Podcasting is an increasingly popular hobby that requires minimal equipment. But to maximize the quality of your recordings, investing in studio grade gear may be worthwhile.
Audio-Technica offers an affordable USB mic bundle, complete with tabletop microphone stand and headphones – you can add mixers and audio interfaces later as your rig grows.
Microphones
Your podcast’s success relies heavily on its audio recording quality, so investing in an excellent microphone is crucial for its success. Podcast microphones come in all shapes, sizes and price points from entry-level USB models to professional XLR microphones designed specifically for podcasting. When choosing one for podcasting purposes, keep in mind what kind of content will be being recorded as this will determine if you need something with a cardioid polar pattern which only picks up sounds coming from front while rejecting noise coming from sides or rear; or whether a stereo mic can record sounds from multiple directions simultaneously.
Microphones for podcasting are used to capture the audio that will then be uploaded and distributed through streaming software. Depending on your podcasting goals, additional accessories like pop filters or shock mounts may also be purchased to reduce plosive sounds or vibration.
For optimal value, choose an economical USB microphone like the Samson Meteor that provides pro-quality vocal recordings while plugging directly into your computer. Its cardioid pickup pattern makes it an excellent choice for voice applications while its built-in shock mount keeps it securely in place while recording. In addition, this mic features a headphone jack for monitoring purposes as well as mute buttons to give more precise control of quality recordings.
Audio Technica AT2020USB offers another budget-friendly option with its high-quality condenser microphone in USB form factor. Featuring cardioid polar pattern and wide frequency response characteristics, making it perfect for recording vocals, instruments, podcasting as well as desktop stand / pop filter combination preventing any plosive sounds or vibrations that might occur while in use.
Rather, for advanced audio recording requirements, seek out a studio mic equipped with an XLR input that matches up well with your mixer or audio interface. Such models usually offer dual XLR ports to support multiple microphones for multi-person interviews or group recordings and separate headphone jacks to avoid additional cables.
Audio Interfaces
Podcasters require an audio interface to connect their microphone to their computer and convert electrical signals to digital data, often via USB or Thunderbolt connection. Some audio interfaces offer headphone output so the host can listen in on what is being recorded during recording sessions; there are various models on the market depending on your individual needs.
Look for an audio interface that supports your microphone type (dynamic or condenser), input channels and output channels as well as hardware direct monitoring – this feature reduces latency between computer audio output and headphone monitoring – this feature is great for podcasting but typically only available on more expensive models of audio interface.
One important feature to keep in mind when shopping for an audio interface is +48V phantom power. Podcast microphones require this voltage in order to work effectively; without it they won’t operate correctly. One example of an audio interface with this feature would be Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core USB-C.
Last but not least, it is worth checking if the device of interest offers MIDI ports. These allow transferring musical information between sequencer software and external devices like rackmount reverb modules – something not strictly necessary for podcasters but may prove invaluable if used during productions.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a top-of-the-line and affordable recording device, boasting top-of-the-line preamps and user-friendly interface. Podcasters will appreciate its features such as high-quality sound conversion.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Digital audio workstation (DAW), or audio editor software, will complete your podcast setup. There are various DAW options to choose from with each offering different features that might make them better or worse suited for podcasting production needs. In general, however, you should select one designed specifically for podcasting so as to ensure tailored spoken-word audio output for polished episodes.
Avid Pro Tools is an efficient DAW designed for podcast recording and editing, offering an intuitive interface and useful features tailored to podcasting. Though originally geared toward professional music producers, Avid can also be utilized by beginners just starting out podcasting.
Auphonic DAW is an ideal DAW for podcasting, offering simple operation with many useful features to enhance the sound quality of your podcasts. Available for both Mac and Windows users and compatible with most major platforms.
Audacity and Logic Pro are among the many free DAWs designed specifically to be used for podcasting, including Audacity. Both programs were originally intended for recording and editing music; they can also be used for podcasting. Keep in mind, though, that free DAWs may not offer as many features as paid ones.
If you prefer more portable solutions, portable recorders offer another great option. They store digital audio files on an external memory card that you can easily import into your DAW for editing – ideal if your budget doesn’t allow for expensive studio equipment.
Hindenburg Journalist or Alitu are audio editing programs specifically tailored to podcasting that can help you produce professional-sounding shows more easily, offering greater flexibility than a standard audio editor like Adobe Audition.
Mixers
By using a mixer, you can seamlessly incorporate sound clips, music tracks, voicemails, and other extras directly into the recording, saving yourself from editing them later and creating a more professional-sounding show.
Mixers for podcasting come at various price points. One such choice is the Behringer Xenyx 1002B 10-channel mixer which won’t break the bank while still offering reliable performance and features like digital connectivity – perfect for new podcasters or home studios with limited space.
Mackie PROFX12V2 mixers offer another viable choice, although they tend to be more costly. Their features make it a good fit for podcasters, such as configurable USB stereo audio in/out, great preamps, built-in FX effects and being easily portable within home studio environments. Plus they are conveniently sized so can easily be moved around.
