podcast equipment for beginners

What basic equipment is needed for a podcast?

• Digital Recorder. Many phones have recording software already installed that will be just fine for starting out. A...
• External Microphone. For professional broadcasting, the internal microphone on your phone is often not robust enough,...
• SD Card. If you are starting the podcasting journey with your phone, an SD card is...

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. ...
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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.

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.

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.

What kind of gear do i need to start a podcast?

Having been in podcasting for nearly 4 years now, that question seems to arise on a monthly, if not weekly basis! Many want to know what kind of microphone, what kind of mixer, which program to use, the list goes on. This resource is for you, and entire site dedicated to the beginner podcaster.

USB MICROPHONE

I need an easy "plug and play" solution for a mic, requiring as little gear and technical setup as possible.

XLR MICROPHONE

I need a microphone to record vocals, plus a little wiggle room to grow as I learn more about podcasting gear and recording.

USB MICROPHONES

USB microphones are simple "plug and play" options for beginning podcasters. You plug USB mics into your computer through the USB port and use a Digital Audio Workstation or DAW to record your audio. Simply put, a DAW is program on your computer where you record audio. Free programs include Audacity for PC and GarageBand for MAC.

XLR MICROPHONES

XLR microphones require either a DIGITAL RECORDER or a USB INTERFACE, and an XLR cable between the microphone and the recorder or interface. These XLR microphones are called dynamic mics and have cardioid patterns, picking up the majority of the sound at the font of the mic and rejecting sound from behind the mic.

AUDIO INTERFACE

I'll be using an XLR mic and need a way to record audio onto my computer or laptop.

DIGITAL RECORDER

I'll be using an XLR mic and I need a portable recording solution that records to an SD card.

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.

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:

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 good filter?

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 cause by the sounds /s/, /z/, and /f/).

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.

Do mics come with cables?

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.