[FAQ]

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to record my podcast in just a regular room in my house, not a fancy studio or anything, and I’m really struggling with background noise. I get a bit of echo, sometimes the computer fan whirs, or distant traffic sounds.

I don’t really have the budget for major soundproofing right now, so I was hoping to get some advice on specific microphone techniques that could help minimize these unwanted sounds. For example, does the type of mic matter a lot? How close should I be? Where should I point it? Are there any settings I should be looking at? This is for recording in 2025, if that makes any difference with new tech.

Any practical tips would be a lifesaver, thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

Recording clean audio in an untreated room can indeed be tricky, but there are several effective microphone techniques you can use to significantly reduce unwanted background noise and improve your podcast sound.

First, your choice of microphone is quite important. In a non-soundproofed environment, a dynamic microphone is generally a better option than a condenser microphone. Dynamic mics are typically less sensitive to sounds further away from them and are better at rejecting room echo and ambient noise. Look for one with a cardioid or supercardioid pickup pattern, as these patterns are designed to capture sound primarily from directly in front of the microphone and reject sounds from the sides and rear.

Second, practise close-miking. This means positioning the microphone relatively close to your mouth – for example, around 5 to 15 centimetres (about 2 to 6 inches) away, though this can vary depending on the specific microphone. Speaking closer allows you to reduce the microphone’s input gain (sensitivity). A lower gain setting makes the microphone less likely to pick up softer, more distant background sounds.

Third, pay attention to microphone placement and orientation. Always point the microphone directly at your mouth. Crucially, try to position the microphone so that its least sensitive part (usually the rear for a cardioid mic) is aimed towards the most significant source of background noise in your room. Using a boom arm or a proper mic stand, ideally with a shock mount, will also help prevent vibrations from your desk being picked up.

Fourth, while it is not strictly a microphone technique, try to manage your recording environment as much as possible. Close windows and doors, turn off fans, air conditioners, and any noisy appliances. Record during quieter times of the day if you can. Adding soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, or even cushions around the room can also help to absorb some sound reflections and reduce echo.

Fifth, always use a pop filter. This primarily helps to reduce plosive sounds (the harsh ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds from your voice), but it also assists in maintaining a consistent distance from the microphone, which is part of good close-miking technique.

Sixth, monitor your audio with headphones while you are recording. This will allow you to hear what the microphone is actually capturing in real-time, including any intrusive background noise, so you can make adjustments.

While post-production software can help clean up some noise afterwards, it is always far better to capture the cleanest possible recording at the source. Employing these microphone techniques will make the biggest difference in achieving that in a less-than-ideal recording space.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

Posts