Not having access—or the budget—for a professional studio should never hold you back from creating the podcast of your dreams. Some of the most beloved shows started simply, like Crime Junkie, which was originally recorded in host Ashley Flower’s spare room without anyone to help.
As your podcast grows, you might wonder when to upgrade your recording setup. A professional studio seriously elevates your final product…but couldn’t you also break out the soundproofing foam and DIY a podcast room setup at home? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each option.
DIY Podcast Room Setup
Creating your own podcast room setup is an exciting and budget-friendly way to level up your recording game. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of working in their pajamas? But before jumping in, it’s worth considering the possible challenges.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of a DIY setup is cost. Creating your own studio can be significantly cheaper than renting a professional space, especially if you already have equipment like microphones and headphones.
- Convenient: Having your own podcast room setup at home means you can record whenever you want—even at 3 a.m. with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Flexible Schedule: A DIY setup offers the freedom to record as much or as little as you want. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re experimenting with different recording styles.
Cons
- Limited Equipment and Technology: Unless you have a substantial budget, your DIY setup won’t have access to the same high-quality equipment and technology as a professional studio.
- Soundproofing Challenges: You definitely won’t achieve the perfect sound quality, especially without access to a sound engineer. Soundproofing materials like foam and acoustic panels are typically not enough to block out all unwanted noise.
- Limited Space: Depending on your living situation, you probably only have a small corner of a room to dedicate to your podcast setup.
- Distractions: Working from home comes with many distractions, like family members, pets, or noisy neighbors. These interruptions will decrease the overall quality of your show.
Professional Studio Rental
If you have the budget, renting a professional studio is a game-changer. But is it worth the investment? Let’s take a look.
Pros
- High-Quality Equipment: Professional podcast room setups have top-of-the-line equipment, including microphones and soundboards, that completely enhance the overall quality of your recording.
- Expertise and Support: Many professional studios offer access to sound engineers and expert editing to save you time and effort post-production.
- Acoustically Treated Space: Unlike DIY setups, professional studios are built with acoustics in mind, meaning you’ll likely have complete control over background noise and echo.
- Potential Networking Opportunities: Renting a professional studio also offers networking opportunities with other industry professionals. Future collabs, anyone?
Cons
- Cost Prohibitive: The biggest disadvantage of renting a professional studio is cost. The location and length of your recording session can greatly impact the overall price, making it difficult to justify for those on a tight budget.
- Less Control Over Recording Environment: While professional podcast room setups may offer better sound quality, you might have less control over the overall setup and aesthetics.
- Turnaround Time: You may have to wait for an available time slot that works for both you and the studio. This could possibly delay production.
Find out how Lemonade Stand turns those cons into pros below:)
Why Lemonade Stand Is Perfect for Your Utah-Based Podcast
Luckily, certain professional podcast studios offer the best of both worlds. Lemonade Stand has flexible rental options available in Orem with professional-grade equipment, a cozy studio environment, and expert sound engineers to help your podcast sound amazing. Need to bring your own gear? No problem! We’re big fans of customization to help you feel right at home.
Here’s the cherry on top—our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees (anywhere from $85–$150 per hour depending on your needs), and our average turnaround time is just 1–2 days!
Don’t wait weeks for your episodes to be ready—book at Lemonade Stand to stay consistent with your release schedule.
