3 Audio Tweaks That Make You Look Like a Pro (Even in a Spare Bedroom)

No studio? No problem. You can still sound like you’ve got your act together.

You don’t need a soundproof studio to sound professional. You don’t need panels, plugins, or a shrine to Joe Rogan.

You just need a few smart tweaks—and a willingness to admit that yes, your echoey dining room is sabotaging your credibility.

Whether you’re leading client calls, recording your next course, or dropping a podcast episode from your laundry-adjacent workspace, these quick fixes will help you sound clearer, more confident, and more in control.

Tweak #1: Master Your Mic Position

Where your mic sits changes everything. And no, “on the desk somewhere near your keyboard” doesn’t count.

• Too far and you’ll sound distant and echoey

• Too close and you’ll start clipping, popping, and heavy breathing like a budget thriller villain

• Just right is about 6–8 inches from your mouth, angled slightly off-center

If you’re using a headset or built-in mic: lean in (gently), sit up straight, and speak directly toward it. Don’t wander off mid-sentence like you’re narrating from across the room.

Tweak #2: Kill the Echo (No Foam Panels Required)

Echo doesn’t just sound bad. It sounds unprofessional. It makes you feel less credible, even when your content is solid.

You don’t need a studio. You need soft surfaces.

• Toss a blanket, comforter, or hoodie behind your desk

• Record near a couch, curtain, or bookcase

• Stay away from hard floors and bare walls (aka Echo City, population: you)

Most of these fixes won’t even show on camera. Just make sure the area around your mic is doing more absorbing than reflecting.

Tweak #3: Speak Like You Mean It

Yes, gear helps. But your delivery matters more than you think.

• Sit up straight

• Look into the camera

• Project—not shout—your voice with clarity and intention

Confidence isn’t just about mindset. It comes through in your tone, pacing, and vocal presence. Even if you’re nervous, you can still sound like you know what you’re doing.

Pro Tip: Record a 15-Second Test Clip

Before every Zoom call, course recording, or video shoot, do this:

• Record a short test clip on your phone or computer

• Listen back on headphones

• Adjust your mic position or room setup if needed

This one habit will save you from hours of “why does this sound like a potato?” later.

Why It Works (Even If You’re in a Messy Room)

Better audio does more than clean up your sound—it boosts your brand.

When you sound confident and clear, people assume you’re credible. When you don’t, they question everything—even if you’re offering life-changing advice from your meticulously color-coded Notion board.

Great audio helps you:

• Build trust and authority

• Keep people engaged

• Convert leads into clients

Even from a spare bedroom with a laundry basket just out of frame.

Want Expert Help Dialing This In?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Book a free discovery call, and I’ll help you:

• Analyze your current setup

• Remove echo and background noise

• Recommend simple, high-impact tweaks for better sound

Click here to schedule your strategy session now

About the Author

Björgvin Benediktsson is an audio educator, best-selling author of Step By Step Mixing, and founder of Audio Issues. He helps creators, coaches, and consultants sound more professional, no foam wall required.