I Built My Dream Podcast Studio3 min read

I love podcasts. I like talking to cool people. I had a spare room. So, I built a podcast studio. It took me two years to finalize, but I think it’s pretty great.

In this post, I’ll show you everything in my new podcast studio.

Audio Gear

The Shure SM7B is a standard for a reason.

• Microphones x 5: Shure SM7B
• Cloudlifter-2 x 3
• Microphone Stand x 5: RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount
• Headphones x 4: beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
• Audio Interface: Rodecaster Pro (where everything plugs into)
• The Rodecaster Pro plugs into a Mac M1 Mini, where I record onto Logic Pro
• Sound Paneling: Custom Design from GIK acoustics, all in grey
• Sound blankets: Moving blankets drilled above the doors that fold out

Camera and Lighting

I knew I wanted a video podcast studio and not only an audio studio. It’s one of the reasons why I only do in-person interviews. Plus, in-person interviews are just more fun.

• 3x Cameras: Sony A7 siii
• 2 x 85 mm lenses: Sony FE 85mm
• 1 x wide lens: Sony FE 16-35mm
• 2 x Key Lights: Aputure Light Storm LS C120d II
• 2 x Diffusers: Aputure Light Dome II (34.8″)
• 2 x Hair Lights: Godox SL-60W
• 2 x Hair Light Fresnel to Magnify Light: Aputure Fresnel
• 1 x Background/fill light: Godox SL200W II
• 1 x Background/fill light diffuser: Aputure Lantern

To screw all these things onto the walls I needed a few special things:

• Ceiling hook-up x 3: Impact Heavy-Duty Swivel Pin
• Hair Light Wall Hook-ups x 2: Impact 3″ Baby Pin Wall Plate
• Long Baby Plate x 1: Matthews Baby Plate 12.”

Luckily, there are no external light sources in this room, so I can control every aspect of the light.

The Room, Table, and Chairs

I literally had to build a wall. Behind the wall was a huge window that I thought I could block off, but after a couple of tests, I realized just blocking it would not be good enough. I needed to build a wall, so I hired a team to put it up a wall.

Next is the table. I knew I wanted the biggest table that could fit my room with the standard parson table design. Luckily, I know a fantastic woodworker in the area that made a fantastic custom table.

After designing my dream desk, I knew the best possible seats to sit in for an extended period. I want my guests to feel comfortable sitting for one, two, three, or four hours. The silver/white looked best.

4 x Chairs: Herman Miller Aeron Mineral / Satin Aluminum

Bookshelf

The shelf took forever to arrive, but glad I waited. It adds some depth to the room and allows me to put some cool stuff on it.

Shelf: Enloe Modular Triple Bookshelf

What’s on it:

• Random accessories on the top from CB2, Amazon, and other random stores in the mall
• Books
• Alarm Clock
• Old Sony a6000 camera, Sony ZV-1, Zoom H6, various lenses
• On Air Sign

Extra Stuff

• Portraits, four people I admire and draw inspiration from
  • Howard Stern
  • My Dad and Grandpa
  • Gordon Ramsay
• Big Notebooks and Pens
  • I have a big massive notebook for guests and pens for them to write things down on the table.
  • Notebook: Leuchtturm1917
  • Pen: PILOT Precise V5

I am so excited to start recording more and more podcasts; hopefully, this gives you some ideas if you are starting a podcast studio. Thanks for reading (and hopefully listening).