Starting A Podcast? Here Are The Equipment Essentials You Need.
In a world where your brand’s digital presence is everything, podcasting continues to be a dynamic way to share your expertise, and reach new people. They’re not just for celebrities or media personalities. Everyone can have a podcast, but knowing the right equipment to use is crucial. In this blog post, we’ve pulled together a list of the equipment essentials you need. If you are considering starting a podcast, you’re going to want to read on.
Microphones: Your Audio Workhorse
The microphone is the heart of any podcast setup. Quality audio is crucial, as poor sound can turn people away regardless of your content's quality. While it’s often an afterthought, it’s as important as video. For starting podcasters, a USB microphone might be sufficient, but for enhanced sound quality, consider upgrading to an XLR microphone. Our recommendations include:
At $99 this is a great USB microphone. It ranks high in customer reviews for sound quality, value, and functionality. If you’re just starting a podcast, this microphone will get you great quality sound recorded directly into your computer/recording software via USB. While this is a great place to start, there isn’t a lot of room from growth or to play with your audio.
A favorite among professional podcasters for its rich vocal reproduction. These are the microphones we use in our studio. At $399, they are a larger investment, but these microphones sound amazing. You can not go wrong with this microphone.
Headphones: For Monitoring and Editing
Good headphones are essential for monitoring your audio during recording and editing. Monitoring your audio during recording is critical, especially if you are recording on your own. Almost everyone who has a podcast has had a recording malfunction due to lack of monitoring your sound. Our recommended models include:
At $89, these headphones are our favorite overhead monitors. They offer exceptional sound clarity and isolation. We use these headphones in our studio. However, you may prefer to upgrade to in-ear monitors for a different aesthetic. If so, we recommend these:
Audio Interface: Connecting Your Sound
If you're using XLR microphones, an audio interface is necessary to connect your microphones to your computer. The interface converts the microphone’s analog signal into a digital format that your recording software can use. Popular choices are:
Focusrite Scarlett Solo: This audio interface is very user-friendly for beginners with excellent preamps.
Universal Audio Apollo Solo: While this interface is a larger investment, it has fans raving that it’s the best audio interface on the market.
Advanced Audio Control
If you are working with a more complex setup, ie: podcasts with multiple hosts and guests, a mixer will give you more control over your audio. Mixers allow you to adjust levels, balance, and tone on the fly. We like the Rodecaster Pro for both mixing and recording audio:
Rodecaster Pro: Designed specifically for podcasters, this is a podcasting all-in-one audio mixer/recorder featuring podcast-specific controls, sound fx, and phone call integration.
Adding Video Equipment
Making your podcast a video podcast can significantly expand your audience, and generate great video content to fuel your social media channels. You’ll need:
Cameras: A basic webcam, including the one built into your computer, can work, but for higher quality, consider DSLR or mirrorless cameras
Elgato Facecam: This is a great upgraded webcam that connects via USB. It gets high ratings for quality of picture, and is a favorite of streamers.
Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K: If you are looking to upgrade your camera setup, you can’t go wrong with Blackmagic. They are incredibly user friendly, so you do not have to be a camera aficionado to be able to operate them.
With this upgraded camera you will need a lens. We recommend:
Capture device: You’ll also need a converter to capture the video to your computer.
With this upgraded camera you will need a lens. We recommend:
Lighting: Good lighting will drastically improve your video quality. Softbox lights or ring lights like the Neewer Ring Light Kit will be an investment in your podcast you will never regret making.
That’s everything you need for a functional video podcast setup. If you are starting a podcast, and are looking for more instruction, Skutch Media offers a one hour, comprehensive Podcasting 101 Class that covers all aspects of video podcasting including: planning your podcast, equipment setup, recording basics, editing basics, publishing, marketing and monetizing your podcast. Click here to learn more.
We also offer a free PDF guide on starting a podcast. Click here to sign up for our newsletter to receive that, and learn the basics of how to start a podcast. Skutch Media, Atlanta’s Podcast People.
