The best podcasting gear for beginners
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We’ve updated this guide with extra guidance and a few new accessory and software recommendations as of February 15, 2021.
podcasting gear for beginners
It’s simple to start a podcast. It’s a whole other thing to make one that actually sounds decent. We can’t help with the major issues that would-be podcasters face, such as coming up with a decent topic and getting people to listen, but we can guide you in the right direction for getting started. You, too, can sound like a podcast pro with a few savvy purchases.
Get a good microphone.
A decent microphone is required. There’s no disputing this. It doesn’t matter if you’re launching your own podcast or if you’re going to be a guest on someone else’s. A good microphone will help you achieve the depth and richness that you hear on the radio and on renowned shows like Radiolab. While you could record with your phone or the webcam mic on your PC in an emergency, no one wants to hear that every week.
podcasting gear for beginners
The first thing you should do is get a good USB condenser microphone. They’ll connect to any computer (or, with a dongle, phones and tablets), and they’ll provide a significant improvement in sound quality. In my 12 years of podcasting, I’ve used a lot of mics, and few have pleased me as much as the Blue Yeti ($118). It sounds great for the price, and it has a lot of potential. You can change between recording alone, interviewing someone across the room, stereo capture, and omnidirectional pickup modes. For podcasting, you’ll only need the first two modes, but it’s nice to have the option in case something unexpected happens.
podcasting gear for beginners
Pro tip: RTFM
You should study the instructions carefully and make sure you understand what each dial and button performs. Above all, make sure you’re talking to the appropriate person! The Blue Yeti, like other microphones, should be pointed at the side with the brand label. Some models, particularly dynamic microphones, require top-down attention. Yes, I realise this all sounds simple, but I’ve seen scores of folks start out by aiming for the wrong portion of their microphones.
podcasting gear for beginners
It’s also worth investing in a few extras to improve the sound quality of your recordings. To avoid plosives, use a pop filter or a foam cover (that annoying titutal pop when you make “p” sounds). If you’re going to be recording on a frequent basis, a tabletop arm to hold your mic in the best position is a good investment (and also avoid the extra noise you get from desktop stands).
Of course, you could start looking into more expensive microphone options, but I’d recommend waiting until you’re more committed to podcasting. The world of XLR microphones, the same interface used for professional recording gear, is the next big step up from USB condensers. To connect those mics to your computer, you’ll need a USB audio interface like the Tascam US-2×2 or FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 ($160). You may next start searching into products like the Rode Procaster ($229). It has a fuller sound than the Yeti, and because it’s a dynamic microphone, it cuts out extraneous noise better than a condenser.
Here’s some advice: Buying all of this equipment used or refurbished can save you a lot of money. By shopping through eBay, I was able to save $100 on the superb Shure PG42 USB microphone.
podcasting gear for beginners
Choose your audio-editing weapons
You’ll need some software to put your presentation together now that you’ve got the hardware. You can’t escape it: you’ll need to grasp the fundamentals of audio editing. Fortunately, there’s audacity, a free, open-source audio editor that runs on any computer. It’s ugly and a little antiquated, but if you have a grasp on it, it’s rather strong. I’ve used Audacity to edit all of my shows, and it’s served me well despite a few frustrating crashes and idiosyncrasies.
podcasting gear for beginners
If you want something more powerful or are tired of Audacity, the free edition of AVID’s Pro Tools is worth a look, as is Reaper by Justin Frankel, the developer of Winamp. Both are full-featured digital audio workstations (DAWs), and Reaper has the advantage of working with a large number of tools and plug-ins. Adobe Audition is at the top end of the range, but at $21 per month or $240 per year, it’s not worth considering unless podcasting has become your life.
Get good headphones
Headphones are the finest way to monitor your recordings as they’re being made, as well as to ensure that they sound amazing once they’re finished. You’ll want to upgrade from the earbuds that come with your phone. Start with a pair of over-the-ear headphones like Sony’s MDR-7506 ($89), which have been studio favourites for decades. They have a neutral tone and a comfortable fit, which is ideal for long editing sessions. If you already have a good pair of headphones, you can use them. (If you’re monitoring recordings, make sure to turn off any noise-cancelling features.)
podcasting gear for beginners
We’re not going to go down the rabbit hole of advocating huge studio speakers. They’re not worth it for podcast editing, and the vast majority of listeners will be listening to your show through headphones anyhow. Of all, if something sounds amazing on headphones, it’ll probably sound fantastic on speakers as well.
podcasting gear for beginners
Prep your recording altar
You can’t just plug in your brand-new condenser microphone and start recording! You’ll want to find a room or perhaps a small closet that’s as silent as possible. If neither of those choices are available, cut away some space in a corner or along a larger room’s wall. You’ll need to treat your space with some foam wedges or other sound-absorbing materials wherever you set up. You can always take the easy way out: Drape a curtain or blanket over your desk to create a sound-deadening environment.
podcasting gear for beginners
Learn how to record with friends
So now you’re ready to record your own podcast. But how can you invite a guest or a co-host? This is when things become a little tricky. You may use Total Recorder on Windows or Soundflower on Mac to communicate with a friend on Skype and capture their audio. You’ll want to make sure the other individual is using a high-quality mic and strive for the finest audio quality possible. In a pinch, have a guest record a voice memo on their phone (within NPR’s phone-recording restrictions, of course).
To make group recordings easier, use web-based services like Zencastr and Cast, which capture high-quality local audio automatically. Because you’re not dealing with compressed audio from your guests, they’ll get you greater quality than a Skype recording. These services also allow you to edit and process recordings fast and easily online. While they may appear to be podcasting nirvana, there are several concerns to be aware of. Interruptions in the network can quickly render a session ineffective, and they’re taxing for devices with little RAM. Make sure you have backup recordings if you go this method. podcasting gear for beginners
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Your co-host can record their half of the chat on their end and send it to you later for the most control. This certainly adds more layers of difficulty, such as ensuring that your audio remains synchronised throughout the recording. It’s also more difficult to edit because you’re juggling numerous files on a timeline rather than just one. However, the improved quality is well worth it. There are online lessons like this Udemy course and YouTube instructional videos if you want to improve your audio-editing skills. podcasting gear for beginners
It’s a little more difficult to record with someone physically close to you. Some mics, such as the Blue Yeti, feature shared recording modes. If you want to connect numerous XLR mics to your computer, you’ll need a USB audio interface. You’ll have to be especially careful to avoid crossover recordings on those mics if you go that method. Get a digital audio recorder like the Zoom H1n ($120) and a few mics like Rode’s Lavalier Road ($79) if you want to capture interviews on the go. I wouldn’t use this as your primary recording method because it won’t sound as good as a home setup (unless you invest in a powerful recorder with support for pro-grade XLR mics).podcasting gear for beginners
