Podcast FAQ

beginner podcast equipment

by Bryce Dare Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • A computer. A computer is essential to podcasting because you’ll want to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce your show.
  • An XLR or USB microphone. A podcasting microphone is probably the most critical piece of equipment. It affects your sound quality and can save you time in post-production.
  • Mixer. Mixers are used to improve audio quality and offer multi-channel recordings for those with co-hosts or guests.
  • Pop filter or windscreen. Pop filters or windscreens both reduce the plosive sounds we make when saying words with hard P or T sounds like “please”.
  • Podcasting headphones. When it comes to headphones, almost anything will do in the beginning. ...
  • Microphone stand. A mic stand or boom mount is a great solution for getting the mic up off the desk, and closer to mouth level.
  • Acoustic treatments. Recording in a space purposefully set up to capture crisper audio is a life saver during post-production.
  • Recording and editing software. The recording space is set up and the podcasting equipment purchased, now it’s time to hit record. ...
  • Podcast hosting provider. It’s a common misconception that podcasters upload their shows directly to listening apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Full Answer

What equipment will be needed to start a podcast?

The 10 Technology Items You'll Need to Start a Podcast

  • 1. A good microphone Audio is one area that you won’t want to cut corners with. ...
  • 2. Headphones Your headphones don’t have to be top of the line, but you will want something that’s up to the job. ...
  • 3. A pop filter When talking directly into the microphone, your b’s and p’s will sound amplified. ...
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What is the best equipment for a podcast?

Must-Have Podcast Tools

  1. External Microphone. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with the concept of sound recording will vouch for the importance of a good microphone.
  2. Microphone Stand & Boom Arm. Microphone stands, despite being relatively affordable, are often ignored by novice podcasters. ...
  3. Shock Mount. ...
  4. Pop Filters. ...
  5. Audio Interface. ...
  6. Headphones. ...
  7. Headphone Amplifier. ...

What equipment do you need for a podcast?

What equipment do you need for a podcast? To start podcasting you'll only need a USB microphone, a pop filter, headphones, and a computer. More advanced users may want to buy an XLR microphone, audio interface, mixer, and a microphone stand.

How do you start a podcast as a beginner?

  • Set a definite date and time for publishing
  • Have one evergreen recorded podcast (As a backup plan)
  • Mention Website link at the start & end of Show notes
  • Use an animated video overlay and publish your podcast on YouTube.
  • Connect with best minds in your industry by inviting them to be a guest on your podcast show.

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What equipment do you need for a podcast beginner?

Recording Space: As a beginner, you'll need a minimal setup to record your voice or remote interview. All you need is a laptop, internet connection, and a place to record with low ceilings and preferably carpeted flooring.

What kit do you need for a podcast?

With a 2 or more person podcast, you'll each need an XLR microphone – and studio headphones are highly recommended. Because you can't easily record more than 1 USB microphone into one computer, you'll need a USB audio interface or mixer with at least as many XLR microphone inputs as you have hosts.

What equipment do I need for a 4 person podcast?

Podcast Essential Equipment: Microphone, Headphones, and Camera....​Editing Your PodcastAutomatically stitches together your participant's separate tracks.Smart Speaker Mode analyzes your video and automatically and seamlessly switches between speakers.Customize the way your video looks with frames and layouts.More items...•

What equipment do you need for a 3 person podcast?

To begin with, we recommend you start with the following podcast equipment: Microphone(s) Headphone(s) Recording software or a digital audio workstation....Other extras include:A pop filter.Lighting.A Mic Arm.A shock mount.

Do podcasts make money?

Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.

Can I start a podcast with my phone?

You absolutely can start podcasting with a smartphone. All you need is a simple recording app. You can even go with something podcast-specific such as Anchor or Spreaker which let you create episodes and upload right from your phone.

Do I need a computer for a podcast?

Podcasters require only a computer, microphone, headphones, and recording software to create audio content for listeners to enjoy. In fact, you probably already have some of the equipment needed to create a podcast.

