S18B1: Getting Started ~ The Recording Space

Want your podcast to sound 10x better—without building a studio?

Here’s how to turn your home into a pro-quality recording space (and when recording outside is actually the smarter move).

Start by avoiding hard surfaces

Sound bounces off windows, floors and bare walls—creating echo and reverb. If you’re recording in a home office or kitchen, your audio may sound hollow or harsh.

Fixes:

• Face heavy curtains (they absorb your voice)
• Put a thick rug under your desk
• Add soft furnishings: cushions, throws, even bookshelves

Hack:

Record in your wardrobe

Your walk-in closet is acoustically gold. Why? Clothes absorb sound.

Tips:

• Face into the clothes
• Add a clip-on light and mini table for your mic
• Don’t underestimate this setup—it can sound better than many pro studios

DIY Acoustic Treatment (budget-friendly)

• Stick foam panels near your mic
• Use sound blankets or doonas as barriers
• Or build a quick PVC frame + blankets vocal booth
• Move your desk to face heavy curtains

Mic technique matters more than gear

• Stay 10–15 cm from the mic
• Use a pop filter
• Keep your volume consistent

As I’ve mentioned a few times over the years, your gear seems critical in the beginning but it’s actually how you use it that matters. Once you have your mic in the correct position, relative to your mouth, use it there every time. Place a piece of tape around its position if you can’t leave everything set up permanently. Have a way of repeating what works. 

OR….

Here’s a twist: sometimes the best recording space is… outdoors.

No echoes, no reverb. Just clean, natural sound.

How to record outside:

• Use a windscreen (those fuzzy “dead cats”)
• Choose a quiet location (parks > footpaths)
• Capture a touch of birdsong for a warm, authentic vibe

I’ve done this in a few settings. The thing to remember is your outdoor clothing, in cold weather, can be very noisy. Things like puffer jackets and shell layers are very loud. Fleece, merino knits, even bulky aron knits are great because they are soft and quiet.

Some of my best solo podcast moments were recorded under a tree with the Zoom H2n in locations from Southern California to the Province of Munster in Ireland and back to sunny Australia. It works until it doesn’t. Vehicular traffic can be an issue as can rainfall. These can be dealt with in editing with noise reduction and so on but it’s so much better to begin with clean audio. Not always possible but it is something to aim for every time we hit the record button.

What’s your go-to podcast setup at home? Closet? Guest room? Backyard?

email me if you have any questions on this: jon@jmps.au

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