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When it comes to podcast soundproofing and how to soundproof the room for podcasting, there are really two things to consider:
After 1000s of episodes as a host and a guest here is how I ensure I hit both of those marks.
Limiting external noise
Limiting external noise can be as easy as closing the window when you are recording your podcast or are live streaming it.
A noise-canceling microphone like this one that I use also works. In fact, in my old studio, I once had the window open and there were noise on my neighbor’s property and it wasn’t even picked up by the microphone.
A big part of recording at home includes people not walking in and being loud. So consider putting up an on-air sign that lights up like this one to let people know.
Enhancing audio with sound panels
Using sound panels can offer a nice look on video podcasts and also help with the audio. Here are the ones I’ve tried and tested.
Acoustic wall panels
These wall panels look great and have self-adhesive tape on the back.
Acoustic absorption panels
These squares fit nicely and also add some pattern to my wall.
I bought these a while ago because I like the look and you can easily fit them pretty much anywhere including on the ceiling. I have them placed closest to the microphone.
Hexagon acoustic panels
Just like the name would suggest these are hexagon shaped. I have them installed on two walls. You can create a pattern with these.
They are easy to install and add a certain look to the room with the different shape. I like how they look especially on the picture wall but that’s also something you want to consider on whether or not you prefer the square look or the hexagon look.
Self-adhesive acoustic panels
These Vancore acoustic panels have self-adhesive backs and that’s useful and makes the installation quite easy.
I have used these on my ceiling – directly above my desk and studio.
These also come in different sizes. For example, these hexagon sound panels are also self-adhesive.
Acoustic foam panels
These acoustic foam panels come in the square form and are “fluffier” than the other sound panels I mentioned. I found it hard to get them in the right form despite following the instructions. They also didn’t dry well.
How to install sound panels
Some – like the Vancore ones – have self-adhesive backs.
Other panels can be installed with double-sided tape. But this can be a challenge. I definitely had a false start as I used tape that didn’t work well at first and ruined my walls.
I found this double-sided tape to work.
I use one strip on the top and one of the bottom on the panels and then simply peel off the backside and stick it to the wall. Think about where you want to put the sound panels and how would all fit in that space. It’s a good idea to measure or hold the panels up first to see what would work and what wouldn’t.
This double-sided 3M tape works too.
Overall these tips work and getting good audio is more important than ever. And that’s true for the host and the guest. A highflying CEO wouldn’t consider going to a conference not looking the part. So why would they not get the right setup to sound good?
Also, just think about how many companies and creators are now doing their own podcasts. Sound quality will make a difference as we move forward.
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