Do you need headphones for podcasting?

You do need headphones for podcasting. Headphones are a must for any type of podcast kit. You're going to need headphones regardless of where you're recording, or the environment you're recording in. You'll need to be able to hear how you and everyone else on the podcast sounds.

How do you start a podcast at home?

Table of ContentsChoose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.Pick Your Podcast Name.Write a Compelling Podcast Description.Decide on Your Podcast Format.Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.More items...

Which platform is best for podcast?

What are the Best Podcast Hosting Platforms?Fusebox. ... Blubrry Podcasting. ... Spreaker. ... PodcastWebsites. ... Audioboom. Best hosting platform for taking your podcast to the next level. ... Libsyn. The most reliable podcast hosting site. ... Soundcloud. Best platform for audio content creators. ... Podomatic. Best freemium podcast hosting platform.More items...•

How do I record my voice for a podcast?

The different ways to record a podcastRecording directly into audio editing software.Recording via video conferencing software e.g. Zoom, Skype.Recording via a remote recording platform designed to record podcast audio.Recording using a portable recording device.

Do I need a microphone for a podcast?

You definitely need a microphone if you want to start a podcast. In fact, you'll need one for every person who's going to be speaking on your show. Unfortunately, your computer's inbuilt microphone isn't going to cut it unless you want it to sound like you're broadcasting from a toilet.

What is an Alitu podcast?

Alitu is a tool that takes your recording, polishes it up, adds your music, and publishes the episode, all automatically. Learn more about Alitu. Finally, we get to the publishing stage. In order to upload your podcast for the world to hear, you need to sign up to a media host.

What is a dedicated digital recorder?

A dedicated digital recorder is a great option for someone who wants to podcast on the go but is looking for a level of sound quality above what you'll get with a smartphone. On top of that, digital recorders offer a lot more settings and options for creating audio, because that's what they're literally built for.

Can you use a rode smartlav+ to record podcasts?

The Rode SmartLav+ setup is ideal for on-the-go recording and location interviews.

Do XLR mics need a computer?

XLR mics need additional equipment to run them. They don't plug straight into your computer, but instead, go into an interface, mixer, or digital recorder (more on these all later).

What is the best way to monitor audio output?

Headphones: Another pretty straightforward one, headphones are used for monitoring your audio output. Plug them into your mixer and listen to how your audio is sounding carefully. We recommend over-ear, closed-back headphones for good sound isolation.

What is the best microphone for recording?

For Intermediate level, we’d recommend getting an XLR microphone for better sound quality. Mixer: The key element to your recordings.

What is the best way to position a microphone?

Boom Arm: Not essential but extremely useful, a boom arm will not only help you to keep a clear recording space but it also makes it easier to position your microphone exactly where you need it to be. Shock Mount: Shock mounts reduce the amount of vibrations and handling noise the microphone may pick up.

Why use a mixer for podcasts?

Mixer. Mixers are used to improve audio quality and offer multi-channel recordings for those with co-hosts or guests. It’s also a required piece for anyone using an XLR microphone. Adding a mixer to your podcast setup creates a new opportunity to record live episodes with AUX features.

Why is it important to have a computer for podcasting?

A computer. A computer is essential to podcasting because you’ll want to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce your show. That means using a recording and editing software to make the final episode sound cleaner and more professional. Computer wise, Mac or PC work just fine. Same for desktop or a laptop.

How many microphones does a MG10 mixer have?

The MG10 mixer has a 10-channel console that allows 4 microphone inputs. It includes 1 AUX send to incorporate additional sound effects or music while recording. Or try the MG06 option if you only need two mic inputs and don’t need the AUX live podcasting features.

How many channels does a Focusrite mixer have?

This mixer has 8 channels that allows 4 XLR mics, one USB-C port, and dual headphone outputs with independent volume controls. You can monitor all input levels in real time with the Direct Monitor circuit to reduce clipping. Best of all, it’s equipped with Focusrite’s switchable Air mode that gives every voice a brighter sound.

