The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Equipment Setup and Recording
Launching your podcast can be relatively easy if you choose the right podcast equipment. The success of your podcast relies heavily on the quality of equipment you use to record. Choosing the best equipment for your podcast can be overwhelming if you’re not well-versed in audio tech and electronics.
In this guide, we’ll review the basics of choosing the right equipment for your podcast, setting up the equipment, recording, and exporting the files.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Choosing the best podcast equipment starts with determining the podcast type you plan to record. Podcasts vary in complexity, ranging from the simple, traditional single-host podcast to the more elaborate multiple co-host format.
Another critical factor to consider is whether the podcast is in-person or virtual and whether you’re recording in the field or a home studio.
For each format, you may need slightly different equipment for the best quality. For instance, multiple co-hosts mean you’ll need more microphones. Once you’ve made these major decisions, you can work on your equipment list.
Here are some essential podcasting tools you’ll need to get things started:
Microphones
With podcasts, you can’t rely on just any type of microphone. You may think your built-in computer or phone mic works just fine, but those mics will likely pick up on background noise and ambient sound, making your podcast sound less professional.
The quality of your audio depends on the type of mic you use. USB mics are most popular among beginner podcasters, as it’s pretty easy to use 一 just plug the mic into the computer and start recording. But if you have multiple people in your show, you may have to consider XLR microphones.
The significant difference between USB and XLR mics is that while you need an external recording interface for XLR mics, USB mics connect directly to your computer’s USB port. XLR mics have a better audio quality compared to USB mics, but the difference is not too glaring. It comes down to how many people you’ll have on your podcast.
These USB/XLR microphones are ideal for multiple hosts. You’ll need one mic for each speaker. You can pick one based on your budget:
Samson Q2U: $60
AT2100x: $100
Shure MV7: $250
Pop Filter/Windscreen
This windscreen will help reduce the harsh sound of constants for the Samson Q2U and AT2100x. The Shure comes with a pop filter.
XLR Cords
With a good-quality XLR cord, you’ll fix most of the buzz and hum issues you hear on your mics. Each microphone needs one XLR cable.
Budget: D'Addario XLR Cable: $20
Mid Range: Mogami Silver Series XLR Microphone Cable 6 ft.: $40
Audio Interface
An audio interface is a bridge that converts your mic’s audio signals into a digital format so you can transfer them to your computer for mixing, playback, and uploading. It helps you maintain the quality of your original audio.
Audio interfaces also allow multiple input and output channels, meaning you can record from multiple mics or instruments.
This interface connects your mics through an XLR cable and headphones using the microamp. A USB cord connects the interface to your computer.
Headphones
Most beginner podcasters use earbuds that work just fine, but a good pair of headphones can be a real game-changer. Headphones allow you to monitor the quality of your audio and enable you to check for issues like uneven sound levels and overlapping noise.
Hearing your own voice may be a bit weird at first, but you get used to it with time. There are tons of high-quality headphones you can select based on your budget.
Audio Technica is the industry standard for headphones. You can try their most affordable option:
ATH-M20x: $50
Headphone Microamp
A headphone microamp ensures all four people plugged in can hear each other. You can plug the headphones into the lines and allow participants to adjust their volume.
Stands
A sturdy mic stand helps you position your mic properly, so you don’t need to bend downwards or forward to be able to speak into the microphone. A mic stand also helps you set up your mic and pop filter together. Some condenser microphones come with their own stands for flexibility and ease of use.
Choosing the right equipment comes down to your specific needs and budget. Here are a few recommendations for different types of equipment based on your experience level and budget
The mics require different stands. The Shure mic must go on a boom arm. The Samson Q2U and ATR2100x come with a small stand, but getting a different adjustable stand is advisable to limit distractions from handling the mic.
LyxPro Arm Stand (for Shure): $40
AtlasIED DS7E Adjustable Height Desktop Microphone Stand: (for ATR2100x/Samson): $30
Setting Up Your Equipment
Here’s a quick overview of how to set up your podcast equipment:
Microphone
If you’re using a USB mic, you only need a cable, which you plug directly into your computer.
If you’re going with XLR, you’ll also need an audio interface. You’ll need an XLR cable for every mic you use.
First, connect the computer to the audio interface using a USB cable. Next, you plug the mics into the XLR ports on the audio interface.
Headphones
A nice pair of headphones is essential for a podcast recording. They help you monitor your audio output.
Microphone and Pop Filter
When setting up the pop filter, you first adjust the clamp to an open position and find a place on your mic stand to secure the pop filter. The pop filter should be close to but not touch the microphone since you want to avoid plosive sounds.
Here are a few tips to help minimize background noise and ensure maximum sound quality:
Eliminate any sources of background noise
Reduce the distance between the subject and the microphone
Reduce the number of open mics
Use directional microphones
Use an amplifier
Recording Your Podcast
When you get down to recording your podcast, you’ll have a couple of options. The recording techniques include desktop software, remote recording software, and conferencing software like Zoom and Google Meet.
Remote Recording
While microphones will help limit background noise, it’s also important to optimize your space for recording so there’s no reverb. Fortunately, you can effectively create a podcast studio at home.
Multitrack recording equipment or software is essential for multiple-host podcasts. With separate audio tracks, you have better editing control. You can control aspects like gain and volume levels for each speaker and clean process or even mute certain sections of each track.
For the best quality audio, here are a few tips for when you’re speaking on the recording:
Speak slowly and clearly
Pay attention to your breathing
Use an upbeat tone
Use pauses for emphasis
Vary your tone during the recording
Remote Recording Software
Recording software is designed specifically for audio recording, so you get the best quality possible. Consider tools like Adobe Audition, Squadcast, and Audacity if you want the most professional results. If you plan on inviting guests to your podcast, it’s essential that you use remote recording software.
They vary by price and functionality, so it depends on your needs. For basic software, you can expect to spend anything between $80 and $100. Some programs come in both macOS and Windows versions, while others are geared toward a specific operating system. Some software is purely for capturing and organizing your files, while others have post-production capabilities.
Pros
Highest quality audio
Simple to use without prior knowledge
Can work with different audio formats
Cons
Can be expensive
Some are OS-specific
Desktop Software
Computers come with a built-in app that allows you to record voice. There are also programs you can get for free that record both audio and video, depending on your needs. This is your cheapest option but not necessarily the best.
Pros
Easy to use
Less Cumbersome
Cons
Technology changes rapidly
Quality and longevity of audio may be questionable
Conferencing Software
You can also opt for conferencing software like Zoom, but they offer limited options for edits like adjusting sound output and levels. Conferencing software may work fine, but you’ll need recording software for more flexibility and control of your content.
Pros
Free
Easy to use
Cons
Average audio quality
Less flexibility and control
Exporting Your Files
The last step in your podcasting process is to export your files to a hosting platform. Here are two hosting platforms you can try:
Captivate
Simplecast
If you use desktop software for the recording, you’ll have the file on your computer. All you have to do is upload it to the hosting platform.
Exporting files from your chosen recording software depends on the specific software, but most of them will have your recordings in a section, and you can download them in multiple formats.
It’s pretty straightforward to download your files from conferencing software like Zoom. They have a section with your recordings; you only have to click “Download.”
Conclusion
The importance of choosing the right podcast equipment cannot be overstated. With the right equipment, recording, and editing techniques, nothing stands in your way. Take the bold step today and get your voice out there!
To get started, download our equipment guide.
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