When you’re new to podcasting, choosing equipment can be challenging. Even though there is a lot of podcasting equipment available, you do not need everything.

You can always add to your podcasting equipment list.

Other items will become more critical as you become more committed to setting up your podcast studio.

This guide will discuss the audio recording equipment you will need.

The Basics

It only takes two things to create a primary podcast. First, you will need a computer and a microphone.

However, they do not offer crystal-clear audio. Therefore, for an excellent podcast, you will need other equipment.

Computer

It is necessary to have a computer for podcasting. You will be using a digital audio workstation (DAW). If recorded and edited using software, the final episode will sound better and more professional.

Think about the memory space, processor, and type of USB ports of a computer you plan to buy for your podcast setup. Computers with 8GB of RAM, SSD storage, and quad-core processors are ideal for beginner podcasters.

Microphones

Mics typically conjure up images of musicians’ mics. Though you can use one of these to a podcast, you need to recognize that mics come in various shapes, sizes, and features.

Simply put, a microphone is a device that captures and records your voice and sends it to the computer. Recording begins with the microphone.

How do you choose a microphone? There are two types of mics used in podcasting, an XLR and a USB.

XLR

Running XLR mics requires extra equipment. To use them, you need to connect them to either a mixer, interface, or digital recorder.

The XLR mic is an excellent choice for people looking for:

• Great audio quality
• A lot more flexibility in production
• To avoid having to use a computer constantly

USB

The USB microphone connects directly to the computer and is prevalent and accessible to podcast equipment. However, it’s best to use USB mics if you’re a beginner and like to do solo shows and interviews online.

Pop Filters

We make plosive sounds when we pronounce words with complex P or T sounds, such as “pen.” With pop filters or windscreens, we reduce these sounds.

Pop filters are typically foam or mesh screens attached to a microphone. At the same time, windscreens are fitted above the microphone.

Most podcast microphones come without either of these filters. While these aren’t outrageously expensive, they’ll make your sound a lot smoother. And a high-quality sound makes it easier to transcribe podcast.

Mic Stand

You will notice a significant improvement in the quality of your voice when you position your microphone correctly.

An adjustable mic stand or boom arm will allow you to move the mic to a comfortable position.

When not in use, you can store your mic safely out of the way, freeing up desk space.

Shock Mounts

Microphones are susceptible to external sounds that don’t travel through the air.

Using a shock mount, you can eliminate or cut unwanted sounds. It can be tapping the desk, typing clicks, and even moving your mic stand.

There are also a variety of shock mounts available, and some mic makers even include one with the microphone.

Headphones

Almost anything will work as headphones at first. Considering how crucial they are to any podcast setup, you don’t have to purchase them right away. If you don’t have any headphones, you can use whatever you use to listen to music. However, everyone recording must wear their pair.

If you buy headphones, you might want to consider over-the-ear models. Audio is heard better over over-the-ear headphones due to their better sound quality.

Acoustic Treatments

Using a space designed specifically for recording crisp audio can save a lot of time during post-production. Making a DIY studio eliminates the sound of the room and minimizes reverb.

You probably already have some types of acoustic treatments in your home. For example, rugs, heavy comforters, and full bookcases are all effective means of reducing noise.

A DIY option is an excellent place to start for beginners. Grab some long clothes and hang them around the room. That should help dampen noise.

Alternatively, go into a quiet room, wrap yourself in a heavy blanket, then start recording.

Audio Interface and Mixer

Audio interfaces serve as a link between your microphone and your computer. This device converts the mic’s analog signal into a digital signal that a computer can use.

You will have greater control over the mixer’s levels, inputs, and outputs, similar to the audio interface. In addition, if you are planning to have many remote guests, you should have a mix-minus line set up.

Editing Software

After recording a podcast, you need some editing to clean the audio. An editing software helps you with that.

With editing software, you can:

• Add intro or outro tracks
• Cut dead air or long pauses
• Insert an advertisement
• Bleep words
• Shorten or lengthen episodes

When we get to this point, it comes down to a simple computer — the software and tools for podcast you use on that computer matter most.

A wide range of software options is available if you need to edit anything. For example, audacity and Adobe Audition are both excellent digital audio workstations (DAWs) for post-production.

They are all beginner-friendly, offer recording and editing capabilities, and are relatively inexpensive.

You should choose one based on how many features you need, along with your operating system.

Podcast Hosting

Publishing is the last step. You will need a media host to publish your podcast. Your podcasts live here, and it’s the hub from which places like Apple Podcasts and Spotify pull all of your content.

You can choose from a wide variety of podcast hosting services. Both free and paid options are available. It will depend on your budget and needs. If you want to learn how to promote your podcast regardless of the platform, you can join other businesses with podcasts in Startup Credo.

What Should I Buy?

Purchasing podcast equipment for the perfect setup is the first big hurdle aspiring podcasters face. Some people may opt to spend more on a microphone, while others want a premium DAW in post-production.

It’s hard to make any one-size-fits-all recommendations because so many variables exist.

There is no correct answer to this question. Instead, you should customize your podcast equipment based on your preferences and what you hope to gain by podcasting.