How much does a DAW license cost?

This is an affordable DAW that’s as easy to use as Audacity but has more advanced features. Licenses start at $60 and it’s compatible with Mac and PC computers. Import audio files or record directly with the software then use the built-in editing tools to create a polished episode.

Do you need headphones for podcasts?

When it comes to headphones, almost anything will do in the beginning. While we think they’re a non-negotiable part of a podcast setup, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars right away. The standard Apple headphones or anything that you use to listen to music, are fine to start. One important note is everyone who is recording should wear their own set.

How to make a podcast sound good?

Investment in the correct audio equipment is extremely important for podcasting. Your audio setup needs to be correctly selected to ensure: 1 Best possible capabilities to capture great audio and minimize time spent on editing 2 Reach in enough features and solutions to make your audio sound best as possible 3 Fit your recording environment and don’t capture noises 4 Just enough capabilities to ensure great podcasts and don’t be filled with features you won’t ever use. You shouldn’t have to overpay for unnecessary functions 5 Be good enough to last for years so you can focus on your podcast and not on upgrading your equipment 6 Durability and solid construction in case of physical hardware

What is the best microphone for podcasts?

You need to have a mic that is best suited for recording voice and which will best suit your recording environment. Overall Shure SM7B is the best dynamic microphone for podcasting.

How to reduce reverberation in podcast?

If the mic captures them you will end up with a lot of reverberations. An Isolation Filter is a very effective way to reduce reverberations and improve the audio quality of your podcast. It isolates the back and sides (depending on the size of the filter) from recording unwanted, reflected sounds.

What is a DAW for podcasts?

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is the music software to record and later edit your podcast. There are a lot of DAWs on the market developed for music producers and creators not all of them are best suited for podcasters.

Do USB microphones come with a stand?

By fixing the position of your mic and filters you get more consistent and even-sounding audio quality. Most of the USB microphones (including recommended by us) already come equipped with a stand. If you are going for a more professional condenser or dynamic microphone those won’t come with a stand.

2. A Microphone

Next, you'll need a dependable mic—but as we found out, there's not much of a consensus about which one works best. “Microphones are kind of like religions; people have very strong opinions about them and don't agree,” Bobkoff says.

3. Recorders

In terms of recorders, both Fagan and Bobkoff mentioned the brands Tascam and Zoom (no, not the video conferencing app that you hate). The kit that iHeartRadio sends to its hosts initially included a Tascam recorder along with an Apollo interface, which converts audio from your mic into a digital format your computer will understand.

4. Editing Software

Johnson and Selcke enlist their associate video producer, Richard Durante, to edit their podcast. He uses Adobe Audition to correct the audio and Adobe Premiere for editing, since he makes clips for social media and is more familiar with the software.

5. A Laptop and External Hard Drive

Fagan suggests having a dedicated computer for podcasting. If you don't have a spare laptop to use, this 2021 Dell Inspirion 3000 has a 2TB hard drive and is under $600.

6. Video Setup

If you plan to add a live-streaming component to your podcast, a few tools will help create a better, more consistent visual image. Both Johnson and Selcke bought ring lights and suggest placing your laptop, external web camera, or DSLR to at least your eye level or higher.

Podcast Equipment: The Ultimate Audio Gear List 2021

Are you ready to learn about the best podcast equipment? Discover all the gear you can use to build your own podcast from the ground up:

Investing in the Best Podcast Equipment for Audio Quality & Convenience

After reading through our podcast equipment guide, you should feel much more prepared to start recording and uploading your show. As you begin buying microphones, headphones, and other supplies, refer back to this guide for advice. You’ll be on your way to hosting the show of your dreams in no time!

FAQs

Acquiring the right podcasting equipment may seem like a chore, but this short list summarizes everything you’ll need:

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