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While recording a podcast, you definitely wouldn’t like unwanted sounds creeping into it. And that’s why soundproofing is important. But if you record from home and you can’t make major changes to your property, then there are some non-invasive soundproofing set-up that could help you out.
Soundproofing means blocking all the sounds coming from outside the recording room, and the sounds inside from getting transmitted outside. A soundproof room is a must for producing a noise-free recording. If you live in a rented apartment, you cannot make structural modifications for soundproofing. In such cases, you can create a non-invasive soundproofing setup, which would not involve any permanent changes.
Non-invasive Soundproofing Within 15 Minutes
The construction of a professional studio is done in accordance with the principles of sound. But not everyone who wants to record their voice has access to a carefully constructed studio. Many amateur podcasters record their podcasts in their home. While homeowners have the liberty to make changes to their space, folks who live in rented spaces cannot. Money is often another limiting factor.
A creative mind need not make compromises with these limitations. If you live in a rented apartment or you have a limited budget, these non-invasive soundproofing ideas can help you create a suitable recording ambiance.
Using these tips, you can create a noise-free recording environment within fifteen minutes, without burning a hole in your pocket or driving a single nail onto your wall.
- Rearrange the Room – A simple soundproofing tip to prevent noises from your surroundings to enter the recording room is rearranging the furniture inside the room. The furniture like cupboards, shelves, couch, etc., will do a great job of absorbing and blocking outside noise if you place these heavy items towards the outside facing wall. If you have a storage bed, or there is a heavy library door inside your room, you can open the bed or the doors so that the additional surfaces also absorb the incoming sounds.
- Seal the gaps – The narrow, horizontal gaps below doors also allow noise to escape through. If you don’t want to take chances with your podcast recording, you should cover such gaps. You can use rubber weatherstripping to seal such gaps. If you don’t have time to buy a rubber strip, find a thick rug in your home, and place it on the floor next to the door before you record.
- Soundproofing Curtains – These curtains are more efficient than your usual curtains at reducing the sounds. Soundproofing curtains don’t completely block loud noises, but they minimize the volume. They are also good for reducing echo inside the room.
- The curtains are made of thick and damp material, which has a porous surface that absorbs sounds. They dampen the sound, but they also cut down the natural light from entering the room. They are easy to install, and you can remove them and take them with you when you move. The curtain should go down from the ceiling to the floor in order to work effectively. Another quick fix alternative is to set up a foldable drying rack in front of an outside facing door or window and put pillows or sofa cushions on it. You can also try to cover such windows with a heavy blanket.
- Carpet the Floor – If your recording room is on the first floor or higher, there are chances of noises from the lower floor coming in. You can carpet the floor to minimize the sound coming from downstairs. Now, if you don’t have the time to carpet your floor, you can cover the floor with thick blankets for the same purpose.
- Blankets on Doors – Likewise, a blanket can also be used to make your door soundproof. While heavy wooden doors are soundproof in themselves, doors made of hollow woods allow sounds to pass through. If your door is not good at soundproofing, you can use this easy trick for the purpose.
- Keep the Unnecessary Elements out – Anything that can create an unnecessary sound should be kept away from the recording room. Ask your kids to turn down the volume of the television if you have to record. Things that could be a source of noise should not be inside the recording room when you are working there!
- Buy a Sound Booth – This option is worth every penny that you would spend. If you live in an environment that’s far from desirable for podcast recording, you can bring home a sound booth. It provides the isolation that is needed to produce a clean recording, manages the acoustics, and also gives a professional look to your home studio. Given the costs involved, I would suggest you make a purchase only when you are certain about your dedication to podcasting.
