Podcast Studio Design Tips For Beginners With Starting Cost
Are you ready to take your podcasting to the next level? Let’s set up your ideal podcast studio following these tips!
By Niall Mackay
An excellent podcast studio design will help you retain your audience. How? Your studio will add to your aesthetic. Plus, if done well, it will improve the quality of your recording.
But what exactly do you need for a podcast studio? This post includes beginner-friendly tips to level up your podcast set-up and equipment required before you invest your time and money in it.
What Is Needed For A Podcast Studio?
Before you begin your venture on reorganizing your workspace or home, be clear on what type of podcast you will start.
In my previous blog on podcast introduction, I mentioned the difference between audio and video podcasting. Generally, you will need the similar set-ups for both types.
However, video podcasting requires more equipment such as clear lighting, a camera, a tripod, and extra memory cards for sound and visual recordings.
Okay, we got the types out of the way. Let’s move on to the details!
Essential Podcast Equipment Needed In Your Podcast Studio
Computer
The most essential piece of equipment for podcasting is your computer.
That is where all the magic happens, your podcast editing and publishing. Make sure your laptop is cleared up before you start recording hours of audio and know which audio editing tool will you use.
Microphone
How will you record any audio without a microphone? There are medium-rage mics available that can help you kick-start your podcasting journey.
You can get any podcasting mic, too – just make sure you have one.
Headphones
Podcasters wear headphones to keep their sounds in check. So make sure you got your headphones ready to use. If not, then find a simple pair of earphones.
Memory Storage
Once you start recording videos, interviews, other audio files, your storage will fill UP. I say, better safe than sorry, so get yourself memory cards or subscribe for more storage on Google Drive.
Space
Before investing your time and equipment, decide if you have a spare room or space to set up your podcast studio. I understand that not everyone can afford a luxurious extra room for the sake of podcasting (I’ve been there!), but try to stay realistic with your expectations.
For example, you can start off with just a simple audio podcast in the corner of your bedroom, and once you’ve got extra income to spare, you can try to rent out an office or co-working room for special episodes.
Keep reading if you are ready to set your small room for podcasting.
Small Room Set-up For Podcast Studio
Choose your corner or room
If you have a quiet corner in your room or a basement floor, I recommend choosing that spot. Ensure you keep the equipment out of direct sunlight if you live in a sunny place!
Plus, check if the corner of the room is quiet enough, such as the wall is not shared with loud neighbors or bathrooms. You should keep your corner as quiet and calm as possible to record your podcast episodes smoothly and professionally.
Soundproof your walls
Okay, now you’ve got your spare room or corner, it is time to soundproof your walls and floors.
A very affordable way to soundproof your space is to put thick blankets or rugs to cover your walls, the distance under your doors, and the floor.
I also recommend investing in proper carpeting for a more advanced podcast studio set-up.
Get A Spacious Desk
Your desk will be your core podcasting station, so clean and organize that desk well enough that all your equipment can fit on it and your laptop and snacks. Also, your desk has to be close to a charging port or electric outlet.
Podcast Studio Design For Video Podcasts
If you decide to go all-in and do a video podcast, you can start with a simple Zoom call, so you can just use your default webcam or get a webcam.
Consider Extra Cameras
However, consider investing in 1-2 high-quality cameras for more advanced set-ups and get yourself stable tripods. This way, you can record yourself and your guests in-person and have a high-quality recording the entire time.
Video recordings are a fantastic way to engage with your listeners. Initially, video calls are also great, to begin with. However, you might have issues with the audio quality as it also depends on the internet connection of your guests.
What Background To Use For Podcast Studio
(Video Podcasting)
Clear Lighting
Let your listeners see you clearly. This requires good lighting and better camera quality.
Does it look appealing to you when the video is dark, and you can barely see the person’s face? Yeah, we want to avoid dark recordings.
Virtual Background
If you are on a budget and you are still in the process of setting up your space, virtual backgrounds could be a way to save your podcast background.
It is not ideal yet. However, a better solution than having your audience see an “under construction” room, am I right?
There are plenty of virtual backgrounds available, or you can design your own on Canva.
White Wall And Nature
It may sound cliche but adding some vivid indoor plants in the background gives a friendlier feel to your video recordings. Pair this with lovely white walls and precise lighting, then your video podcast is good to go.
Overall Cost Of A Podcast Studio Set-Up
The overall cost of podcast studio set-up depends on the investment you are willing to take in your equipment, room set-up, type of podcast etc.
According to Riverside FM, advanced podcasters can spend up to $1000 on podcasting equipment. However, just using some common sense, here is my practical estimation on a podcast studio set-up cost.
Generally, a podcast set-up for beginners with a low investment into equipment would be around $65 with a $50 microphone and $15 hosting. As a more advanced audio podcaster, the cost can start from $420 based on this very simple average calculation:
- Hosting $15
- Microphone $130
- Podcast editing $25
- Audio mixer $100
- Headphone $150
Podcasting With Seven Million Bikes
Starting a podcast can cost however much you want, but always consider the time as your most sacred currency. Podcasting takes time, and if you aren’t prepared for it, you can waste a lot of it.
If you are interested in starting your podcast, you can book a free consultation with me or download my free e-book to kick-start your podcast channel!
