Podcast FAQ

equipment needed for podcast

by Jacklyn Cremin Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • A computer : A desktop or laptop for recording and/or editing the podcast
  • Microphone : A good quality microphone is a must for podcasting . You may need more than one based on your needs.
  • Audio interface or Mixer : Both are used for recording your podcast audio. The use case for both is a little different though.
  • Headphones : A good set of monitoring headphones are a good addition to the setup.
  • POP filters and / or windscreens : These will help to improve the audio quality.
  • Microphone stands and Shock mounts : Depending on your choice of microphone and your setup , you will need these two to avoid external disturbances in your audio recordings
  • High quality cables : High quality USB / XLR cables are essential to maintain the audio quality level.
  • Acoustic treatment material : If you want to make a studio at home or a professional quality podcasting studio then you may need to invest in this.

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. ...
  • 5. ...
  • 6. ...
  • 7. ...
  • 8. ...
  • 9. ...
  • 10. ...

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.

What equipment do I need to record a podcast?

Non-Live Video Podcast Equipment

  • Camera. The truth is, you can get away with just your smartphone or webcam. ...
  • Memory Card. ...
  • Tripod. ...
  • External Microphone. ...
  • Audio Interface. ...
  • Audio Mixer. ...
  • Computer. ...
  • Video Recording/Editing Software. ...
  • Internet Connection. ...

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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 do I need to start a podcast at home?

The 10 Technology Items You'll Need to Start a PodcastA good microphone. Audio is one area that you won't want to cut corners with. ... Headphones. ... A pop filter. ... A boom. ... A Skype account. ... Recording and editing software. ... ID3 Editor. ... A podcast hosting account.More items...•

How does a beginner start a podcast?

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...

How much does it cost 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.

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 are the obstacles to starting a podcast?

A common obstacle to starting a new podcast is figuring out the proper podcast equipment, especially finding the right balance between cost and quality. Although you can certainly create a podcast with little to no gear that you don’t already own, creating content that stands out and is not held back by audio quality can be a challenge ...

How much of your budget should you put into hosting?

At this price point, plan to put about a quarter of your budget into a year of hosting, a quarter into a microphone and the final two quarters into whatever additional accessories feels the most essential. This could be a second microphone and an entry level mixer, or a nicer pair of

How much does a mic cost?

There are certainly microphones available under $100.00, and many of the lower priced microphones will work but sound tinny or hollow because of how they are built. While almost any mic on the market will be an improvement from the audio your laptop, phone or headphone mic can record, they will still sound tinny or crushed. The Samson Go Mic is a decent mic at a very affordable price, that can work well in quiet locations and with a pop filter. It’s incredibly compact and is easy to plug in and use, but of course the audio won’t match mics three or four times the price.

Why does my podcast sound scratchy?

Because podcasting is such a crowded space where it can be difficult to stand out, the need for high quality audio that does not distract or turn off potential fans is essential .

How much are Audio Technica headphones?

Audio-Technica makes a variety of great close back headphones, including this pair priced at under $100 and the ATH-M50X at about $150.00. The big difference other than some minor changes in the audio quality are that the M50X has a detachable cable, while the M30X does not. Both are great pairs of headphones to consider from an established, trusted brand.

Is Mackie mixer worth it?

This mixer by Mackie is an incredibly popular mixer in the middle of the pack price wise. A smaller, four-channel version is also available at a lower price but the full mixer is worth it for the extra channels and preamps and the built in USB inputs and outputs. The fade sliders are easy to work with and can allow for precise transitions and level input for interviews and live performances alike.

Can you use a USB mic on a computer?

The benefit of a USB mic is that you can record directly to a computer with no adapters or additional equipment. These mics tend to be more on the consumer-side though, and lots of cheaper USB microphones from lesser-known brands companies are not worth purchasing.

What is the best podcast recording software?

Podcast recording software will give you much more flexibility and control of your content than Zoom, Google Meet, or other video conferencing software. While programs like Zoom offer limited options for sound output and level adjustment, podcast recording software is designed for the best audio possible. For the most professional results, consider tools like Audacity, Squadcast, ProTools, or Adobe Audition.

What is a mixer for podcasts?

Similar to an audio interface , a mixer helps improve your audio by giving you more control over sound levels, inputs, outputs, and more. Most digital audio workstations (DAWs) will allow you to mix and master multiple audio channels on your computer, but aside from some podcasters’ preference to do it manually, sometimes there’s no choice, especially when you’re going to have remote (call-in) guests.

What is the last step in the podcasting process?

The last major step of the podcasting work cycle is getting your podcast on iTunes or other hosting services ( after you’ve recorded and edited it). This is where you will hopefully start getting heard and gaining popularity, especially if you’re planning to make money from your podcasts.

