Home Studio Setup Guide: How to Get Studio-Quality Voice Without the Fancy Gear
Quick Summary
This article shows podcasters, voiceover artists, and creators how to build a budget-friendly home studio and achieve studio-quality audio. It covers essential gear, setup tips, and common sound issues, plus how Cleanvoice helps remove echo, noise, and enhance vocals using AI tools, all without expensive equipment or complicated software.
Can’t Afford a Studio But Still Want Studio-Quality Voice?
If you're a podcaster, voiceover artist, or audiobook narrator working from a spare room or closet, you know the struggle: your message is solid, but your sound isn't. You’ve invested in a decent mic, maybe even a pop filter, but the echo, background hum, and inconsistent audio still make you sound... amateur. And no, not everyone can shell out thousands for acoustic panels, soundproof booths, or audio engineers.
In this Cleanvoice article, we’re going to explain how you can set up a home studio that delivers clean, professional-grade voice recordings, without the fancy gear.
But first…
Why Listen to Us?
At Cleanvoice, we've helped over 15,000 podcasters, voiceover artists, and creators enhance their audio with studio-quality clarity, no expensive setup needed. Our AI tools have cleaned millions of minutes of audio, removing background noise, echo, and imperfections effortlessly. That experience gives us unique insight into what truly works for a pro-level home studio setup.
What Is a Home Studio Setup?
A home studio setup is a personalized space, often in your bedroom, closet, or spare room, designed for recording high-quality audio without needing a professional studio. It’s the go-to solution for podcasters, voiceover artists, and audiobook narrators who want full creative control without the high overhead.
Common Audio Issues in Home Studios
Recording from home gives you flexibility, but it also comes with a few common audio challenges that can ruin an otherwise great recording:
- Echo and reverb: Bare walls, hardwood floors, and large rooms can cause your voice to bounce, making your audio sound hollow or distant.
- Background noise: From traffic and fans to barking dogs and neighbors, ambient noise is a constant battle in home setups.
- Mouth sounds and heavy breaths: Even quality microphones can pick up unwanted lip-smacks, clicks, or breathing.
- Long pauses and awkward silence: Natural during recording, but they can feel jarring and unpolished to your audience.
That’s where tools like Cleanvoice come in, automatically removing these distractions like echo, filler words, and mouth sounds, so your voice sounds clean, smooth, and studio-ready, no matter where you record.
Must-Have Basics for a Home Studio (on a Budget)
You don’t need to drop thousands to get clean, professional audio at home. With a few smart investments and tweaks, you can turn any quiet space into a studio-like environment. Here’s what you really need to get started:
A Quality Microphone
Your mic is your most important tool. While high-end studio mics cost a fortune, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that deliver impressive clarity.
- USB microphones (like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica ATR2100x) are great for plug-and-play use.
- XLR microphones offer more control and quality, but require an audio interface.
Look for a cardioid mic pattern, it focuses on capturing your voice while minimizing background noise.
Use our free tool to test your mic setup online before recording to find your best sound.
Closed-Back Headphones
Good headphones help you monitor your audio in real time and catch issues early. Choose closed-back headphones, which isolate sound and reduce bleed into your mic. Models like the Audio-Technica M20x or Sony MR7506 are affordable and widely recommended by creators.
See our list of the best headphones for every budget.
A Quiet, Soft Space
You don’t need to build a vocal booth. Just choose a quiet room and soften the sound:
- Record away from windows, fans, or AC vents.
- Use rugs, curtains, pillows, or blankets to absorb echo and reverb.
- Consider recording in a closet, clothes naturally dampen sound reflections.
Avoid large, empty rooms or high ceilings. Hard surfaces bounce sound, which can make your voice sound thin and distant.
Pop Filter & Mic Stand
A pop filter helps eliminate harsh “P” and “B” sounds, while a mic stand keeps your setup stable and consistent. Together, they make your audio cleaner and reduce the need for heavy editing later.
See our list of the best mic stands for podcasting.
Recording Software (DAW)
Even if you're new to editing, free or low-cost Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Audacity, GarageBand, or Ocenaudio offer what you need to record and do basic cleanup.
We have compiled a list of the top editing software here.
How to Fix Echo, Reverb & Audio Imperfections with Cleanvoice
Even with the best budget setup, you might still face one stubborn problem: echo and reverb. Bare walls, untreated rooms, and non-studio environments naturally cause sound to bounce, making your audio sound distant, boxy, or overly roomy.
This is where Cleanvoice's Echo and Reverb Remover comes in. It uses advanced AI to detect unwanted room reflections and remove them from your recording.
Below is a step-by-step guide to using Cleanvoice to remove echo, reverb, and other audio imperfections from your podcast, voiceover, or narration.
Step 1: Sign up
Visit the Cleanvoice Echo Reverb Removal Tool Page and click the “Remove echo & reverb for free” button.
- It’s free to sign up, and no credit card is required.
- You’ll get 30 minutes of free audio editing time to test it out.
You may be prompted to verify your email. Just check your inbox and confirm to proceed.
Step 2: Log In and Access the Dashboard
Once you're signed in, you’ll land on your Cleanvoice dashboard, where you can start uploading and editing your files.
Step 3: Upload Your Audio or Video File
You’ll see multiple upload options:
- Upload from your device
- Paste a link
- Import from Dropbox
- Record audio directly
- Use screencast
For this guide, let’s upload an audio file saved on your device.
