Are you starting a journey of creating your podcasts? Don’t worry. I understand that you might be nervous and suspicious about what lies ahead.
All I would say is to trust yourself and use proper podcast equipment. Ensure that the types of equipment you are using are of excellent quality. You can also track your budget and choose the best options available in that price range.
Different categories of podcasts sometimes require various tools and equipment. However, the basic requirements are the same. You can get misguided about the basic requirements and spend a lot more dollars than needed.
While you can get started by just using your iPhone, it is not recommendable. To create a brand and grow your audience, you need a more professional approach as a creator.
In this article, I have listed the essential equipment to create the podcast to ease your work.
Things To Consider Before Buying Podcast Equipment
Before you start buying equipment to start your podcast, you need to consider a few things. Here we have explained them in brief:
- Seriousness About Podcasting: The first thing you must consider is how serious you are about podcasting. If you are just thinking of starting a podcast for fun, then investing a lot of money into buying expensive equipment does not make sense. In the beginning, your should start with inexpensive equipment and upgrade to better equipment when you get consistent listeners.
- Budget: This is the most important factor you need to consider. You need to set up a budget for your podcast equipment and make sure that you don’t go overboard with your budget. In the beginning, you should look for affordable equipment only.
- Number Of People On Your Podcast: Another thing you need to consider that how many people will be there on your podcast. Because it directly affects the number of equipment you need to buy. For example, a solo podcast requires one mic, and an interview podcast requires two or more mics, depending on the number of people are there.
- Recording Location: Recording a podcast in a private studio is completely different from recording one at your own home. You will need podcast equipment according to your recording location, so you need to consider this before purchasing any equipment.
- Managing The Tech: You also need to consider that if you can manage all that tech you’re buying on your own or not. If you’re a beginner, then you should stick with simple stuff which you can easily handle. Once you learn more about podcasting technology, only then upgrade to better tech.
- Audio/Video Podcast: Last but not least, you need to consider whether your podcast will be an audio or audio & video podcast. Many creators record video podcasts as well to upload on YouTube. If you’re planning to do the same, then you will need to invest in good-quality cameras as well.
Podcast Equipment: In a Nutshell
Podcast equipment varies according to your needs. I have listed a few required essential tools, but you will have to brainstorm and find the ones you need.
If you are tight on budget and a beginner, you can just start with a primary mic and computer. The mic will help you to record audio, and the computer will help you work with free software to edit and manage your audio.
Moreover, once you have enough finances available, you can work on upgrading your workspace and the equipment.
Remember to use professional tools but not expend extra dollars on unnecessary equipment.
Let us look at all the podcast equipment necessary to create a podcast.
1. Computer
A computer is an essential piece of equipment you will need to create your podcast. All the work, from recording and editing to podcast publishing, will require a computer.
It doesn’t matter which system you use; it can be a PC or a laptop. All you will need is a system with a RAM of a minimum 4Gb or 8GB, depending on the software you will use.
I personally recommend a laptop with 8 GB RAM and good storage with SSD.
2. Microphone
How is it possible to record a good-quality podcast without a microphone? Yes, you got it right. You need to get an excellent quality microphone.
You can choose to start your journey with USB mics. You will have to simply plug the USB cable into the mic and the computer. They are affordable and easy to use. They offer versatility and professional sound quality.
When choosing the microphone for the podcast, you must consider the factors like voice capture, voice clarity, multiple pickup patterns, filters, signal processing, mute button, and built-in connections.
A good mic will reject the room noise and record a clean articulated tone, versatility, shape sound signals, and extra special effects.
If you plan to record the podcast with the help of a mic available in headphones or earphones, you will surely regret it. The sound quality of these headphones is built to serve basic needs. You will have to upgrade to USB microphones or analog microphones.
The microphones that I would love to recommend are :
- Samson Q2U :
It is a dynamic mic and has excellent audio recording quality.
- AKG LYRA USB :
The microphone offers various features. It is one of the most versatile mics with multiple polar patterns.
- Icon (Earthworks)
The voice quality of the mic is absolutely incredible.
- Presonus Revelator
The microphone comes with an app that helps to adjust the vocal effects and mix audio. It has a built-in digital mixer.
