Why Your Podcast Sounds Amateur (And 3 Simple Fixes)

You’ve got the content. You’ve got the mic. You’ve even got that dramatic intro music that makes you feel like a big deal.

But somehow, your podcast still sounds like it was recorded in a tiled bathroom using a potato and a prayer.

Don’t worry. Everyone starts somewhere. But if your audio still screams "DIY intern project," it’s probably costing you listeners, credibility, and momentum.

Let’s fix that with three dead-simple upgrades that don’t require an engineering degree, a new mortgage, or sacrificing your weekend to the tech gods.

The Real Problem: You Sound Untrustworthy

This isn’t about perfection. You don’t need to sound like NPR at peak funding drive. But if your voice sounds echoey, boxy, or buried under static, people are going to bounce faster than you can say “subscribe.”

You could be a coach, a content creator, or a stand-up comedian with something brilliant to say. But if your mic makes you sound like you're broadcasting from inside a fridge, nobody sticks around to hear the brilliance.

Fix #1: Use the Right Mic (And Actually Use It Correctly)

Even a great mic can’t save you if you’re yelling across the room like it owes you money.

What to do:

• Use a USB dynamic mic like the Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica AT2040USB

• Keep it about 6–8 inches from your mouth

• Speak slightly off-center to avoid plosives

• Use a pop filter if you're prone to popping P’s like bubble wrap

Why it works:

Dynamic mics are built to reject background noise. They're the bouncers of the audio world. If you want that rich, radio-like sound, this is where it starts.

Fix #2: Treat Your Space (Using Stuff You Already Own)

If your voice sounds like it’s bouncing around like a racquetball, it’s not you—it’s your room.

What to do:

• Record in a small, soft space: closets, bedrooms, pillow forts, anything that doesn’t echo

• Hang a blanket or duvet behind you

• Avoid empty rooms with tile, hardwood floors, or minimalist vibes that only sound good on Instagram

Why it works:

Hard surfaces reflect sound. Soft stuff absorbs it. Your voice gets clearer, closer, and more professional without touching a foam panel or spending a dime.

Fix #3: EQ That Mess

No, you don’t need to learn how to mix an orchestra. Just clean up the basic gunk.

What to do:

• Use a high-pass filter around 80 Hz to cut out low-end rumble

• Pull back 200–500 Hz to reduce muddiness

• Gently boost 2–4 kHz to add clarity

Why it works:

These basic moves help your voice sit up in the mix and sound crisp without being harsh. It's like a shower and haircut for your podcast—subtle, but suddenly everything feels cleaner.

Want to skip the guesswork? The Audio Issues EQ System has plug-and-play presets and walkthroughs that make this a whole lot easier.

Ready to Sound Like a Pro?

Sounding amateur doesn’t mean you are amateur. It just means your workflow needs a glow-up.

Start with these three quick wins. You’ll hear the difference immediately. So will your audience—the ones who actually binge your back catalog instead of bouncing after 20 seconds.

Want help getting there faster?

Grab the Easy Audio Starter Kit and let’s dial in your sound without all the tech drama.

About the Author

Björgvin Benediktsson is an audio educator, best-selling author of Step By Step Mixing, and founder of Audio Issues. He’s helped thousands of creators stop sounding like they’re underwater and start sounding like the professionals they actually are.