choice. (Check out Green Screen Basics and How To Light a Green Screen for more information.)
As mentioned, the right lighting is also essential. Even the most basic lighting can significantly improve the performance of whatever camera you choose to use. You can start with a basic two light setup for fill and a small LED panel as an accent light. Another great lighting option is to use a softbox, which will diffuse light and soften it to make for a more consistent image and smoother edges between low and high contrast areas of the image.
Of course, if you're video podcasting, you also want to keep your space neat with minimal clutter. Investing in a desk or table with a cable management feature will also help keep your studio looking tidy.
Get Comfortable and Cozy
It's common for hosts to record their podcast for at least an hour, sometimes two. If you're not sitting comfortably, it's likely you'll eventually be in pain or start to feel distracted and less engaged in your conversation. For this reason, don't skimp on spending some cash on a decent chair. A good chair will give you the support you need to have good posture and avoid any strain. Ideally, the chair should be quiet too. Stay away from squeaky or noisy materials such as polished leather and ensure that your chair has smooth casters that allow you to move freely and quietly.
Especially if you have guests, it's important to make them feel comfortable and relaxed as if they were in their own space. For this reason, many professional podcasters prefer a couch to a desk setup and opt for handheld mics instead of using boom arms or stands. If you go for a couch setup, you can buy a handheld microphone with low handling noise often for a fraction of the price of a conventional podcasting mic. And as long as you use it mindfully, a handheld mic can perform sufficiently well (although you might have a touch of extra cleanup to do in post-production).
If you're recording a simple audio podcast, consider some warm lighting too. Warm lighting has been scientifically proven to promote relaxation, enhance social interactions and boost one's mood. It creates a welcoming and soothing environment, perfect for deep or intimate conversations with your guests.
Final Thoughts
While acoustically treating your room to achieve good sound quality should be your primary concern, don't forget about comfort and aesthetics. A relaxing, neat, and thoughtfully decorated space will not only make you, your guests and your audience feel good but will also free your mind from any distractions while recording.
For more information about the products mentioned in this article, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we'll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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