WE NOW BUILD PODCAST TABLES!DIY BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOSAbove: $50 used conference table is painted with $12 flat white paint. $8 Desk grommets are installed next to the mic stands. A $13 mini desk outlet is powering the devices. Adhesive cable clips under tabletop are $7.95, velcro cable ties are $7.99. Under $100 before tax! *Use of these affiliate links may result in me receiving a small commission |
$109.99 TABLE & CHAIR SET | $59.99 OFFICE DESK |
Functionality & Cable Management
Use Power Grommets, Cable Grommets and Cable Ties
There were a few things I knew I wanted to do to my table - add desk grommets so I could make sure my cables were tied together or managed in a way that kept them organized and out of the way, off the top of the podcast table. If you have cables running under the bottom of your table, the last thing you want is someone accidentally unplugging something with their feet during your recording. Believe me, it happens.
I used a two inch hole saw to bore through the tabletop where my two-inch desk grommets would go. Before drilling, I set out my podcast stands to see where I wanted them and then marked where I would be drilling. Measure and plan twice, drill once.
To power the USB interface and headphone amp, I installed a two outlet power grommet in the center of the table. The outlet comes with its own power cable, so I ran that to the nearest wall outlet with an extension cord. It also has two USB ports where I can plug in phone chargers, etc. Believe it or not, some people do want to charge their phones while they're podcasting. Me, I'm some people.
Use Power Grommets, Cable Grommets and Cable Ties
There were a few things I knew I wanted to do to my table - add desk grommets so I could make sure my cables were tied together or managed in a way that kept them organized and out of the way, off the top of the podcast table. If you have cables running under the bottom of your table, the last thing you want is someone accidentally unplugging something with their feet during your recording. Believe me, it happens.
I used a two inch hole saw to bore through the tabletop where my two-inch desk grommets would go. Before drilling, I set out my podcast stands to see where I wanted them and then marked where I would be drilling. Measure and plan twice, drill once.
To power the USB interface and headphone amp, I installed a two outlet power grommet in the center of the table. The outlet comes with its own power cable, so I ran that to the nearest wall outlet with an extension cord. It also has two USB ports where I can plug in phone chargers, etc. Believe it or not, some people do want to charge their phones while they're podcasting. Me, I'm some people.
To Paint Or Not To Paint
Use Paint, or A Tablecloth
For one of our podcast tables, all I did was use a black tablecloth over the top, and cut holes through the fabric to be able to run my cables. The other table I decided to paint instead of using a tablecloth. If I had to do it again, I'd paint my table a color other than white because all the little knicks and scratches show up easily. And with the black tablecloth, I'm constantly having to brush off the dust and particles that accumulate with each use. I suppose it's all part of the deal! You decide which way you want to go.
*Future tabletop idea: use free pallet wood cut into strips that create a top for a used conference table, sand, and then stain. In this case, I'd drill out desk grommet holes and mount a power grommet in the center of the table.
Use Paint, or A Tablecloth
For one of our podcast tables, all I did was use a black tablecloth over the top, and cut holes through the fabric to be able to run my cables. The other table I decided to paint instead of using a tablecloth. If I had to do it again, I'd paint my table a color other than white because all the little knicks and scratches show up easily. And with the black tablecloth, I'm constantly having to brush off the dust and particles that accumulate with each use. I suppose it's all part of the deal! You decide which way you want to go.
*Future tabletop idea: use free pallet wood cut into strips that create a top for a used conference table, sand, and then stain. In this case, I'd drill out desk grommet holes and mount a power grommet in the center of the table.
Sound Treatment
Use Moving Blankets As An Inexpensive Sound Treatment Solution
This doesn't necessarily have to do with your table, but it is a simple, inexpensive solution for a problem you may run into. Depending on where you're recording your podcast, you may have sound reflections. Reflections are caused when sound travels and bounces off of bare walls and floors, causing your audio to sound like you're sitting in an empty room or in an echo chamber. Hanging a few moving blankets on your walls and placing a rug on the floor are the easiest fixes, but certainly not the best treatment. If you're looking for more professional treatment, check out these kits at Sweetwater.
Use Moving Blankets As An Inexpensive Sound Treatment Solution
This doesn't necessarily have to do with your table, but it is a simple, inexpensive solution for a problem you may run into. Depending on where you're recording your podcast, you may have sound reflections. Reflections are caused when sound travels and bounces off of bare walls and floors, causing your audio to sound like you're sitting in an empty room or in an echo chamber. Hanging a few moving blankets on your walls and placing a rug on the floor are the easiest fixes, but certainly not the best treatment. If you're looking for more professional treatment, check out these kits at Sweetwater.
While I chose to use moving blankets, there are many other options for sound-treating a room. Amazon.com carries a slew of acoustic panel options, and many podcasters will opt to put these up all throughout their studio. It certainly is more aesthetically pleasing to the podcaster eye! |
Happy shopping! Below are links to the items I've purchased in the past for my DIY podcast table projects.
Power Grommet $35.99Get power, network access and USB charging ports with this power grommet. | 2" Hole Saw | Retractable power grommet $26.99This is a fancier version of the power grommet. Put it away if you don't need it! |
2 Comments
11/12/2020 07:06:54 pm
Starting a podcast is an effective way to build an audience and establish credibility.
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