Acoustic Treatment and Monitoring for a
Podcast Studio
With the rapid growth of podcasting, many small production companies or individuals convert spare rooms, offices, or rented spaces into podcast studios. A typical setup may involve a small room (10–15 m²), fitted with basic desks and chairs, where one to four speakers record conversations with condenser microphones connected to a digital audio workstation.
Challenges
Flutter echoes and boxy colouration caused by parallel walls and short reverberation times.
Inconsistent microphone capture, where voices sound natural in some positions but hollow or distant in others.
Difficulty achieving broadcast-quality sound without excessive post-processing.
Noise intrusion from external sources, such as traffic, neighbouring rooms, or HVAC systems.
Process
An assessment of the room’s acoustic properties helps identify the dominant problems. Basic measurement tools and listening tests reveal which frequencies are most affected by resonance or reflections.
The microphone setup and monitoring system are also reviewed to ensure that technical practices support, rather than undermine, sound quality.
Solution
A typical approach to optimising such a space includes:
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Installing broadband absorbers at early reflection points to control flutter echoes and create a clean vocal capture.
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Adding bass traps in corners to reduce low-frequency resonance that can muddy recordings.
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Using directional microphones with appropriate positioning to minimise spill and off-axis coloration.
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Providing nearfield monitors with acoustic isolation to ensure accurate playback during editing and mixing.
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Implementing basic noise control measures, such as door seals or secondary glazing, where external noise is an issue.
Outcome
The combined effect of optimised loudspeaker placement, bass management, system tuning, and targeted acoustic treatment is a venue that delivers consistent, well-balanced sound throughout the audience area. Audience members experience improved clarity, accurate tonal balance, and greater impact from both vocals and instruments, regardless of seating position. Performers benefit from a clearer and more reliable on-stage monitoring environment, which reduces the likelihood of stage spill interfering with the main mix and allows musicians to perform with confidence.
For sound engineers, the interventions translate into a more predictable and controllable system, reducing the need for last-minute corrective EQ adjustments, minimising phase and comb filtering issues, and allowing smoother transitions between acts with varying instrumentation. The venue gains flexibility to host a wider range of performances, from acoustic sets to full-band rock shows, with confidence that the PA system and room acoustics will support high-quality, consistent sound. Overall, the space achieves a professional-level standard of audio fidelity while retaining the live energy that is central to audience experience.
Closing Thoughts
This example highlights the importance of considering both room acoustics and system design when optimising a venue’s sound. Even high-quality loudspeakers and DSP processors cannot fully compensate for untreated reflections, low-frequency build-up, or uneven coverage. While the physical treatment of the space may be handled by other contractors, understanding the acoustic characteristics is crucial for specifying and configuring the PA system effectively.
By providing detailed acoustic analysis and system optimisation guidance — including recommendations for subwoofer alignment, delay settings, and EQ — a cohesive and well-balanced sound field can be achieved. Strategic recommendations for absorption or diffusion help control reflections without altering the room’s character, allowing venues to deliver professional-level sound fidelity and a more consistent, enjoyable experience for both performers and audiences.