Podcast Studio vs Home Setup: What’s Best for Your Show?
Introduction
The barriers to launching a podcast have never been lower — but that also means competition is fierce. Today’s listeners expect crystal-clear sound and engaging delivery. So the question is: should you record at home, or book a professional podcast studio like Kore Sounds?
In this guide, we’ll break down both options in terms of quality, cost, flexibility, and use case — so you can choose what’s right for your content and audience.
Recording a Podcast at Home
Why It Works
- More cost-effective in the long run (after initial gear investment)
- Full control over your recording schedule
- Great for solo creators, casual formats, or personal storytelling
What You'll Need
- USB or XLR microphone (e.g. Rode NT-USB+, Blue Yeti, or a Shure with interface)
- Closed-back headphones
- Basic recording software like Audacity, GarageBand, or Reaper
- Pop filter, boom arm
- Acoustic treatment (even DIY blankets or foam can help)
Potential Drawbacks
- Hard to fully eliminate room noise or reverb
- Mic technique and level consistency require practice
- You’re responsible for editing, mixing, and delivery
- Guest quality may vary — especially via remote tools
Home setups work well for tech-savvy creators or niche podcasts. But they do require time and effort to sound polished.
When a Professional Podcast Studio Makes Sense
Benefits of a Studio
- Consistent, broadcast-quality audio
- Engineers handle setup, recording, editing, and file delivery
- High-end microphones (e.g. Shure SM7B, Neumann U87), preamps, and monitoring
- A distraction-free space optimised for clean takes
- Optional video recording or remote dial-ins for hybrid episodes
Best For
- Brand or business-backed podcasts
- In-person interviews or panels
- Creators who need a high-end, low-fuss workflow
- PR-facing content, sponsorships, or corporate messaging
At Kore Sounds, podcast studio sessions are available by the hour and include full engineering support, flexible formats, and delivery-ready files.
Cost Breakdown: Home Setup vs Studio
Home Setup
Expect to spend between £100–£500 upfront on gear. There’s no per-session cost, but time spent editing and managing files adds up.
Studio Sessions
Professional studios like Kore Sounds typically charge per hour, with the space, gear, and engineer included. Optional editing and mastering are available for a fast turnaround and platform-ready output.
Hybrid Approaches: Mixing Home and Studio
Many podcasters don’t pick just one. You might:
- Record regular episodes at home and key content in the studio
- Capture content at home and send it in for editing, mastering, or LUFS normalisation
- Use the studio when guests visit in person or for launch episodes
This approach blends flexibility with quality control and can help you scale your workflow without sacrificing production value.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
- How important is sound quality to your listeners?
- Do you have time (or interest) in learning editing and post-production?
- Are your guests local, remote, or a mix?
- Are you building a personal project or a public-facing brand?
- Do you plan to monetise your show through sponsorships or PR?
If you're still unsure, consider booking a short session at a podcast studio. Just one hour can highlight the quality difference — and help you decide what’s worth investing in.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single right answer. But there is a best-fit answer for your goals, audience, and style.
Recording at home is ideal for flexibility and control — provided you’re comfortable managing the tech. Studios are the better choice for fast, professional results and high-impact content. Whichever path you choose, remember: your podcast’s sound is its first impression. Invest accordingly.