Tip: Cleanvoice supports batch uploads, meaning you can edit multiple files at once using the same settings, which is great for consistency and time-saving.
Step 4: Choose or Create an Editing Template
After your file is uploaded, you’ll be prompted to choose a template for editing. These templates are pre-configured to suit different needs:
- Clean Audio & Fillers: Removes filler words, background noise, and enhances overall audio.
- Mute for Sync: Cleans audio and mutes sections for easy video sync.
- Clean & Summarize: Edits, enhances, and generates transcript + show notes.
- Clean Audio, but keep Music: Perfect if your audio has background music you want to retain.
For precise control, click “Create Custom Template.”
Step 5: Configure Your Custom Template Settings
In the custom template editor:
- Uncheck all options under "Edit"
- Check only the box labeled “Noise” under the "Enhance" section
(This specifically targets echo, reverb, background hum, and other unwanted ambient elements.)
Optional:
- Under the Export tab, check boxes if you want to generate a transcript, summary, or social content.
- Leave the export format as "Automatic."
At the top, rename your template to something clear like “Remove Echo & Reverb,” then click “Create Template.”
Step 6: Start Processing
With your custom template selected, click the “Start Processing” button.
Cleanvoice will now analyze your audio, detect echo/reverb patterns, and intelligently remove them while preserving the natural tone of your voice.
Processing time: Usually under 10 minutes, depending on file size.
Step 7: Review the Cleaned Audio Timeline
Once processing is done, you’ll receive a timeline view of your edited file.
- Play the preview to hear the cleaned version.
- Use the markers to inspect which segments were altered or cleaned.
- Make any manual adjustments if needed, especially for flow and pacing.
Step 8: Download the Cleaned Audio
Once you're satisfied with the edits, simply click Download Audio to save your cleaned audio file.
How to Make Your Voice Sound Like a Studio Pro
Removing reverb and background noise is a great start, but what if you want your voice to sound like it was recorded in a high-end studio?
That’s why we built the Cleanvoice Audio Enhancer. It goes beyond cleanup, applying smart enhancements to boost vocal clarity, balance tone, and make your voice sound crisp and studio-ready.
Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Sign up
Visit the Cleanvoice Audio Enhancer Tool Page and click the “Try Studio-Sound for Free” button.
- It’s free to sign up; no credit card needed.
- You’ll get 30 minutes of free audio editing time to test the tool.
- You may be prompted to verify your email, just confirm via the link sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Log In and Access the Dashboard
Once you're signed in, you’ll land on your Cleanvoice dashboard, where you can start uploading and editing your files.
Step 3: Upload Your Audio or Video File
You’ll see multiple upload options:
- Upload from your device
- Paste a link
- Import from Dropbox
- Record audio directly
- Use screencast
For this guide, let’s upload an audio file saved on your device.
Tip: Cleanvoice supports batch uploads, meaning you can edit multiple files at once using the same settings, which is great for consistency and time-saving.
Step 4: Choose or Create an Editing Template
After your file is uploaded, you’ll be prompted to choose a template for editing. These templates are pre-configured to suit different needs:
- Clean Audio & Fillers: Removes filler words, background noise, and enhances overall audio.
- Mute for Sync: Cleans audio and mutes sections for easy video sync.
- Clean & Summarize: Edits, enhances, and generates transcript + show notes.
- Clean Audio, but keep Music: Perfect if your audio has background music you want to retain.
For precise control, click “Create Custom Template.”
Step 5: Configure Your Custom Template Settings
In the custom template editor:
- Uncheck all options under "Edit"
- Check only the box labeled “Studio Sound” under the "Enhance" section
(This applies a full suite of vocal enhancement effects, making your voice cleaner, more present, and professionally processed.)
Optional:
- Under the Export tab, check boxes if you want to generate a transcript, summary, or social content.
- Leave the export format as "Automatic."
At the top, rename your template to something clear like “Studio Voice Enhancer,” then click “Create Template.”
Step 6: Start Processing
With your custom template selected, click the “Start Processing” button.
Cleanvoice will now apply studio-grade audio enhancements, improving warmth, clarity, and polish without overprocessing.
Processing time: Usually under 10 minutes, depending on file size.
Step 7: Review the Cleaned Audio Timeline
Once processing is done, you’ll receive a timeline view of your edited file.
- Play the preview to hear the cleaned version.
- Inspect any changes made by Cleanvoice
- Make any manual adjustments if needed, especially for flow and pacing.
Step 8: Download the Cleaned Audio
When you’re happy with how everything sounds, hit Download Audio to save your professionally enhanced voice track.
Get Pro-Level Audio Without Pro-Level Gear, Using Cleanvoice
You don’t need a thousand-dollar mic or a soundproof studio to sound professional. With the right setup and a few smart tools, you can achieve clean, studio-quality voice recordings right from your bedroom or office, on a budget.
From removing echo and background noise to enhancing vocal clarity with its AI-powered Studio Sound, Cleanvoice helps home creators, podcasters, and voiceover artists produce high-quality audio, without needing to master complex software. Thousands of creators trust Cleanvoice to save editing time and deliver polished sound every time.
Ready to sound pro without a studio? Sign up for Cleanvoice—it’s free.