Why do podcasters use headphones?

It may be weird hearing your own voice at first, but it’s the best way to monitor your audio quality and check for any overlapping no ise and uneven mic sound levels so you don’t have to do retakes.

What is the best filter for vocals?

Pop Filter. Photo by Blue. Another crucial piece of equipment that will help you capture great-sounding vocals is a pop filter or windscreen. Its main purpose is to minimize or prevent “plosives,” such as your P’s and T’s, by absorbing those powerful blasts of air before the sound reaches your microphone.

Do recording studios need acoustic treatment?

As with any type of recording studio, you’ll need to give your room some acoustic treatment. The extent will depend on how much echo or reverb is present, aside from the amount of external noise coming from outside the room, if any.

Equipment

Today, you just don’t need to spend more than about $100 — in terms of equipment — to start your podcast. As a matter of fact, quite a few episodes of my podcasts (Build Your Tribe and The Chalene Show) are just recorded from my iPhone.

Learn first

Check out/invest in a podcasting program. Like, Pat Flynn’s Power Up Podcasting (amazing resource!).

Interviews

If there’s more than one person on the show, it does help if you each have an external mic ($50 or less). Recording from the microphone built into your laptop sounds far away — as if you’re in a big empty room. So, if you can, when you’re interviewing guests, double-check and make sure they have an external mic.

What mic do I need for a podcast?

You’ll want to avoid the mic that comes built into your computer and, instead, opt for something like the Audio Technica ATR-2100-USB or Blue Microphones Yeti USB. Or, you could spend a bit more and choose a dedicated XLR microphone -- like the Samson SAC01, and a mixer, for superior quality and better control over the sound. If you choose this option, don’t forget to grab an XLR cable to connect the mic to the mixer.

How to expand your podcast reach?

One of the best ways to extend your podcast’s reach is by listing it on iTunes. If you do this, you’ll want to have a sweet-looking image next to your show’s name -- your cover art. This is the photo that people will see when browsing through shows or listening to yours -- so it does matter.

What cable do you need to connect a mic to a mixer?

If you choose this option, don’t forget to grab an XLR cable to connect the mic to the mixer. 2. Headphones. Your headphones don’t have to be top of the line, but you will want something that’s up to the job.

Do you need a boom for podcasting?

Though they're not strictly necessary when you’re first starting out, a suspension boom to hold the mic for you is necessary if you want to become a podcasting pro. Aside from saving you from arm cramps, a boom is also great for sound quality, as you won’t have to worry about the mic drifting away from you as you speak into it.

Can you speak directly into a microphone?

When talking directly into the microphone, your b’s and p’s will sound amplified. You can avoid this by speaking to the side of your mic, rather than directly into it, or get yourself a pop filter. They’re cheap -- but priceless.

Can you tag a podcast?

Most podcast and recording software will allow you to tag your podcasts using ID3 tags, but if not, you can easily do it with an ID3 editor. This will allow you to store important information such as the title, track number and artist in the podcast -- and will allow the album art to appear when people download it.

What is the best microphone for podcasts?

USB microphones are considered a great piece of podcast equipment for beginners because they’re the easiest way to record high-quality audio recordings on your computer and aren’t very expensive. USB mics are also highly portable – just plug it straight into the USB jack on your computer and it’s all set. Often USB mics also have a headphone output, so that you can hear the audio as you record. A highly recommended and affordable USB microphone is the Blue Yeti. However, if you are open to spending a bit more, you can also take into consideration the Rode NT-USB Microphone, another high-quality USB option.

What is a mic stand?

A mic stand keeps your microphone stable and the shock mount will minimize background noise that you may not even notice. For example, typing on the computer is a minor sound, but the microphone will still pick it up. Using a shock mount helps to keep the impact of noises like that to a minimum. The VIM VIP 3-in-1 cell phone and microphone stand is a nice option because if you have content you want to refer to on your cellphone while you’re recording, you can position it above your microphone. Another affordable microphone desk stand is the On Stage DS7200B. In terms of purchasing the right shock mount, usually the company that you buy your microphone from will offer one that is compatible.

What is Zoom H4N PRO?

Inslee favors the Zoom H4n PRO, which is a four-track audio recorder housed in a portable palm-sized package. Reviewers say the device is easy to use, and that the mics do a great job of cutting out noise, even in loud environments. What we like: you get up to 12 hours of continuous recording using only a pair of standard batteries.

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 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 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 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.”

How much does a Heil PR 40 cost?

The main piece of equipment you’ll want to get is a microphone. Brennan recommends the Heil PR 40 ( $399.99 on Amazon.com ). Amazon sells a set that includes the microphone, a durable steel housing, and a broadcast arm that keeps the mic off the table, and can be adjusted for optimal placement near the speaker’s mouth.

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