How-To Guide: Podcasting

By Nick Adkisson on March 10, 2023

Podcasting is one of the most popular methods of sharing your message and connecting to an audience online.  One of the essential parts of becoming successful in podcasting is having a good audio recording setup. In this blog, I will go down all the steps to set up a podcast studio.

  1. The Room

The first thing to consider is picking a room with adequate space for your equipment and potential guests while also being isolated from noise and distractions.  There are many different scales and ways to create a podcast, so ensure your room can accommodate your podcasting vision. One way to improve the acoustics in your room is to add sound-absorbing panels and other acoustic treatments to the walls, but you can also use furniture like couches, rugs, and bookshelves to reduce echoes. Always make a diagram of your space for reference while you set it up.

Credit: Nick Adkisson using http://www.planyourroom.com/
  1. Equipment

Now that you have a room, it’s time to invest in some high-quality equipment. Most important is a microphone, audio interface, and computer. I recommend the AT2020 XLR with an M-Audio M-Track Solo Interface or Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface for a budget solo setup. Invest in a multitrack mixer and additional cables for a high-quality setup with multiple voices. The Electro-Voice RE20 or Shure SM7B have been the go-to dynamic microphones for many professional podcast setups.  You could also invest in a Camcorder or an HD webcam to take your podcast to the next level with video or live streaming. Whatever equipment you decide on, do lots of research and read reviews to ensure your equipment will last and provide you with the quality you are looking for.

  1. Aesthetic

This step is less important, especially if you’re doing an audio-only production but decorating the studio can create a more inviting and eye-catching space for your podcast. Consider decorating in a way that fits the theme of your show, such as collecting movie posters for your film review podcast or going to the flea market and grabbing some vinyl records to hang up for your HipHop podcast. This step can also be as simple as getting some plants and a lovely painting to make your space cozy.

Now that you have a podcast studio, it is time to record a test podcast to ensure everything works, and your sound quality is excellent. In Conclusion, it may take some effort, but with the suitable space, acoustics, equipment, and decor, you can create a professional podcast that will take your career to the next level.


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