Podcast FAQ

things needed to make a podcast

by Mr. Tyrell Botsford Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

  • A laptop or desktop computer. Practically any model will have the capabilities you need to create a podcast, although some higher-end computers may come with better audio production capabilities.
  • A microphone. A mic that attaches to your computer’s USB port will work, or you may want to consider an analog mic that uses an audio interface to connect to ...
  • Headphones. Here again, a basic model will do, or you may want to invest in higher-end equipment.
  • A pop filter and mic stand. These aren’t essential, but the pop filter (basically a screen placed between your mouth and the mic) will definitely improve your podcast’s audio quality.
  • A sound mixing board. This is another non-essential option, but it will enable you to produce much higher audio quality.

Essential Podcast Recording Equipment
  • Computer.
  • Pop Filter.
  • Mic Stands.
  • Shock Mount.
  • Headphone Amplifier.
  • Audio Interface.
  • Mixer.
  • Cables.
Jun 8, 2022

Full Answer

What equipment do you need to start a podcast?

The Microphone: Podcast Equipment

  • USB Mics. A common and simple piece of podcast equipment is the USB microphone, which plugs straight into your computer.
  • XLR Mics. XLR mics need additional equipment to run them. ...
  • Recording Devices that Include Mics. You probably already carry a mic around with you in the form of your smartphone, and you can use that to podcast with too.

What do you need to start a podcast?

You’ll also likely need to do a little soundproofing to ensure your microphone ... with discounts available for students and teachers. Before you start recording your podcast, it’s important to think about how you’ll engage and grow your audience.

What do you need to know about starting a podcast?

Step #7: Prepare and make a recording

  • Preparing a plan. The first thing that you need to do is to figure out a plan for your content. ...
  • Creating an episode script. Podcasters often do not agree on the process of writing a script for a podcast. ...
  • Recording equipment. To record a high-quality podcast, you require the best podcast recording equipment. ...
  • Recording and editing software. ...
  • Getting music. ...

What do you need to produce a professional podcast?

Podcast Equipment: What Do I Need, & Why Do I Need It?

  • Types of Podcast Equipment (And Why You Might Need Them) Let's run through the various pieces of equipment commonly used to record a podcast, then. ...
  • The Microphone. ...
  • The Recorder. ...
  • Interfaces & Mixers. ...
  • Headphones. ...
  • Production & Publishing. ...
  • Summary: Podcast Equipment. ...

image

What stuff do you need to make a podcast?

You don't need a fancy studio to create a professional podcast. The most important piece of equipment you really need is a microphone....5. Set up your podcast equipmentA microphone stand.A pop filter.An audio mixer and/or audio interface.A camera (if you're recording video)Lighting.

What do you need for a beginner podcast?

Feel free to get out a notebook or a whiteboard so you can start planning your podcast like a pro.Choose A Topic. ... Pick A Co-host (optional) ... Choose A Name. ... Show Format. ... Create Cover Art. ... Get A Professional Intro (Optional) ... Choose Intro Music. ... Get A Microphone.More items...•

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.

Do podcasts cost money?

For podcast listeners, podcasts are a way to enjoy great content from around the world for free. For podcast publishers, podcasts are a great way to reach a wide audience. Apple does not directly provide podcast updates or episodes.

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.

How do you start a podcast with no audience?

20 step guide for starting a podcast with no existing audiencePick an idea (ideation)Create a listener persona (marketing)Pick an angle for your show (ideation)Define your brand idea (marketing)Choose your recording gear.Draft or script coherent c.a. 5 episodes.Record your episodes and cut your material.More items...

How do I record my first podcast?

Let's take the simplest option first: recording a podcast on your own. If you're flying solo, then the easiest choice is to record right into an editing package, like Audacity, or Audition. Audacity is the first choice for many, for one very good reason: it's free!

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.

What equipment do I need to make a podcast?

The 2 basic things needed for podcasting are a computer/laptop and a microphone. Obviously!

What do I need to start a podcast?

So, here are the 9 things needed for a podcast: To make your life easier, I’m listing both equipment and Softwares you need to start with. 1. Microphone. This is obvious but let me explain it in detail. A podcast is an audio-focused space. So the microphone is something you don’t want to compromise with.

What is the best mic for a beginner?

To begin with, you can go with USB Mics which will be really easy to connect with your Computer or a laptop. Here are the 2 best beginner mics out there: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. Blue Yeti. If you have more budget, you can go with XLR Microphones.

Computer

Common sense right? You need a computer to record and upload your .mp3 files. Most people will do just fine with what they have, but if you looking to upgrade I would invest in something that will last you a few years.

Microphones

Don’t use your computer’s built-in microphone. The easiest way to get started is to use a USB microphone. If you have multiple people or you want more flexibility, you will need one or more microphones with an XLR output.

Audio Interface

This is basically the bridge between your microphone and your computer. It converts the analog signal from the mic into a digital signal that the computer can use.

