How to eliminate reverb in any room

Reverb happens in boxy rooms with hard surfaces — your voice bounces around like a ball. Caves, the bottoms of wells, and the average bathroom are the worst offenders. The room you've set aside for recording might secretly be one of them.

First option: record somewhere else. Bedrooms are softer-sounding. Some podcasters swear by recording in their closets. Or build a temporary recording haven with duvets, towels, or dedicated acoustic blankets — pack it away after.

For something more permanent, acoustic foam tiles are cheap and stick to walls (and ceilings). You don't need to treat the whole room — only the small area where you and your mic sit.

Favourite trick: buy a cat bed. Under $15 from the pet shop. Put your mic inside, talk into it, and your audio will be reverb-free — even if you're recording down a well.