Recording a podcast: at home or in a studio?

You can record a podcast almost anywhere: at the kitchen table, in an empty room at the office or, of course, in a professional podcast studio. A podcast where you have the occasional chat with a colleague requires a different approach to a professional interview series for clients. We’ve set out everything you need to know.

Why are more and more organisations opting for podcasts?

Podcasts are hugely popular. And no wonder – after all, what could be better than catching up on an interesting topic whilst you’re in the car or walking the dog? What’s more, podcasts are no longer just for famous people. More and more companies and organisations are also creating interesting content in this way. And that’s hardly surprising. After all, it allows you to explore topics in depth that you often don’t have time to cover in a post.

Think, for example, of an interview with an expert or a conversation with staff about their work. Or a series in which you give your customers a voice. You tell a story whilst at the same time demonstrating just how much expertise your organisation has on this subject.

Would you like to find out more about what a podcast could do for your organisation? Read more about all the benefits of business podcasts.

Would you like to record a podcast yourself? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll start at home. Of course, a good microphone and a laptop will get you a long way.

Advantages of recording at home

You don’t need to hire a space and you can record whenever it suits you. Perfect for experimenting with a podcast or if you produce short episodes on a regular basis.

Disadvantages of recording at home

But there are also drawbacks. For example, you have little control over ambient noise. A car driving past, neighbours pruning their trees or an echoey room can be hugely distracting for listeners. Sometimes so much so that they decide not to carry on listening. What’s more, you’re responsible for ensuring that all the equipment is properly connected and that the settings are correct.

You can also record a podcast remotely. For example, if you’re interviewing a guest who’s located elsewhere in the Netherlands. With specialised recording software, you can record the conversation online. Please note: the quality depends on the equipment, the environment and the software. What’s more, you’re not only dependent on your own environment, but also on that of your guest. So always carry out a test before you start recording for real.

Recording a podcast in a professional studio

Do you want to record a podcast without having to worry about microphones, cables and settings? Then a professional podcast studio is a great choice.

A studio is a space designed for audio-visual recordings. Here, you can hire professional microphones and equipment, ensuring you capture the participants’ voices clearly. You’ll also experience little to no background noise, as the space is designed to minimise background noise as much as possible.

At Jaarbeurs Studio in Utrecht, the equipment is already set up and ready for you. We have five wireless microphones and four 4K cameras (very high quality). So you can not only record an audio podcast, but also film videos of the conversation. Ideal for snippets for your social media, or if people prefer to watch the episode rather than listen to it.

What’s more, we can set up a range of different settings for you. For example, you could opt for an informal lounge area with two speakers or a talk show table if you want to record with several guests.

You don’t need to worry about the technical side of things either. We’ll take care of that for you. For every production, three experienced technicians are on hand to operate the equipment.

Differences in sound quality and presentation

What exactly are the differences between recording a podcast at home and hiring a professional studio?

Sound quality

Do you have good equipment? Then you can produce a great podcast at home too. But bear in mind: the room you’re recording in has a big impact on the sound. Think of reverberation caused by bare walls and hard floors, or background noise from outside. In a professional studio, the space and equipment are specifically designed for recording.

Appearance

Are you just making an audio podcast? In that case, the setting naturally doesn’t matter to the listener. But do you want to film your podcast as well? Then the look and feel are important. A small attic room with a dusty painting in the background simply won’t do. In a professional studio, you can choose from various settings and benefit from good lighting and multiple camera angles. This allows you to upload the episode to YouTube or share short clips via LinkedIn. In our ‘ Jaarbeurs ’ Studio, for example, you can choose between a talk show table, a presentation desk or a lounge area for two speakers.

Want to know more about how to make a video podcast? We’re happy to tell you all about it here.

You really don’t need a professional studio for every podcast. Do you record short episodes from time to time, and do you have a quiet space at home or in the office with good equipment? If so, you can easily record at home or in the office.

However, there are also situations where hiring a podcast studio is a better option. For example, when you:

• Producing a professional podcast series for your organisation.
• You want to interview several guests at the same time.
• You also want to record video footage of your podcast.
• I want to outsource the technical side.
• You’re looking for a professional look and feel.

Checklist for a successful podcast recording

No matter where you record, proper preparation makes all the difference. Use this checklist to get yourself ready.

• Decide on the topic and your target audience. Who are you making the podcast for, and what do you want to say?
• Choose a suitable format. Will it be an interview? A discussion with several guests? Or an episode featuring a single presenter?
• Draw up a script. Write down the main topics and questions. Note: make sure to leave room for spontaneous conversation as well.
• Check your equipment. Test all your kit, such as microphones, headphones and screens, beforehand.
• Do a test recording. Test 123! Give it a go and have a listen back. Does everything sound as you’d like it to?
• Think about how you’ll publish it. Where will you share the podcast? And do you also want to use short clips for social media?

Are you new to podcasting? If so, it’s a good idea to start by working out exactly what equipment you’ll need.

Link: How do you start a business podcast?