Above all, when you select a mic to record the audio for the podcast, the main characteristic you must consider is that it should be simple to use and connect to.
3. Mic Stand
Do you think holding the mic with the hands will be a convenient option? If not, then we are on the same page.
You will need a mic stand to hold the mic in place while recording the audio. You can find a variety of mic stands in different ranges that will fit your budget.
I would recommend a mic stand that provides more flexibility with features like height adjustment and angle adjustments.
In today’s era, primarily the boom arms are used to record podcasts; it provides more flexibility and comfort. You will require a desk clamp to fit the boon arm stably on your desk.
4. Headphone
You will need headphones to monitor the quality of your audio. Headphones help to check overlapping noises, background noise, disturbances created in the recordings, faint voices, etc.
The working of the headphones is simple. Once you connect the headphones, then you are ready to go.
At first, you will find it weird listening to your voice. Later you will get the hang of it. I would suggest you get professional headphones that will avoid spilling the sound.
I put some of the best headphones to the test. Check these headphones that are best for podcasting.
5. Headphone Amplifier
If more than one person is engaged in creating a podcast, then you will surely need a headphone amplifier. You will need a multi-channel headphone amplifier to maximize the sound quality of each headphone.
I recommend you go for the excellent quality headphone amplifier to maintain sound quality. You can choose the one with at least four channels.
One of the audio interfaces I find great for the job is the audient evo8 audio interface. It has four inputs to cater to your needs. You can also use this for interviews.
6. Audio Interface
When recording a podcast, you will indeed require some good-quality hardware. The audio interface converts the audio signals into digital signals. This helps in editing the audio, mixing, and uploading.
The audio interface has multiple outputs and inputs, helping you to record from various devices. The audio interface helps maintain the original audio quality.
7. Pop Filter
A pop filter is one of the necessary pieces of equipment you will require to create the podcast. It prevents the air from reaching the microphone by absorbing it.
I think that pop filters help a lot in creating good quality audio as it absorbs all those unrequired P’s and T’s. Most of the disturbances in the audio recording are made due to those air voices recorded.
If you are low on budget, you can also use foam windscreens to reduce the air noise and solve the issue of plosives.
8. Shock Mount
Whenever there are some movements or vibrations created, those unrequired noises get recorded while recording the audio for the podcast. A shock mount helps to eliminate capturing those unrequired noises by absorbing all the vibrations created.
A good quality shock mount will ensure good quality audio. You can select the one in your budget that will serve the requirements.
9. Mixer
A mixer gives you more control over the audio that you are recording. You can control the sound levels, input, and output.
The audio interface is different than the mixer. Most of the newbies get confused between these pieces of equipment. The Mixer has more than one output making it easy to record if there is more than one person recording.
However, some professionals choose to adjust the sound quality manually. Also, when you include an audio call, working with a mixer isn’t a good choice when you have an audio call.
10. Cables
When working with various recording tools, you will require cables to connect your microphone and the instruments.
I recommend choosing an XLR cable for your microphone to maintain the excellent quantity of the audio. You can check out the wires that fit into your budget and, at the same time, have good quality.
11. Podcast Recording Software
To capture the podcast, there are many free recording apps available. You can consider pro tools first. It is a standard studio recording, mixing, and editing platform.
The app will help you easily record and process the audio. Once you have grown to the next level, you can switch to the full pro tools app.
Another software that I found extremely addictive is Garage band for Mac users. It allows the user to edit, cut, slice, import-export, drag and drop things like voice-over and interviews. You can export it in the mp3 format.
If you are a windows user, you must choose Audacity. It is also a free tool like a garage band.
If you want to record audio for the online interview, you can choose Zoom to record the audio. You can drag and drop these interviews into your editing software to perform the rest of the operations. Skype is also a great option for recording the interviews online. These platforms are fine if you are a beginner.
If you want to record error-free audio, you can consider software like squadcast.fm. It is a platform that connects you online. The audio can be recorded from both sides and downloaded to edit.
Another software, I found to be mesmerizing is Podcastle. It has a smart AI integration. It offers features like magic dust to clean up your audio and remove the background noise with just a click. Moreover, podcastle helps you to interview upto 9 people. It is a web-based application.
12. Memory Storage Device
Storing all the drafts, edits, etc., into the system is not a convenient option. You will require external hard drives to keep all the audio files and the final drafts in one place.
