When I recorded my first audiobook years ago, I never imagined the variety of “studios” I’d eventually work in. Today, I’ve recorded in a pro booth, an RV, an apartment corner, two different home studios, and even improvised spaces with moving blankets and scrap lumber.

The good news?You don’t need an expensive studio to sound professional.You just need the right priorities.

This guide breaks down how I built my studio on a budget, what actually matters, and what I’d change if I had to start all over again.

🎙️ Step 1: Treat the Space — Not the Gear

This is the biggest mistake people make when starting out.

A great microphone can still sound terrible in a bad room.

My early setups weren’t fancy:

• Heavy moving blankets

• DIY acoustic panels

• Ceiling cloud

• Thick rugs

• Blankets hung inside an RV

• Makeshift V-panels behind the mic

They didn’t look like a studio — but they worked.

If I were starting today:

I’d invest in room treatment first:

• Mineral wool or Roxul panels

• A ceiling cloud

• A few heavy blankets for reflections

• Carpet or thick rugs

• Bass absorption in corners

This will improve your sound more than any high-end microphone.

🎙️ Step 2: Choose a Mic That Fits Your Voice

There’s no “best microphone.”There’s only the one that works for your voice and your room.

I’ve used:

• Rode NT1

• RØDE NT1 5th Gen (USB + XLR)

• Shotgun mics

• Larger studio condensers

The Rode NT1 consistently delivers professional-quality audio without breaking the bank.

If starting today:

I’d still choose the RØDE NT1 paired with an Audient iD14 MkII interface.

Clean. Neutral. Quiet.

🎙️ Step 3: Build a Repeatable Workflow

Your gear matters — but your workflow matters more.

My effects chain is consistent across every chapter:

1. Clarity VX Pro

2. RX Mouth De-Click

3. Nectar 4

4. ReaEQ

5. L1 Limiter

This is how you achieve tonal continuity across an entire book or series.

If starting today:

I would build a full effects chain and QC workflow before recording anything long-form.

🎙️ Step 4: Use Accurate Monitoring

Your headphones are your truth-tellers.

If your monitors hide problems, your final audio will, too.

I rely on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and they’ve been rock solid for noise floor checks, mastering, EQ accuracy, and catching issues early.

🎙️ Step 5: Keep Your Setup Simple

Avoid the trap of over-engineering your studio.

You don’t need:

• A hardware rack

• An expensive mixer

• Thousands in plugins

• A commercial vocal booth

You do need:

• A treated room

• A consistent effects chain

• A reliable DAW

• A stable backup workflow

• Headphones that don’t lie

Simplicity is your friend — especially when you’re recording long-form projects.

🎙️ Budget Breakdown: What Actually Matters

If I were creating a new studio today, these are the essentials:

• Microphone: RØDE NT1

• Interface: Audient iD14 MkII

• Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

• Software: Reaper

• Treatment: Moving blankets + DIY mineral wool panels

• Plugins: RX11, Clarity VX Pro (optional), Nectar 4

This setup will outperform a $5,000 studio built with poor acoustics.

🎙️ What I Would Do Differently Today

If I could go back, here’s what I’d change:

1. Prioritize Room Treatment First

The biggest sound upgrade comes from controlling the room.

2. Create a Repeatable QC Workflow Earlier

Consistency across 20+ chapters saves enormous time.

3. Stop Comparing My Early Recordings to Pro Narrators

Growth is fast, and comparison kills momentum.

🎙️ Final Thoughts: Build Smart. Build Practical. Build for YOU.

A “budget studio” isn’t a limitation — it’s an opportunity to grow your skills and learn your craft from the ground up.

I’ve recorded:

• In an RV

• In makeshift apartment booths

• In fully built home studios

• During cross-country moves

• In environments far from ideal

Each space taught me something.Each setup sharpened my workflow.Each challenge made me a better narrator.

If you build your studio around your voice, your workflow, and your goals...You’ll sound professional long before your studio looks professional.

—Shawn R VoiceoverAuthentic. Compelling. Unforgettable.