Setting up a podcast studio at home on a low budget in Bangladesh is achievable with smart equipment and space choices. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Room Selection
- Choose a Quiet Space: Select a room in your house where outside noise and echoes are minimized. Small rooms with heavy curtains, rugs, and furniture help absorb sound.
- Soundproofing: If possible, use cheap materials like foam panels, blankets, or heavy curtains to dampen sound.
2. Essential Equipment
Focus on the key elements for podcasting:
i) Microphone
- Budget-Friendly Dynamic Microphone: A dynamic mic is less sensitive to background noise than condenser mics, making it ideal for home setups. Some affordable options:
- Maono AU-A04 (~3,000-5,000 BDT)
- Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 (~2,500 BDT)
- USB Microphones: You can skip the audio interface by using a USB microphone. It connects directly to your computer, reducing costs.
- Maono AU-A04 USB Microphone (around 3,000 BDT)
- Fifine K669 USB Microphone (around 3,500 BDT)
- iii) Headphones
- A pair of good headphones helps monitor sound quality during recording and editing.
- Sony MDR-ZX110 (~1,200 BDT)
- Maono AU-MH501 (~2,500 BDT)
- A pop filter reduces plosive sounds (like “p” or “b”). It’s an inexpensive but important accessory.
- Generic Pop Filter (~300-600 BDT)
- A boom arm or desk mic stand helps position your microphone at the right height and distance.
- Generic Boom Arm (~1,000 BDT)
- A shock mount minimizes vibrations that may affect your microphone quality.
- Generic Shock Mount (~500 BDT)
3. Computer/Phone for Recording
- You don’t need a high-end computer. If you have a basic laptop or desktop, it’s enough to start.
- You can even use a smartphone with recording apps like Anchor or Audacity (if using a PC) to record your podcast.
4. Recording Software (Free Options)
- Audacity: Free, open-source audio editing software available for Windows and macOS.
- Anchor: A free app for mobile recording and distribution.
- GarageBand: is free for Mac users and works well for basic audio editing.
5. Distribution
- Youtube
- Tiktok
6. Accessories for Sound Quality
- Foam Panels: If you can invest a bit more, adding some acoustic foam panels (starting at 300 BDT each) helps absorb sound and reduces echo in the room.
- Blankets and Rugs: Use items you already own to dampen sound.
7. Lighting (Optional for Video Podcasting)
- If you plan to record video podcasts, natural light is your best friend. However, you can use inexpensive ring lights from local markets or online.
Sample Budget Breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Microphone (Maono AU-A04) | 3,500 |
| Pop Filter | 500 |
| Headphones (Sony MDR-ZX110) | 1,200 |
| Boom Arm/Stand | 1,000 |
| Acoustic Treatment (Foam) | 1,000 |
| Total | 7,200 BDT |
By following this plan, you can create a functional podcast studio at home with an initial investment of around 7,000–10,000 BDT. As your podcast grows, you can gradually upgrade equipment.
