Acoustic Foam for Podcasts and YouTube Vlogging
Podcasts and vlogs are very much a twenty-first century phenomenon. The popularity of vlogging was largely fuelled by the rise of the self-broadcasting platform YouTube, first established in 2005 and acquired by Google for $1.65 billion the following year. Many of the platform's leading broadcasters now earn six-figure incomes from sharing a wide range of content.
Newer platforms such as SoundCloud and Spotify have driven the growing popularity of podcasts too – an industry that was projected to exceed £1 billion in value by 2021. Considered a good way to fill spare time while multi-tasking, Ofcom figures showed around 6 million people in the UK regularly listening to podcasts in the latter half of 2018.
Why sound quality matters
With podcasts and vlogs skyrocketing in popularity, more people are recording their stories and lives across both mediums. That popularity brings competition, and both are cluttered spaces where it's increasingly hard for new creators to cut through. Look at the highest-streamed content on YouTube and Spotify and one thing is clear: it's of a considerably high quality.
If you're undeterred by the competition and want high production values, good sound quality is the perfect starting point. Many successful videos and podcasts are made in dedicated studios, but a significant number are recorded at home. Think all you need is a good camera and a reasonably priced microphone? Not quite.
How acoustic foam helps
Though it may not be visible on camera, many popular YouTubers and podcasters achieve studio-quality audio by installing specialist acoustic foam. Acoustic foam reduces reverberation, sound reflections and flutter echoes in recording spaces, and comes in a wide range of shapes and specifications. It's most commonly seen in two shapes – flat chamfered or convoluted – and both are well suited to home recording environments, whatever the room size.
Which acoustic foam for recording?
The most common type used for sound recording is Pyrosorb-S Class 0 acoustic foam, a fire-resistant, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foam. Its high-density, open-cell quality makes it an excellent sound absorber that's safe and easy to handle. Because it comes in a range of sizes – including cut to size – with a self-adhesive backing, it's a quick, simple way to improve audio by blocking outside noise, minimising echo and absorbing flutter.
If you'd like to learn more about fitting it, read our guide to installing acoustic foam. At eFoam we're available to discuss your needs seven days a week, so please contact one of our friendly, expert representatives with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
What acoustic foam is best for podcasting and recording?
The most common choice for sound recording is Pyrosorb-S Class 0 acoustic foam, a fire-resistant, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foam. Its high-density, open-cell structure makes it an excellent sound absorber that is safe and easy to handle.
Does acoustic foam soundproof a room or reduce echo?
Acoustic foam mainly reduces reverberation, sound reflections and flutter echoes within a recording space. It improves the clarity of your audio rather than fully blocking sound from entering or leaving the room.
What shapes does acoustic foam come in?
Acoustic foam is most commonly seen in two shapes: flat chamfered or convoluted ("egg box"). Both are suitable for home recording environments regardless of room size, and it can also be ordered cut to size with a self-adhesive backing.
