Do we need a studio for every episode?

No. A common pattern is recording at home or remotely for regular episodes and using a studio for guest or video episodes. Decide based on the show's format and budget.

How many episodes can we record in one studio session?

It depends on episode length, number of speakers, and time for setup and breaks. If you batch record, prepare a run sheet for each episode and set the order of topics so you use the time efficiently.

What if a guest cannot come to the studio?

Connect the guest remotely. Ask them to use a microphone and headphones, and if possible to record locally too, to narrow the quality gap.

What matters when choosing a studio that also films video?

Check the number and placement of cameras, lighting, background and set, how microphones look on camera, how audio and video are synced, and whether someone handles switching during the shoot.

Recording a Podcast in a Studio: A Practical Guide

Three places to record

There are three broad options for recording a podcast: a studio, at home or in the office, and remotely. None is always right. It depends on the show's format, the speakers' schedules, the audio quality you need and whether there is video.

Studio recording

Recording in a soundproofed, acoustically treated room with professional equipment, and often an engineer.

Good for: Shows with guests, multi-person conversations, shows filmed on video, official company shows, or any time you need consistent quality
Watch out for: Travel time, booking logistics and time limits

Recording at home or in the office

Recording with your own equipment in a spare room or meeting room.

Good for: Solo shows, shows that record often, recording whenever inspiration strikes
Watch out for: Room echo, household and air-conditioning noise, and having to set up and maintain equipment yourself

Remote recording

Each speaker joins online from their own location.

Good for: Guests who are far away or overseas, speakers whose schedules are hard to align
Watch out for: Audio glitches from the connection, differences between each person's setup, and conversational timing that can drift

In practice, many shows mix them: home or remote for regular episodes, studio for guest or special episodes.

What a podcast studio gives you

A studio offers more than just a quiet room.

Acoustic environment: Soundproofing to block outside noise and treatment to control echo. This is hard to create at home.
Professional equipment: A microphone, mixer channel and headphones for each person. Each speaker is recorded on a separate track, so levels can be adjusted individually in the edit.
An engineer on hand: Levels, noise checks and equipment problems are handled on the spot, so speakers can focus on content.
Backups: Many studios record two copies to avoid losing a take.
Impression on guests: A proper setting makes guests comfortable and shows that the show is serious.

What a video podcast studio needs

If you film at the same time, the requirements change.

Number and placement of cameras: Can it cover close-ups of each speaker plus a wide shot?
Lighting: Faces should look natural and consistent regardless of time of day.
Background and set: Is there a backdrop that suits the show, and space for a logo?
How microphones look: Mic position and type on camera, and cable management.
Audio and video sync: A reliable way to line up separately recorded video and audio.
Switching and recording staff: Someone to switch cameras and manage recording during the shoot.

Whether you make a video version changes how you choose a studio. See How to start a video podcast for more.

Preparing for a studio session

Studio time is usually fixed, so preparation decides how the day goes.

Decide in advance

Number and order of episodes: How many episodes in one booking, and in what order if you batch record.
Script or run sheet: It need not be word for word, but a list of topics and rough timings prevents rambling.
Brief the speakers: Tell guests the meeting time, location, what to wear (for video) and an outline of topics in advance.
Brief the studio: Number of people, whether there is video, equipment you are bringing, and whether you will play music.

On the day

Check microphone position and level for each person on arrival
Record a few minutes as a test and listen back before starting
After a slip, restart from a little before the mistake so the edit joins cleanly
Confirm each episode has been recorded before moving on
Afterwards, confirm how and in what format the files will be delivered

Small tips for speakers

Have water ready (fizzy drinks and dairy tend to cause mouth noise)
Watch for paper rustling, tapping the desk and jewellery noise
Keep a constant distance from the microphone

Why a studio speeds up launch

When starting a new show, a studio can shorten the time to launch.

No equipment to research and buy: You skip choosing gear, waiting for delivery and learning to use it.
No trial and error on the room: No need to work out how to tame the echo at home or in the office.
Batch recording: Record several episodes in one booking and you launch with a backlog, which reduces the risk of stalling right after launch.
Consistent quality from day one: Episode one and episode ten sound the same.

In this site's analysis (top 100 shows on the Apple Podcasts Japan chart), 90 of the 100 shows had published a new episode within the previous seven days. The top shows keep going without pause. Building a backlog at launch helps you reach that steady rhythm.

If you plan to start with your own gear, see the podcast equipment guide.

If you want help with production

Choose where to record based on the show's format and the speakers' schedules, and combine options when it makes sense. If you use a studio, fixing the number of episodes, the run sheet and the guest briefing in advance lets you get the most out of limited time. To discuss studio recording through editing and distribution together, get in touch via Podcast production enquiries.