Storing the data into the audio files saves up the internal memory storage helping the system to work faster and save the RAM.
You can keep handy hard disk drives or Solid state drives. I usually prefer SSD as they are fast and have greater speed.
However, if your main aim is to store the audio, you can use HDD. They are a more affordable option and will be suitable for your needs.
Also, storage devices like pen drives, memory cards, etc can be used if you are a beginner. As they will surely fit according to your needs and will save you some dollars.
13. Software to Edit Audio
Once the podcast is recorded, you will need to edit and adjust the sound and the audio. You will have to clear the background noise and the disturbances.
There are many free audio editing tools available on the internet. You can also go for the paid ones to receive the benefits of the premium versions.
You must adjust the volume and the sound quality of the podcast. Podcastle is a great software to edit the audio as well. You must consider the factors like noise reduction, echo or deveb.
Equalizing audio is one of the most crucial parts while editing the audio that you have recorded. It is used to adjust the low and high ends of the audio. The next important part is trimming the fluff content. You can just cut, splice and ten ripples delete over that audio.
14. Podcast Hosting Software
After you complete all the processes, you will need the right platform for hosting to publish your podcast. You can check out the platforms like Buzzsprout, Anchor, etc.
The podcast hosting software will help you to publish your podcast and create a presence for yourself. It is the most crucial part of podcast creation.
15. Modem router
In today’s era, all electronic devices are incomplete without the internet. Almost all the software, apps, and simple work will require the internet.
You just need a stable internet connection to make the podcast creation process smooth. A good internet speed will speed up your work and create a smooth flow.
I recommend getting a Wifi with good connection speed and range.
Tips for Recording Your Podcast(Bonus)
- Remember to stay close to your microphone. As a beginner, you will need to understand the working of the mic and the distance suitable for the audio recordings.
- You will have to invest your time researching the equipment and figure out the ones that you really need according to the stage you are at.
- Before you start the actual recording, make it a routine to test record the audio and check if everything is in place and set to go. Sometimes you will need to adjust the equipment and the software.
- The audio recording software displays the pitch using the graph in red, green, and yellow. The green part is good to go, the yellow is the perfect one and if you reach the red zone, you will have to adjust your voice.
- Make it a point to plan ahead the work and the schedule. As it will avoid the mess and make the working smooth.
- Avoid wasting time in the interviews, as it will drive away the audience as well as the guests. Stick on the point to the content you have planned.
Related Read:
Wrapping Up On Best Podcast Equipment
That’s all with the Podcast Equipments. The list above will surely help you to start your podcast.
You can even start with a microphone and a laptop if you are a beginner. The podcast creators thinking of upgrading their setup can add equipment like Soundproofing and paid podcast recording software.
One of the sets of equipment that I would recommend is the Roadcaster pro podcasting console bundle. It is one of the best sets you will find to record your podcasts. It can be connected to up to four mics along with other tools to make the recording easier. However, it can stand alone on its own and give you excellent audio quality.
To make your podcast a success, you will need to find and build your audience. You must provide value to the audience and solve their search intent. Providing a solution to the audience will surely help to grow your podcast and create a trending podcast.
Once your reach increases, upgrade your equipment and switch to a good workplace with no disturbances.
I think that this will surely help you to gather your equipment to create a successful podcast. Remember to leave your favorite equipment lists to help beginners choose theirs.
FAQs
You will require a basic amount of $200 minimum to purchase all the required equipment. If you don’t own a laptop or a computer, a good system will be added to your expenses. You won’t need a lot of equipment as a beginner.
You can monetize the podcasts to make money. You can use methods like affiliate marketing, sponsorship, paid membership programs, and switching to premium content.
The podcast can approximately range from 15 minutes to one hour or more. The time depends on the subject, the type of audience you are targeting, and the niche of the podcast.
No, it is very easy to start the podcast. However, you will have to dedicate a good amount of time to researching and preparing to post your podcast. After recording the audio, you will have to edit the audio. It requires patience and dedication to become a successful podcaster.
Yes, anybody can start the podcast. You will need to have a proper plan and knowledge about the types of equipment required. Moreover, executing the plan on time and working on marketing your podcast will surely help you to grow.
