Introduction

Audiobook recording at home is more accessible than ever. With affordable technology, you can narrate and produce your audiobook without leaving your house.

Not only does DIY audiobook recording empower you with creative control, but it also helps you save on expensive narrator fees.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about how to record an audiobook at home, from selecting the ideal recording space to post-production editing.

Whether you’re a first-time author, an avid storyteller, or simply curious, you’ll find actionable advice to create a top-notch audiobook for platforms like Amazon Audible.

Summary

If you need a quick overview, here’s what you’ll discover in this guide:

It is possible to record an audiobook at home with little experience. With the right equipment and acoustic setup, you can record an audiobook that meets Audibles quality requirements and that sounds professional.

• Recording audiobooks at home offers creative freedom and cost savings.
• A quiet, dedicated recording space is crucial for consistency.
• Microphone selection, positioning, and accessories impact your audio quality.
• Acoustic treatment and vibration reduction can enhance your recordings.
• Editing software and good production processes help your audiobook meet Audible standards.

Can You Record An Audiobook At Home?

Yes, recording an audiobook at home is not only possible—it’s increasingly popular among authors, podcasters, and content creators.

Many successful audiobooks are now recorded in home studios, achieving the same clarity and professionalism as those produced in commercial settings.

Choosing the Right Space for Home Audiobook Recording

The very first step in DIY audiobook production is selecting a quiet, comfortable, and consistent recording space. Your room choice directly affects your audio recording quality and listener experience. 

It might seem obvious, but it all starts with a quiet recording space. 

Should Your Audiobook Narrator Be Sitting Or Standing?

Many first time content creators don't think about this. From my experience, this is really important as audiobooks can take many hours to record and consistency is key.

Audiobook narrators typically sit due to the long recording hours required. Ensure your recording setup is ergonomic with comfortable seating, adequate lighting, and easy access to water.

Comfort translates into better tone and fewer distractions during narration, helping maintain listener engagement throughout the entire audiobook.

It also means your narrator can stick to a comfortable position, which means their sound will remain consistent throughout the recording process. 

Finding a Dedicated Recording Spot

As already mentioned, consistency in your sound is key.

Choose a single spot for all recording sessions and keep your setup intact until your audiobook is finished.

Moving between rooms or setups will result in uneven audio, making post-production much harder.

Minimising Background Noise

Even quiet rooms can have unpredictable noise—central heating, road traffic, or a neighbour’s barking dog can all intrude.

I recommend recording several minutes of “room tone” before you begin to identify and address any background noise. Basically, recording the quietness of your room to hear how truly quiet it is. 

Simple techniques like using heavy curtains or draft excluders over doors and windows can greatly help dampen external sounds.

Pro tip: Schedule your recording sessions during the quietest times of day in your home.

How To Get The Best Audiobook Sound At Home

Optimising your recording environment is one of the most important steps in achieving professional audiobook sound quality at home. If you take the time to acoustically treat your space and understand acoustics, your recordings will sound cleaner and more engaging.

Acoustic Treatment for Home Audiobook Recording

I once turned the cupboard under my stairs into a recording booth—its non-parallel walls helped distribute sound evenly, improving the overall audio quality.

Here’s what I learned and what can help you:

1. Reduce Sound Reflections

Dense, thick acoustic foam, cushions, duvets, or even a mattress can absorb sound and eliminate reverb.

Place these behind and in front of the narrator, and on at least one side wall to create a warm, "close-mic" effect. This will create the audio book tone we all love. 

Even placing your microphone in front of a clothes closet with the narrator facing into it can work wonders!

2. Minimise Vibrations and Noise

Your recording space will likely have items such as stands, iPads, and tables for water and scripts.

Secure everything tightly to prevent unwanted rattles or vibrations.

Use a solid, adjustable book stand or tablet holder for your script.

Avoid paper scripts if possible to reduce page-turning noise.

3. Dampen Resonances and Surface Reflections

Items on your desk or around your narrator can create subtle resonances that colour your sound. These are simple vibrations or reflections off surrounding surfaces. 

Placing heavy rubber mats or padding under hard surfaces can help absorb these vibrations.

Always test your setup with trial recordings and listen back on quality headphones to identify problem areas.

What Equipment Do I Need To Record An Audiobook?

Having the right equipment is crucial for producing high-quality audiobook recordings at home. Here’s a basic home audiobook studio setup:

1. Microphone (preferably XLR-connected): Essential for capturing clear narration.
2. Audio Interface: Connects your microphone to your computer.
3. Recording Software: Options include Logic Pro or free choices like Audacity.
4. Headphones: For monitoring and editing your recordings.

Useful Accessories

• Pop Shield: Prevents plosive “p” and “b” sounds from distorting your audio.
• Reflection Filter: Creates a more intimate sound environment by absorbing stray reflections.

What Is The Best Microphone for Audiobook Narration Under $100?

If you’re working with a budget, the MXL 990 condenser microphone is an excellent option, offering great clarity without picking up excessive room noise. 

This is what I personally recommend as it is what I use. I am a bit shocked by how good the quality is for the price to be honest. 

My experience with both high-end and budget microphones confirms you can achieve excellent results at home without breaking the bank.

Where Should I Place the Microphone?

Proper microphone placement is key to professional-sounding audiobook narration:

• Distance: 6–12 inches away from your mouth.
• Position: Slightly off-centre to reduce harsh plosives.
• Angle: Tilting the mic can help keep it out of your line of sight and reduce sibilance.
• Workspace: Ensure your setup accommodates stands or tablets without obstructing your narration flow.

Can I Use a USB Microphone for Audiobook Recording?

USB microphones offer simplicity and affordability and are popular among beginners recording audiobooks at home.

Although XLR microphones connected through an audio interface tend to provide superior sound, a quality USB mic can produce good results.

In recent years, 2025 and beyond, USB microphone quality has dramatically improved. Personally I still prefer an XLR connection but you will need an audio interface in addition to connect to your PC.

Can I Use a Smartphone for Audiobook Recording?

Modern smartphones with external microphones can, in theory, record audiobooks. However, editing and producing an audiobook on a small screen is challenging.

If using a smartphone, ensure it has sufficient storage and processing power, and consider offloading editing tasks to your computer using free software like Audacity.

For the highest quality—and the greatest chance of getting accepted by Audible—it’s usually best to invest in a proper microphone and audio interface setup.

Audiobook Recording Tips for Audible and Beyond

The best advice for recording an audiobook for audible is to follow their guidelines. Here is a link to view what audible want from their audiobook creators.

Audible Audio Submission Requirements

In addition, here are my recommendations and tips to ensure your audiobook sounds great. 

• Record at 44.1kHz or 48kHz, 16-bit or 24-bit WAV format.
• Maintain consistent levels and tone across all chapters.
• Always leave a few seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each file.
• Edit out mistakes, background noise, and unwanted sounds to meet Audibles quality requirements. 
• Consider using free plugins for subtle noise reduction and mastering.

Final Thoughts: The Value of DIY Audiobook Recording

Recording an audiobook at home gives you creative freedom and can save hundreds of pounds or dollars compared to using a commercial studio. While it takes practice and patience, the skills you gain will serve you well for future projects.

By following the advice in this audiobook recording guide, you’ll be well on your way to producing professional-sounding audiobooks at home—fit for Audible or any other distributor.

Happy recording!