Podcast FAQ

best equipment for starting a podcast

by Levi Pacocha Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is the best equipment to start a podcast?

A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for BeginnersAn XLR or USB microphone.Mixer.Pop filter or windscreen.Headphones.Microphone stand.Acoustic treatments.Recording and editing software.Podcast hosting provider.More items...•

What equipment is needed for a podcast?

For a conventional podcast, you need at a minimum a microphone, headphones, a computer, recording and mixing software, and internet access.

What tech do you need to start a podcast?

Audio mixer podcasting technology sits between your microphones and the computer. And sometimes they do not connect to a computer at all. They record to a media card. Audio mixers typically work best for podcasts recording more than one person or podcasts using multiple audio inputs.

Is it expensive to start a podcast?

In fact, if you already have a computer and you're operating on a shoestring budget, you can record, edit, and launch a podcast for less than $200. On the other hand, if you want to use higher-end equipment, starting a podcast can cost a few thousand dollars.

How much money can you make from a podcast?

As an estimate, if your podcast has about 10,000 downloads per episode, you can expect to make between $500 – $900 per episode in affiliate sales.

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 long does it take for a podcast to make money?

Relying on the experience of Marc Clair, a podcast host, and producer, it may take as long as 18 months before you start seeing results. That's if you produce a show weekly. In his words, things can be faster than stated if you have luck, a marketing budget, and irresistible content.

How much does it cost to put a podcast on Spotify?

Podcasters will be able to select one of three price tiers for subscriptions through Spotify: $2.99, $4.99 or $7.99 per month. “We felt like rather than put the burden on creators [to set pricing], we should make a recommendation on what we feel are strong price points,” said Mignano.

What makes a podcast successful?

A podcast with focus is going to be much easier for potential listeners to understand. You might think a wide appeal will get a wider audience but more often a narrow appeal means there's less likelihood others are doing the same thing. And the listeners you get will be very excited to find you.

Should I film my podcast?

If you film a video podcast, you'll have extra footage you can cut into short, sharable segments. You'll also have behind-the-scenes content to share. Creating variety in your marketing can increase engagement and keep people interested. Another benefit of doing a video show is that you can do a live recording.

How long should podcasts be?

The length of your podcast also depends on your subject, industry or genre. It could be that around 15-20 minutes perfect for your listeners. But maybe your specific audience wants more in-depth, exploratory information; in which case, 45-90 minutes would provide more value.

Is it free to put a podcast on iTunes?

You can actually submit your podcast on iTunes for free and gain new listeners. Before submitting to iTunes, you need to make sure you have these things covered.

What is the podcast equipment?

It's what software and tools you use on that computer that you need to give thought to.

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.

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).

Do you need headphones for podcasts?

You'll also need headphones to hear your guest if you run an online interview show. They come in handy for listening back to recordings, and for editing audio too. Check out our best podcast headphones roundup for a few great options there.

Do you need a mic to record audio?

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. You don't even necessarily need an additional mic to record into one because most of them come with built-in mics.

Do you need an interface to podcast?

You don't actually need an interface or mixer to podcast, but many podcasters do still utilise them. So why might you consider getting one?

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

Heil PR-40 Microphone, Heil PL-2T Boom Arm & Heil PRSM Shock Mount – Broadcast-quality microphone that is nearly unanimously recommended by the pros. This is the best podcast starter kit that comes with nearly everything you need, but you still need a way to connect it to your computer.

What is a rode booming kit?

Rode Podcaster Booming Kit: Podcaster, PSA1 Arm, and PSM1 shock mount – Rode is a well-respected brand in the microphone and audio equipment space and they make awesome stuff. This is a USB microphone so you can be up and running in minutes – without needing extra gear.

What type of mic does Tim Ferriss use?

This is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. Even Tim Ferriss uses this mic. It has both USB and XLR plugs so you can start by plugging it straight into your computer. Later on, you can look into getting a mixer or audio interface.

Do I need a place to host my podcast?

You will also need a place to host your recorded MP3 files. I recommend Buzzsprout podcast hosting ( use this link for a free $20 Amazon gift card). It comes with free podcast statistics and great support (it’s what I use).

Is the Procaster a good kit?

