Although they’ve been around for years, podcasts are finally getting the recognition they deserve. In fact, many media personalities get their start doing podcasts.
As the technology advances, anyone with the proper equipment and ambition can create a great podcast.
The Importance of Using the Right Equipment for Your Podcasts
So what equipment needed for Podcast? Here’s the list of the equipment needed for your Podcast:
- Microphone
- Headphones
- Pop Filters
- Mic Stands
- Computer/Laptop
- Internet Access
- Recording & Editing Software
- Mixer
- Acoustic Treatments
Equipment Needed for Podcast
Here’s equipment worth investing in for both beginners and professional podcast creators:
1. A Microphone
Any media-related job needs a microphone.
Some people use the built-in microphone on their phone or computer, but this won’t cut it, especially if you’re aiming for a high-quality finished product.
One of the easiest microphones you can use is a USB microphone. USB microphones are easy to use because they can plug into any device or dock and put it directly into the wall.
This is a viable solution if you’re doing a podcast by yourself.
Otherwise, you’re better off using multiple dynamic microphones and an XLR output. These cables deliver a professional sounding audio at an affordable price.
You can find microphones, docks, and XLR output cables online or at your local electronic store.
2. Heaphones
There’s a cardinal rule in recording audio: wear headphones.
Oftentimes, overly confident content creators record without headphones and end up with a myriad of problems.
For one, you can peak your microphone, which causes a distorted sound from you talking too loud or too close into it.
It can also be hard for you to tell if your audio is delayed, which can ruin your entire podcast. At best, you’ll have a lot of editing ahead of you.
At worst, you’ll have to reproduce the entire show.
In order to avoid serious issues later on, just put on some headphones.
Depending on where you plan on recording, you may want to invest in noise-cancelling headphones.
You’ll also want to avoid soft-shell headphones, which are the ones with foam on the outside.
Soft-shelled headphones don’t suppress sounds that ruin the quality of your recording.
Using hard-shell headphones are better for trapping sounds that cause feedback. Instead of foam, these headphones are made from plastic or rubber.
3. Use Pop Filters
In addition to investing in hard-shell headphones, you can purchase either a pop filter or widescreen.
Certain letters like p, b, and t pop on a microphone, which means they sound louder or distort the sound a bit.
When you have a pop filter or widescreen positioned in front of your microphone, these sounds are filtered and they sound normal when you replay your audio.
Another benefit is that they catch any saliva that can otherwise damage your microphone.
4. Mic Stands
If you can afford to, purchase a microphone stand. Mic stands keep your microphone in a stable position as you talk.
Without the perfect positioning, your microphone will change the sound of your voice.
You also risk bumping into your mic, which distorts the sound.
Finally you can also drop your microphone, which will damage your equipment.
5. Laptop or Desktop Computer
Obviously, you need a device to record and upload your podcast.
One of the simplest ways to upload mp3 files is on your laptop or desktop computer.
It may be tempting to record a podcast on your phone, but it’s an idea you may later regret just because of the actual audio quality.
If you already have a laptop or computer in pretty good condition, there’s no need to buy another one.
If you’re on the fence on whether to get a new one or use the one you have, record something and check the sound quality.
If it doesn’t sound good, it may be time to buy another one.
While shopping for a laptop, make sure it’s compatible with your favorite editing software since some can’t be converted.
You’ll also need higher built-in storage space to upload your shows in a efficient manner.
6. Internet Access
While this isn’t a piece of physical equipment, you need internet access to produce a podcast.
If you’re interviewing guests that aren’t in the same room, you’ll have to rely solely on your internet connection.
A poor connection causes glitches, which can be frustrating because you’ll more than likely have to reschedule the interview.
Internet access is required to upload your podcast and if f you have a spotty internet connection, it will take forever to share your hard work with your audience.
7. Recording and Editing Software
Before you upload your podcast, you have to record your material and edit out any mistakes.
This requires software, which is commonly referred to as a Digital Audio Workstation.
Even if you don’t feel the need to edit your podcast content, if you want to include an intro or audio from another source, you’ll need editing software to add them in.
When you’re just starting or if you don’t have an extensive equipment budget, there are free editing software available.
Check your computer as certain type of computers, also have standard built-in editing software.
However, if you want optimal audio quality and more features, you should purchase one.
If your budget allows you should also get an audio interface.
An audio interface helps you record directly onto your computer software and converts the audio into digital information.
8. Mixer
Mixers are a podcast creator’s best friend.
They give you more control the audio, which makes the editing process easier.
For example, if you realize you’re speaking loudly, you can adjust your microphone’s volume. You can also fade out unwanted noises like sneezing in the moment.
The same applies when there are multiple microphones.
With a mixer, you can combine separately recorded audio much easier.
If your show has music or advertisements, you can include them during the live recording instead of editing them in later.
9. Acoustic Treatments
As a newbie, it’s easy to underestimate the power of good room acoustics.
In fact, your podcasting room’s acoustics can either make or break the effectiveness of the previously mentioned equipment.
The quality of acoustics depends on how well sounds are transmitted through a room.
When you make a sound, a little bit of it goes through your microphone and the rest bounces through the room and back to your microphone.
Even though the initial sound that travels through the microphone sounds good, reverb, or the sounds that bounce off other surfaces, can negatively impact the room’s acoustics.
Luckily, there are some beginner-friendly acoustic treatment solutions, including:
- Recording in a closet full of clothes
- Covering yourself with a blanket before you record
- Putting down rugs in your podcast room
- Utilize book shelves
If you have money to invest in acoustic treatment, consider options like:
- Soundproofing your room by sealing window and floor gaps
- Using heavy building materials to block traveling sounds
- Investing in acoustic foam paneling and bass traps to absorb reverb
Regardless of your skill level, it’s best to do your research to figure out which soundproofing methods work best for you.
If you can’t afford to buy new acoustic equipment, find a room with enough items to create it yourself.
Once you’ve built your perfect recording room, you can sit back, relax, and create the perfect podcast.
Overview of Equipment Needed for Podcast
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve worked on a podcast before, you’ll need equipment.
By investing in these items, you’ll be able to share your views with an audience in an exceptional way.
Even if you can’t afford to purchase everything, you can invest in the more important equipment and borrow or rent the rest.
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