What Podcast Equipment Should You Buy?
So many of our soon to be podcasters ask us what equipment is needed to get started. If you want to make a minimum investment, here’s a list of podcast equipment to consider. We recommend not spending too much in the beginning just in case you pod fade (find podcasting isn’t for you)! This equipment is great for live or studio recording. Keep in mind that some studios are in closets and cars! This podcast equipment will work perfectly and provide you with professional quality.
If you are the type that wants the best from the start, consider recording in a professional studio first. You’ll avoid investing in equipment that barely gets used. Rather than make the big investment when you don’t know if this is the right venue for you, rent a studio. Many co-working spaces are adding podcast studios and many video production companies have added podcasting studios.
Separate from purchasing this equipment, you could purchase a microphone that has a usb port and plug right into your desktop or laptop computer. If you have a Mac, you can record into garage band. If you have a PC, download Audacity and record right into that platform. The only downside to this method of recording is that your equipment is a little clunkier if you want to be mobile (lugging your laptop around). The upside is your audio is in the editing software and you don’t have to do any file transfers!
If you are the DIY type and just want to dip your toe in the water without making a big investment, here’s a good list for getting started.
RECORDING
We recommend starting with the Zoom H4N Pro – there are many models of the zoom and they are all great, but we have found this one to be the best price and performance. Think of it as a mixer, microphone, recorder all in one device. You can record straight from the mics attached or you can notch it up a bit and purchase a set of external microphones.
MICROPHONE
In addition to the Zoom, there is other podcast equipment to consider. What type of microphone should you purchase? It depends on what you want to do.
If you are walking around, you’ll want a Lavalier type of mic.
If you are going to be recording in one location, consider the Berringer xm8500. It’s a top quality recording microphone at a fraction of the price.
A very popular microphone is the ATR 2100 . This microphone has good sound quality and is easy to use, but is slightly more expensive than the berringer.
Another option, though a little more expensive and not as mobile is the Yeti Pro. If you plan to connect it to your zoom, you need to make sure you get the yeti with xlr capability. If you just want to connect to your computer, the basic version will work.
We originally started with the yeti and love it, however we don’t have the xlr version, so it makes it difficult to record on our Zoom. The version shown has the pop filter and cables included which are two items you will need to purchase.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Cables – You’ll need to connect your microphones to your Zoom. These cables will work great. Depending on what distance you’ll need you might consider longer or shorter versions.
- Pop Filter – Foam Balls – One of the ways to make your voice sound better is to put a pop filter or foam ball on the microphone. You don’t need anything fancy but investing in these will help with sound quality. If you choose to record directly to the Zoom, they make a special filter that fits nicely.
- Microphone Stands – These allow the sound on your microphones to be consistent. Purchasing microphone stands minimizes the sound of a moving of a microphone. If you are recording in a crowd where you are walking around, this isn’t practical.
DISCLAIMER – if you purchase any products from the links above, Select Business Team, llc, the parent company of Select Business Marketing will make a few dollars!