Studio Sound Quality at Home

As you may know Blk Pod Collective: The Podcast is recorded in a studio; which we love as it gives us amazing sound quality. However have you ever gotten the urge to create content at 3am? Well when exclusively recording from a studio that’s slightly hard to do. Hence, I started looking at affordable at home solutions that didn’t take away from our sound and I’m happy to share I found it for less than $400.

So let’s dive into the items I purchased to create my own mini home studio on a budget.

Isolation Shield ($70)

The Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield features an acoustic foam front and a vented metal back plate, which allows the microphone to "breathe" and prevents reflections within the arc of the shield. It uses a dual clamp mounting bracket, which attaches to booms or stands up to 1 1/4" in diameter. Two outer panels can be folded inward for storage or for creating a tighter acoustic isolation chamber.

I love this shield because it sits perfectly on my office desk and allows for me to record right from my wide open space of a living room/office combo. This shield creates the experience that you’re in a recording booth and allows for a crisp echo free sound.

Microphone ($109)

The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone is designed to take you from the stage to the studio and beyond. This rugged handheld microphone offers two outputs, USB output for digital recording, and an XLR output that connects with a sound system conventional microphone input for use in live performance. The microphone plugs right into your computer USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.

The ATR2100-USB also offers a quality analog-to-digital converter for excellent fidelity, and a headphone output with level control for monitoring with no audible delay. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear.

When looking to purchase a microphone it’s important that you get a Dynamic Mic because it picks up less of the background noise in your space. Hence I went with the highly rated yet affordable Audio-Technica ATR2100 based on the countless reviews and amazing price point.

Keep in mind with the surge of people starting podcast this mic has seen a jump in price and is consistently selling out. In January 2020 this mic was $60, I purchased it on August 30, 2020 for $109 and today September, 6, 2020 its selling for $140.

Boom Arm with shock mount ($27)

InnoGear MU059 Sturdy Microphone Kit comes with a Boom Arm, Shock Mount and a double screen Pop Filter. Yes you could have your microphone sit on your desk with the stand that comes with the microphone; however, a boom arm helps minimize the impact of shock-related noise, while the shock mount stops vibration to your microphone.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen ($160)

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a USB audio interface. Audio interfaces expands and improve the sonic capabilities of a computer. Having an external audio interface helps you get better sound quality.

I went with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen based on the reviews and price point and I’m happy I did. The only item I’ll note is the gain on your Focusrite has to be all the way up with a dynamic microphone. This isn’t a bad thing just due to the fact that dynamic mics only pick up sound in front of them (which you want) hence the gain has to be up to pick up your full sound.

Overview

With just these 4 items I’ve been able to achieve studio quality sound from the comfort of my home. What makes it even better is I got all of this for less than $400. I know we can get caught up with all of the gadgets and tools that are available for podcasting; but resist the urge to get the newest trendy item and focus on getting what you need to get the job done.