Have you ever forgotten to hit the record button or had a great conversation ruined because your SD card ran out of memory? I’ve been there—and it’s frustrating.
Moments like these are painful, but they’re also a reminder of why preparation matters so much in podcasting.
By taking just a few minutes to do the sound check for a podcast recording, you can ensure a smooth session and a high-quality episode.
Why a Soundcheck Matters for Podcasters
Before we get into the checklist, let’s answer the big question: why does a soundcheck matter so much?
Audio Quality
Audio quality is one of the main reasons people stay with or leave a podcast. Listeners may forgive a small mistake in wording, but they won’t tolerate distorted or muffled audio for long. If your voice is too quiet, too loud, or drowned out by background noise, your audience will switch off.
Editing Process
Fixing problems in post-production takes time. Even with advanced editing tools, poor-quality recordings are hard to salvage. By running through a podcast recording checklist before you hit record, you’ll reduce editing time and avoid costly mistakes like lost files or unusable tracks.
Consistency
A proper sound check gives your show consistency. Whether you’re recording solo or with guests, consistent sound quality builds trust with your listeners. It makes your podcast feel professional—even if you’re recording from home.
Step-by-Step Podcast Soundcheck Checklist
Now let’s go through each step in detail. This checklist is designed to be simple enough to repeat every time, but thorough enough to prevent common audio problems.
1. Levels Check
Think of audio levels as the volume balance between your voice, your guest’s voice, and any background sounds. If levels are too low, the recording will sound weak. If they’re too high, you risk clipping and distortion.
Start by setting the gain on your microphone or audio interface. Speak at your normal podcasting volume and watch the meters in your recording software. The peaks should sit in the green to yellow zone, but never hit red.
Once you’ve set levels for yourself, do the same for your co-host or guest. Ask them to speak at their natural volume, not a stage voice. Then record a short test clip and play it back on headphones. This will reveal whether anyone is too loud or too quiet.
Pro tip: If you’re recording interviews remotely, encourage your guest to do the same – check their levels and test their microphone before the call.
2. Battery and Memory Check
It’s surprising how often a great recording session gets interrupted because of a dead battery or a full memory card. This step may feel basic, but it’s one of the most important in any podcast setup checklist.
If you’re using portable recorders or wireless microphones, make sure batteries are fully charged. Always keep spare batteries on hand. For devices that run on power adapters, double-check that the cables are connected properly.
Next, look at your memory cards or storage devices. Is there enough free space for the session? Recording in high-quality WAV files can take up a lot of space quickly. Clear old files or have extra cards ready to swap in if needed.
I learned this lesson the hard way. Once, I forgot to check the capacity of my SD card, and halfway through a session, it filled up. The audio stopped recording, and I lost a big part of the conversation. There was no way to get it back.
3. Microphone Test
Your microphone is the heart of your podcast setup. Even with the best editing software, you can’t fix a mic that wasn’t working during the session. That’s why a mic test is non-negotiable.
First, confirm that all microphones are connected correctly. Check cables, USB connections, or wireless transmitters. Then, position each mic at the right distance—usually about a fist away from your mouth. Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosive sounds like “p” and “b.”
Ask each participant to say a few sentences in their natural speaking style. Record this short test and listen back. Does anyone sound muffled, too far away, or overly sharp? Adjust placement and settings as needed.
For group recordings, make sure every mic is capturing sound separately. If you’re in a studio, label channels clearly so you know who is on which track.
Remember to place your microphone properly: 9 Mic Placement Tips for Clear Podcast Audio
4. Background Noise Check
Even a quiet room can have hidden noises that affect your recording. Air conditioners, fridges, fans, traffic outside, or even buzzing lights can creep into your audio.
Before recording, sit in silence for a few moments and listen carefully through your headphones. Do you hear a hum or buzz? If so, track down the source. Turn off appliances, close windows, or move microphones further from noise sources.
Some noises can’t be eliminated completely, but you can reduce them. For example, if you live in a city, plan recording times when traffic is lighter. If you’re in a studio, use soundproofing or acoustic panels to dampen unwanted echoes.
This step is especially important for podcasters who record at home. The quieter your environment, the less work you’ll need to do in editing later.
5. Silence Moment Test
This step may sound unusual, but it’s a pro tip many podcasters swear by. Before you start recording your actual episode, record 10–15 seconds of silence in the room.
Why? This is because the “room tone” captures the natural background sound of your space. Editors can use it to smooth transitions, remove gaps, or mask cuts in the final edit. Without room tone, edits may sound choppy or unnatural.
This silent moment test also helps reveal subtle noises you may have missed earlier—like interference, faint static, or computer fans. Catching these before you record saves time later.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Recording Session
Beyond the main checklist, here are a few extra habits that will improve your workflow:
- Use headphones during recording. This lets you monitor audio in real time and catch problems immediately.
- Save test files separately. Don’t overwrite them; keep them for reference.
- Hydrate and prepare. Keep water nearby, as dry mouths can create unwanted clicks in audio.
- Brief your guest. Remind them not to bump the mic, shuffle papers, or tap the table during recording.
- Take care of personal needs beforehand. Ask everyone—including yourself and your team—to use the restroom before recording. Bathroom noise can travel through walls and end up in your audio. Taking a quick shower beforehand also helps you feel fresh and focused.
- Always remember to hit record. It sounds obvious, but in the rush of starting a session, it’s easy to forget. Make “press record” the very first item on your checklist.
These small steps keep your session smooth and professional.
Conclusion
By following this simple soundcheck for podcast recording, you’ll avoid the most common audio problems and create episodes that sound professional and polished.
But I also know it can feel overwhelming to manage every detail on your own. If you don’t have the time or energy to handle all these little checks, the simplest solution is to record in a professional studio.
At our Saigon Podcast studio, you’ll have all the equipment ready, soundchecks done, and dedicated staff to remind you of those small but important details. That way, you can focus entirely on your content while we handle the technical side.