| Mobile isolation | Small size | Large size | |
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| Dimensions when unfolded | 13.3″ x 13″ x 12.2″ 34 cm x 33 cm x 31 cm | 12.6″ x 11.8″ x 4.7″ 32 cm x 30 cm x 12 cm | 23.5″ x 15.4″ x 11.0″ 60 cm x 39 x 28 cm |
| Weight | 1.99 lbs (0.9 kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) | 11.4 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| check price | check price | check price |
Additional elements to boost your setup if non-invasive route won’t meet your expectations
Use Thick Foam Wallpaper – A simple soundproofing material that you can purchase online or easily find in a store. Your regular wallpaper is made up of a single layer of paper. In contrast, thick foam or soundproof wallpaper consists of multiple layers, including a thick layer of foam. It reduces incoming noise, let’s say it can absorb and block the sounds of your toddler crying in the next room but cannot shield your recording from high-decibel traffic noises.
Place Acoustic Panels in the Room – Acoustic panels are sound-absorbing panels that are used to reduce background sounds and reverberation. These panels may be vertical as well as horizontal, and they are great for those who want to do some non-invasive soundproofing. They are different kinds of acoustic panels available; you can find freestanding acoustic panels, wall-mounted panels, or ceiling suspended one. If you need want the trouble of installing a panel in your home, you can buy a freestanding one and place it wherever you like.
| Bass traps for corners (wall-ceiling-wall) | Bass traps for wall joints (wall-wall) | Wall acoustic foam | |
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| role | acoustical treatment | acoustical treatment | acoustical treatment |
| for | cubes to be put in room corners | wall-wall or wall-ceiling joints | square walls panels |
| check price | check price | check price |
Difference between Sound Proofing and Acoustic Treatment
People often mix up soundproofing with acoustic treatment. While both play an important role in sound recording, they are not the same things. Soundproofing refers to creating an environment that is free from external noises. In a professional setting, soundproofing is done by creating a small room within the designated room, using specific construction material that turns sound into heat energy (thereby blocking it). However, there are non-invasive soundproofing methods as well that work pretty well for home studios.
Acoustic treatments are done to control echos and reverberations to achieve the desired effect. In a recording room, acoustic treatments are used to reduce echoes. In some settings like an auditorium, the acoustics are utilized to spread out the sound evenly in all corners.
Benefits of Soundproofing a Room
Some of you might ask if soundproofing is necessary at all. Couldn’t we simply skip it and start recording? There are many benefits of soundproofing, let’s discuss them more:
- Record When You Like – A household is always exposed to noises, and you can’t wait for everything to fall into silence in order to record your podcast. You can’t control the external environment. You can’t stop your dog from barking in the living room or a rain shower on the day you record. Such sounds can break your carefully researched and rehearsed podcast episodes. Also, you wouldn’t want to disturb anyone in your vicinity with your work. You can use these simple soundproofing techniques to plan your schedule and record at your convenience.
- Peaceful and Productive Environment – A noise-free environment is a must for a high-quality voice recording. Additionally, it also keeps you focused on your work. You can also observe some of these non-invasive soundproofing ideas implemented in hotels to offer a peaceful ambiance to guests and offices so that employees can maintain high-levels of productivity.
- High Sound Quality – The sound quality of your podcast will be quite enhanced if you record it in a peaceful environment. Lack of noise also means that you would have to spend less time editing the recording.
- Professional Appearance – Soundproofing gives your recording space a professional look. Non-invasive soundproofing set up like sound booths, soundproofing curtains, etc., is suitable for a home studio if you plan to invite guests for your podcast recording.
Final Words
Good soundproofing makes a great difference to your podcasts. And if you have been neglecting it because you don’t have the authority or the money to make actual changes to the room where you record, you can bank on these non-invasive soundproofing ideas to create the ideal recording atmosphere.
In addition to these simple soundproofing techniques, you should also pay attention to possible sources of noise inside the recording room. Say you have a noisy, old air conditioner in the same space. You need to get it fixed beforehand if you want a clean recording.
In a nutshell, I would like to assure you that you can create a professional-sounding podcast without heading to a professional recording studio. Just work on these small things, as it’s the small things that make a big difference to the sound quality in your podcast.
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