The Procaster is a big step up from the beginner multi-person kit and is an excellent value for the price.

Can mixers edit multiple tracks?

Important: The above mixers don’t have multi-track output to your computer, meaning you won’t be able to edit each person individually. Choose a USB interface if you need this.

Do you need additional gear to record on a computer?

As you add more people, you will need some additional gear to get everything hooked up and recorded on your computer. It’s not complicated – and I’ll tell you exactly what you need to get started.

How much does it cost to set up a podcast?

Spending $250 on software and podcast equipment will help you achieve an advanced setup and polished sound. At this budget, there’s a combination of DIY and new equipment for the optimal setup.

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.

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.

What is a pop filter?

A pop filter is typically a foam or mesh screen fixed in front of the microphone while a windscreen fits over the top of the mic. If your podcast microphone doesn’t come with either built-in, this piece of equipment doesn’t break the bank and results in a much smoother sound.

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 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.

Why do you record in a studio?

That means creating a DIY studio that eliminates the “ sound of the room” and reduces reverberations.

What makes a podcast successful?

While it helps to have a solid set of tools on-hand, ultimately, the guys say a successful podcast is less about the pricey equipment, and more about the experience you provide to your listeners.

How much does a MacBook Pro cost to record podcasts?

A number of podcasters we spoke to use the Apple MacBook Pro ( $1449.99 on Amazon.com ), which gets you up to 10 hours of battery life and features an eighth-generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor for hyper fast and reliable recording. The 13″ model is super thin and lightweight (just over three pounds), making it easy to tote around on location.

What is Adobe Audition?

Adobe Audition, meantime, is a digital audio workstation that Inslee works with. Think of it like photoshop for your podcast, with the ability to speed up or stretch out files to fit a time limit, correct pitch problems, and align tracks recorded in multiple environments to sound like they were recorded at the same place, at the same time. A subscription to Adobe Audition also includes 20GB of cloud storage to keep your files organized across multiple computers and to easily share your work with colleagues and clients.

How much does it cost to get soundproof barriers?

Brennan’s hack: “Get some folding soundproof barriers ( $69.99 on Amazon.com) and lean them upright in the corner of your bedroom. They’ll do the trick, provided you don’t live off of a highway or in the middle of Times Square.”

How are podcasts democratizing?

Like blogs and social media, podcasts are democratizing the way people share their thoughts with the world, with the episodic audio series continuing to gain traction with listeners seeking both entertainment value and educational dialogue. The latest Nielsen stats show that half of all U.S. households consider themselves to be fans of at least one podcast, with 22% of these people identifying as “avid fans.”

Which Sennheiser is best for ears?

Inslee recommends the Sennheiser HD280PRO, which have a tighter seal around the ears for more accurate, detailed listening without that distracting hum. Reviewers say the lightweight, ergonomic design wraps around your head and sits on your ears comfortably, even with prolonged wear.

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 are the best podcasting headphones?

Headphones are essential to better understand noise, set up gain levels correctly, and improve your overall skills as a podcast host. Good closed-back headphones will also block sound leakage during recording, remote interviews or playing audio clips during the recording. They are also essential during editing to capture all the imperfections and eliminate them from the final recording.

What are the best cables to boost podcast audio quality?

Some of the mics (usually low to mid-budget) may come with a cable. But regardless if you already have a cable or not getting higher quality cable, premium cables improve the quality of the captured audio.

What is the best podcast hosting provider?

There are over 100 companies offering podcast hosting services worldwide, so the decision and process regarding how to choose podcast hosting are not simple.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

In general Shure SM7B is the best dynamic microphone for podcasting. It delivers high-quality distinct sound that is recognized worldwide. It is used by professional studios and multiple amateur creators for its iconic sound, high-quality build, isolation, internal suspension, and ease of use.

What is the best pop filter for podcasting?

A good filter is one of the simplest add ons to your recording kit which will greatly improve your audio quality by shielding your microphone from plosive consonants (popping effect is caused by voiceless, consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/, or voiced, like /b/, /d/, and /g/) and from sibilance (often caused by the sounds /s/, /z/, and /f/).

What is the best stand for a podcasting mic?

For professional recording, you need to have 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 those 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.

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