
Must-Have Podcast Tools
- External Microphone
- Microphone Stand & Boom Arm
- Shock Mount
- Pop Filters
- Audio Interface
- Headphones
- Headphone Amplifier
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 equipment do I need for a live podcast?
The Recorder
- Digital Recorders. 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 ...
- Computers. There's a plethora of options available to you when it comes to recording directly into a computer. ...
- Smartphones. ...
What equipment do I need to record a podcast?
What Equipment Do I Need to Record a Podcast?
- A computer – To store and edit the recorded audio.
- An XLR or USB microphone – To pick up your words, of course!
- A mixer – To balance and combine audio signals.
- Pop filter or windscreen – To blunt your plosives (Rs, Ts, Ks, etc.)
- Headphones – To hear yourself properly.
- Mic stand/boom arm – To keep your mic at a consistent distance from your mouth.
What is the Best Small Business Podcast?
Software-Focused Podcasts
- Indiehackers. This podcast is a lot like Mixergy. ...
- SaaStr Podcast. If you run a Saas, the SaaStr podcast should be at the top of your list. ...
- Shopify Masters. There aren’t too many business podcasts that focus on e-commerce, but this is a great one. ...
- The Ecom Crew Podcast. This podcast is essentially a documentary. ...

What is the best podcast equipment to buy?
Summary: Best Podcast Equipment & Setup for Beginners & Pros Alike. The Samson Q2U is our most recommended mic and suits 90% of new podcasters perfectly. It functions as both a USB and XLR mic, so, if you decide to upgrade to a recorder or interface further down the line, it'll work with them too.
What equipment do I need to make podcasts?
A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for BeginnersA computer.An XLR or USB microphone.Mixer.Pop filter or windscreen.Headphones.Microphone stand.Acoustic treatments.Recording and editing software.More items...•
What is the best setup for a podcast?
High-End USB Mic. Apogee HypeMic. 4.0. ... Budget-Friendly USB Mic. Blue Snowball Ice. 4.0. ... Hybrid USB and XLR Mic. Shure MV7. 4.0. ... Secondary XLR Mic. Rode PodMic. 4.0. ... Pop Filter. Royer PS-101. ... Desktop Mic Mount. Rode PSA1+ ... High-End Studio Headphones. Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. ... Budget-Friendly Studio Headphones. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro.More items...•
What equipment do I need for a 4 person podcast?
To begin with, for a four-person podcast setup, you'll need four separate microphones and a set of headphones for each speaker. Headphones are essential, especially during drop-ins, because every participant needs to hear the same thing while recording. Make sure you have an audio interface with four XLR inputs.
Do podcasters 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.
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.
Do you need 2 microphones 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.
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.
Do I need a mixer for podcasting?
– but are they really useful? Well, that's a good question, because – unlike a microphone – you definitely don't need a mixer to podcast. BUT – before you go running off, there are still a few reasons why you might want to add a podcast mixer (or general audio mixer) to your podcasting setup.
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.
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.
How do I record podcasts with multiple microphones?
Use a digital recorder. You can purchase an audio mixer or a digital recorder that lets you plug multiple XLR mics and record individual audio tracks. This setup is excellent for recording both in podcast studios or at home, but it is incredibly versatile in its applications.
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.
How do I start a podcast without equipment?
How to Start a Podcast for Free (No New Equipment)Find your niche.Plan your content.Name your free podcast.Create a content calendar.Choose a podcast hosting provider.Record your first episode.Publish and submit your episodes to directories.Promote your show.
Do you need a mixer for a podcast?
You don't NEED a mixer to podcast, but getting one can improve your sound quality, increase your flexibility, and save you time! You don't need a mixer to podcast, but there are reason to want one!
What cameras do podcasters use?
10 Best Cameras For PodcastingCanon EOS 5D Mark III. According to Canon, this camera boasts “advanced, professional-level high definition video capabilities”… ... Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder. ... Sony FDRAX53/B Camcorder. ... Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder. ... Nikon D3500. ... Sony Alpha a6000L. ... Panasonic X1500. ... Canon XC15.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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 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.
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 ...
What is a rode mic?
Rode is a top name in audio, and this mid-level mic is built especially to record clear, warm voice tones. The mic itself is in a sturdy metal shell that can handle heavy use, and internal pop filters and shock mounting reduce the need for extra accessories.
Is Audacity good for podcasts?
The pro of Audacity is how basic it is , but at the same time it can be a negative for podcasters that want to do a bit more with their audio. The editing tools that Audacity does provide can be a bit hard to navigate and getting the hang of it can be a challenge. Pro Tools First.
What to wear while recording podcast?
Wearing a pair of good headphones while you’re recording your podcast and listening to it afterward is a must. Functionally, a good pair of headphones allow you to hear the audio you’re recording in its truest form and catch any abnormalities or inconsistencies with the sound before it becomes a larger issue.
What is a boom arm for a podcast?
Another handy piece of podcast equipment to add to your setup is a boom arm for your microphone. These typically provide more mobility than a desktop mic stand, as they easily pivot around an anchor or mount attachment point on your desk. Like a boom mic stand, they are ideal for getting the microphone into the perfect position and make the mic easier to share between two guests using the same mic.
What is an acoustic panel?
Acoustic panels, like the easy-to-install Audimute Fabric Acou stic Panel, absorb sound and are excellent at reducing ambient noise from outside of the studio or recording space, as well as reducing the echo and sound reverberation, so you have a more crisp and clear recording.
What is a desktop mic stand?
For all of you hand-talkers out there (or if you just prefer to be hands-free!), a desktop mic stand is a must-have for your podcast setup. Desktop mic stands allow you and your guests to sit comfortably at a desk or table and keep the mic a consistent and controlled distance from your face, for a more uniform sound.
