The February Pod Breaks Africa session, organized by the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA), provided invaluable insights into setting up makeshift studios for podcasters and voice artists. This discussion featured notable industry figures, including Sean Loots, an experienced audio professional from South Africa, alongside hosts T-Code and Richie, who brought diverse perspectives to the conversation as audio creatives themselves.
The conversation delved into Sean’s deep-rooted passion for audio storytelling and podcasting. With a background in broadcasting, Sean emphasized the importance of crafting engaging and resonant content. He believes that podcasts should focus on the audience’s needs rather than personal ego, ensuring that the content adds value and builds a loyal listener base.
Sean highlighted that a podcast’s success is not solely dependent on high-end equipment but rather on how well it connects with its audience. The goal is to create content that becomes a listener’s favorite, inspiring organic growth through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Now, can that happen without the access to a professional studio? Well reading on, you will find key takeaways from the event you can learn from and get inspired to build your own makeshift studio;
- Microphone Proximity & Technique: Voiceover artists, podcasters, and spoken word artists should know their ideal microphone distance—typically about a fist away. This varies based on voice power and plosive use (P’s and D’s), which can cause distortion. Proper mic placement ensures clean audio.
- Field Recording Considerations: When using a phone for recording, avoid speaking too close to prevent distortion. Consider the environment—soft furnishings like couches, pillows, and beds help absorb sound, reducing unwanted reflections.
- Improvised Soundproofing: To improve sound quality, place the microphone between pillows, or speak toward soft surfaces like thick curtains, heavy blankets, cushions, and carpets. Avoid recording in tiled areas like bathrooms and kitchens due to excessive reverberation.
- Time Efficiency in Setup: One of the biggest mistakes when setting up a makeshift studio is overthinking solutions instead of quickly adapting to the available environment and resources.
- Importance of Evolving from Makeshift to Professional: While makeshift solutions work in a pinch, they should not be relied upon as a permanent recording setup. Advancing to a dedicated home studio improves consistency and efficiency.
- Your Mic Isn’t Everything—Technique Matters More : Many people assume that a high-end microphone automatically guarantees great sound, but that’s not the case. The way you use your mic plays a much bigger role in audio quality. Proper mic positioning, typically six to twelve inches from your mouth, makes a significant difference. Adding a pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds, while a shock mount prevents vibrations from ruining your recording. A well-treated space will also do more for your sound than an expensive mic ever could.
- Affordable Mics Can Deliver Great Results: If you’re on a budget, there’s no need to worry. Plenty of affordable microphones can produce excellent results when used correctly. USB microphones are a great starting point for beginners, offering plug-and-play convenience without the need for extra equipment. For those looking to step up their audio game, an entry-level XLR microphone paired with a budget-friendly audio interface can provide even better sound quality. No matter what, avoid relying on built-in laptop or phone microphones—they tend to pick up too much background noise and lack the clarity needed for professional recordings.
- Your Recording Environment Makes the Biggest Difference: Even the best microphone will struggle in a poor recording environment. Echo and background noise can ruin your sound, but simple adjustments can make a huge impact. Soft materials like carpets, curtains, and foam panels help absorb unwanted reflections, creating a cleaner sound. Closing windows and doors can reduce outside noise, while positioning your mic correctly within the room can prevent unwanted reverb. A well-controlled recording space often makes a bigger difference than upgrading your equipment.
- Post-Processing Can Elevate Your Audio: Even if your raw audio isn’t perfect, post-processing can help bring it up to a professional level. Simple equalization tweaks can enhance clarity, while noise reduction tools eliminate background hiss. Keeping volume levels consistent prevents sudden peaks or distortion, ensuring a polished final product. While it can’t fix a bad recording entirely, it can refine and enhance what’s already there.
- The Power of Technique: A great microphone won’t fix poor technique. Learning how to position your mic, control your vocal delivery, and minimize background noise will have a bigger impact on your audio quality than simply upgrading your gear. Before breaking the bank on expensive equipment, take time to refine your skills.
The Bottom Line
Great audio isn’t just about the microphone—it’s about how you use it. Strong storytelling, content, and technique matter most. If you optimize your recording space and mic technique, you can achieve professional-quality sound without breaking the bank. The key? Work smart with what you have before upgrading.
