Starting a podcast is an exciting venture. From determining your podcast format to setting a recording schedule, there’s a lot that goes into creating the podcast that fits your vision. One of the most important parts of starting a show is ensuring you have the right equipment. Depending on your budget and the type of show you’re creating, you may have different podcast equipment needs. However, there are a few staples every podcaster needs to get off the ground.
Microphones
Perhaps the most crucial podcast equipment, the microphone you get will make all the difference. You want a microphone that makes your voice come through loud and clear while softening outside noises at the same time. Fortunately, most podcast microphones nowadays come with a built-in pop filter and wind screen to keep intense sounds from the core of your audio. Whether you choose a headset, standing mic, lapel mic, or external mic, you’ll want to test things out first to ensure the sound quality is what you want for your show.
Some of the best podcasting microphones include:
- Rode PodMic
- JLab Talk Series (USB)
- Blue Microphones Yeti (USB)
Headphones
Headphones are great for helping podcast hosts balance their tone and volume, as well as ignore external disturbances, while recording live audio. The sounds you hear through your headphones will be the raw version of what your listeners will hear. And while volume and pitch can be fixed in editing, it’s better to be aware of how things sound while you’re recording. There are a ton of budget friendly options for headphones with built-in microphones that specifically produce clear audio and reduce outside noise. Studio headphones will give you a clearer sound quality than most equally priced non-studio headphones.
Some of the best studio headphones for podcasting include:
Soundproofing
Whether you’re recording in a studio space or a room in your home, you’ll most likely need to soundproof. Most studios use acoustic foam pads to eliminate the amount of reverb in a room and provide professional quality sound. In fact, decent soundproof insulation and noise cancelling pads made from foam can be found for well under $100. Depending on your space you may only need enough panels to fill a soundproof wall to help improve the sound quality of your podcast.
Some of the best DIY soundproofing options include:
Computer
Having a computer is essential to producing a podcast since you’ll need a device where you can record, edit, and store podcast audio. If you’re planning to do Zoom-style recordings or video podcasting, look into laptops with high-quality microphones and cameras. Otherwise, just make sure you have a laptop or computer that’s compatible with most podcast recording software. You’ll also want to consider computers built to handle high-level audio inputs with reliable processors and plenty of storage space.
Some of the best computers for podcasters include:
Audio Interface
Most computers already have an audio interface within a hard drive, which works in unison with the AUX port. But if you’re recording high-quality audio on a computer using a USB device, an AUX cord, or other equipment like quarter-inch audio cables, an exterior audio interface is essential. An audio interface transfers analog audio signals into digital audio signals called Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), and it’s needed for electronic instruments to work with a computer. Audio interfaces also allows for multiple headsets to be connected to the same laptop while recording.
Some of the best audio interfaces for podcasting include:
Recording & Editing Software
Programs like Garage Band are free and great for recording and editing when you’re just starting your podcast. Recording and editing software like Appleton, Switcher, and Adobe Audition are some of the more popular and user-friendly recording and editing software available for podcasters because of their easy-to-use editing interfaces that make cutting audio a breeze. Other podcast recording software can even publish your content live to social media.
Some of the best audio recording and editing software include:
Need help starting a podcast? Hurrdat Media has podcast services including consultations, studio rentals, podcast production, advertising, and more. We can help you reach your podcasting goals!