In short, you have a fantastic idea for a podcast, and you know your topic, your content, and you’re pumped to share your voice with the world. But, in your quest to become an audio producer extraordinaire, if there’s one important thing to get right, it’s your equipment.
Today, however, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of podcasting equipment and discover exactly what you need to move your podcast from a hobby to a profession. Whether you’re a veteran podcaster looking for a long overdue equipment upgrade, or a first-time podcaster dipping your rebranded company toeholds into the podcasting waters, this guide will serve you well.
Also, you’re thinking this Is really six thousand pounds for a microphone?! Can’t I just start without any fancy equipment? Well, yes, you can. (And I would start with one of those, to see if you like it.) Because while I’m not advocating that you max on your credit cards on the latest and greatest, I also don’t want you jumping right in blind. Having even very basic gear can make a huge difference in the sound and feel of your podcast.
With this in mind, if you have that feeling inside of you that says ‘I want to start a podcast’, then this article is for you. It’s also for you if you’ve started a podcast but the audio doesn’t sound professional, or the voiceover sounds ‘squeaky’ in places, or your listener complained of hearing echo or pops when someone sneezed. A podcast can be anything, but by definition, a podcast is a digital audio file. And if you want to make a good one – a great one – then you need a few things. This is a detailed look at those things that every podcaster needs.
- Microphone:
Step one: start with the microphone. A good dynamic or condenser mic is the foundation of any podcasting setup. It should sound clear and clean with little to no background noise.
- Headphones:
Last, you’ll need a good pair of headphones. Headphones are useful when recording because they allow you to listen back to your audio at the same time you record, enabling you to hear if you catch a pop or a click before the recording is ruined.
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- Audio Interface:
If your microphone needs phantom power, or if you’ll be using more than one microphone in your setup, you’ll need an audio interface. These devices convert the microphone audio into a format your computer can understand.
- Pop Filter:
Noise-canceling plugs can help you block out low-pitched noises like traffic and appliances. But to stop those plosive sounds – you know, the ones that make your listeners’ ears cringe – use a pop filter. It’s a simple little bonus that clips to your microphone.
- Mic Stand or Boom Arm:
Another essential piece of equipment will be the mic stand or boom arm, which not only makes it easier to keep your microphone steady and at the same distance from your mouth for every session, but also a lot more comfortable.
- Recording Software:
After that hardware is in hand, you’ll want recording software to capture the audio you’ll generate. There are numerous options to choose from, including free programs such as Audacity, to more intuitive and complex options such as Adobe Audition and Logic Pro.
- Editing Software:
Once your podcast is recorded, editing might be required to clean up your audio, and perhaps layering in music, sound effects or other elements. Get a quality editing software package that performs these tasks with minimal effort.
Conclusion:
And that’s about it. There you have it – the podcasting gear every podcaster needs to sound like a pro. Yes, having great gear is important, but it’s your content and how you deliver it, that will keep your listeners coming back again and again. Buy the best equipment you can afford, get more skills, and get podcasting.