Mixer

Similar the audio interface above, but a mixer gives you more control over levels, inputs, outputs, and more. Also crucial if you plan to regularly have call-in guests so you get set up a mix-minus line for your remote guests.

Headphones

Headphones prevent many mistakes and retakes. It can be weird to hear yourself speaking live at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s highly recommended you get used to this. You don’t want to record something for an hour only to realize something wasn’t turned on or there was a loud buzz the whole time.

Headphone Amplifier

When you have several hosts, you’ll need a headphone amp so that each of you can have your pair of headphones. Think of it as a headphone splitter and amplifier in one.

Mic Stands

Positioning your microphone properly will greatly improve your posture and sound quality. A decent boom arm or mic stand will allow you to easily move the microphone to a comfortable position – and equally important in my mind, you’ll be able to free up desk space and store the mic within reach, but out the way when you’re not using it.

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 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 a podcast page?

Podcastpage is a website builder and hosting all-in-one made specifically for podcasts. Kind of like Wix but designed for the needs podcasters. No coding is necessary. You just choose one of their themes, customize to your liking, and optionally integrate email marketing or Google Analytics.

Is it easier to start a podcast with a co-host?

It can be much easier to start podcasting if you have a co-host. You will naturally have a more engaging conversation if you both share your points of view on a topic . It can also be helpful to have someone to keep things on track. Plus, you can split additional tasks of editing, promoting, and more.

How to make a good podcast?

This is one of the keys to a great podcast—you want each listener to feel like you’re speaking directly to them. Script, sketch, and perform your podcast with an image of your ideal listener in your mind. Imagining your target listener will help you shape the terminology you use and the overall tone of your podcast.

What to do if you're interested in making a podcast?

If you’re interested in making a podcast, you probably already like listening to them. Look for common factors in the podcasts you like listening to, and use them to help you brainstorm the format and focus for your own podcast.

What is a monologue in podcasts?

Monologue, in which a single host speaks on a given topic. Multiple host, in which two or more hosts banter back and forth. Narrative, which is similar to a monologue but focuses on a particular story. Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.

What is the best way to improve audio quality on a podcast?

A pop filter and mic stand. These aren’t essential, but the pop filter (basically a screen placed between your mouth and the mic) will definitely improve your podcast’s audio quality. A sound mixing board. This is another non-essential option, but it will enable you to produce much higher audio quality.

Where to record podcast?

Record your podcast in a room with at least basic soundproofing. Using a recording studio probably isn’t in the budget for your podcast. In reality, recording in your bedroom or basement will work out fine if you take some simple soundproofing measures like hanging curtains and laying down thick carpet.

Can you make a podcast with two people?

Community Answer. Yes, absolutely! You can help each other with ideas and work together to make a broader, more interesting podcast. Having a single person in just fine but two is great because you can share the work, which includes editing, making sure the sound is good and having great content.

Is there a rule for making a podcast?

There are no rules when it comes to making a podcast, which is, of course, one of the format’s most appealing qualities. That said, podcasts do tend to follow one of several common formats, including: Interview, in which the host or hosts chat with one or more guests.

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.

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 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.

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.

image

Planning

Image
This is the initial (often overlooked) stage to make a podcast. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time here before you move on. Feel free to get out a notebook or a whiteboard so you can start planning your podcast like a pro.
See more on podcastinsights.com

Preparation

  • Now that you’ve written down your topic, format(s), and secured a domain name, we’ll need to get a few things prepared ahead of launch…
See more on podcastinsights.com

Recording & Editing

  • Alitu
    If you haven’t used editing software before, even simple actions in GarageBand or Audacity can be quite intimidating. It’s understandable: audio production is completely full of jargon! If that’s the case, then Alitu might be the way to go. It’s a ‘podcast making’ tool that automates a lot of the c…
  • GarageBand
    I’m going to show you how to use GarageBand for recording and editing. Other audio editing software is similar but most have more advanced features that you don’t need when getting started. Popular options are Adobe Audition & Audacity(both work with Mac & PC). You can als…
See more on podcastinsights.com

Launch!

  • Get A Podcast Host
    I use and highly recommend Buzzsprout podcast hostingafter trying many different companies over the years. Plus you’ll get a free $20 Amazon gift card after you sign up for a paid plan! Feel free to check out our complete podcast hosting guide if you want to see other options, but anoth…
  • Upload Your First Episode
    If you use Buzzsprout, this process is super simple. If not, it’s possible you need to mess with things like embedding ID3 tags into your MP3. Sounds confusing and unnecessary – let’s not do that. You’ll just need to click the “Upload” button: and they’ll apply some magic processing to you…
See more on podcastinsights.com

Recommended Steps

  • Your job isn’t done once you start a podcast. Here are my recommendations to help make your show more appealing and easier to grow:
See more on podcastinsights.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9