Allen & Heath offers a great choice with their ZEDi-8 mixer: this compact hybrid device with an integrated USB/audio interface works with Mac, PC and iOS devices and features six input/output 3.5mm jacks and nine assignable sound pads which can trigger laughter or applause triggers.
Sound quality with this mixer is unparalleled, thanks to XENYX mic inputs with high-pass filters that eliminate low-frequency noise and distortion, level controls, 3-band semi-parametric EQ and pan capabilities for each channel. Plus you have the option of recording each input as its own track or mixing them all into a main mix – only downside being it doesn’t record to memory card or USB.
The GoXLR Mini is tailored for solo podcasters who don’t wish to deal with complex controls or large equipment, featuring four large faders for easy, tactile control of inputs and outputs. Two unbalanced microphone inputs for use with smartphones as well as one XLR mic input are provided as well as built-in effects like EQ compression noise gating are included as standard features of this device.
When it comes to podcasting, one trait all top shows have in common is crystal-clear audio quality. Make an investment in quality equipment to ensure your episodes sound fantastic for listeners.
Your primary piece of equipment should be an audio interface or mixer, which converts microphone signals into something your computer can read.
Microphones
There are plenty of outstanding podcast microphones on the market, so selecting one should depend on both your needs and budget. When starting out, a USB mic like Blue Snowball may be best; although its sound may not match up to other models as professionally, you simply can’t beat its value for price! Plus it makes a perfect option for solo podcasters as it doesn’t require separate audio interface.
If you’re searching for something more advanced, consider the Blue Yeti Studio Condenser Mic. Designed as a versatile studio condenser mic that can be used both studio and live recordings, the Yeti offers four recording patterns including cardioid (for podcasting), omnidirectional recording 360 degrees of sound recording, stereo which creates the impression that listeners are present, as well as an EQ feature which lets you adjust frequency response shaping of your microphone to reduce room noise while increasing voice clarity.
Rode PodMic microphone is another good option for YouTubers and podcasters, offering great value for the money and including shock mount, pop shield, stand, cardioid polar pattern (ideally suitable for vocal recordings) but can also be switched omnidirectional for recording multiple people at the same time. Furthermore, its features such as an EQ feature to help improve your voice quality; bass boost for low frequency sounds; high pass filter to reduce ambient noise from its surroundings provide useful additional benefits to this mic.
If you don’t want to break the bank on a microphone, the Samson Q2U dynamic microphone with its cardioid polar pattern may be just what you need. Ideal for podcasters as it primarily picks up sound from its front side while simultaneously picking up some from the sides, this microphone makes an excellent home podcaster choice and also suitable for use in shared spaces like recording studios. Plus it comes equipped with both a mute button and volume control making adjusting audio levels easy!
Audio Interfaces
No matter whether it’s just you or multiple hosts involved in creating a podcast, an audio interface will be essential in connecting a microphone or other devices to your computer for recording purposes. These can range from the integrated sound card in your computer itself, through USB/Firewire breakout devices to other digital connection ports.
Audio interfaces come in all forms, but for podcasting audio equipment to function optimally you should choose an interface with high-quality preamps and A/D converters that offer clear, crisp, professional-sounding recordings. Also consider selecting an interface compatible with the microphone you use – dynamic mic users should make sure their interface features both mute button and headphone output for direct monitoring during recording sessions.
Pop filters and windscreens are essential podcasting accessories that help minimize pop sounds in recordings. The device sits in front of microphones to prevent plosives (such as “p” in power) from reaching recording microphones and producing an audible popping noise upon playback. A pop filter also protects microphones from flying spit, as accumulated saliva may cause corrosion damage over time.
An audio mixer is another crucial piece of podcasting equipment. A mixer allows for improved podcast sound quality by giving manual control over inputs and outputs, which is especially helpful if hosting remote guests or playing live music. Furthermore, mixing multiple sources together is another benefit that audio mixers bring.
Audio mixers come in all sizes and forms, from desktop mixers to large rackmount units found in professional studios. If your budget is tight, consider the M-Audio M-Track Solo which typically retails for under $200 and supports two XLR/TRS combo inputs; its compact and user-friendly nature make it an excellent option for solo podcasters needing an affordable yet reliable option. Or consider Apogee Duet 3 with its touchscreen interface making adjusting levels and settings intuitive; plus it supports up to four XLR/TRS combo inputs while handling two mics simultaneously – perfect for group podcasts!
Mixers
Are you familiar with how audio mixers work when you watch football game broadcasts and see people in the production booth with multiple knobs and faders in front of them? Audio mixers are used for things such as adjusting microphone levels. In addition, mixers come equipped with built-in effects like echo and reverb that can add atmosphere or emphasize certain vocal tracks more prominently during recordings.
If you plan on recording in a studio environment, investing in a high-quality podcast mixer could be worthwhile. These multifunctional devices tend to be larger and more complicated than audio interfaces but provide real-time adjustments that could improve post production sound quality. Live recording sessions, however, may suffice with just an audio interface or recorder connected directly to your computer.
Zoom LiveTrak series podcast mixers offer more flexible XLR/quarter-inch combo inputs, stereo panning and extensive plug-in processing than most podcast mixers do, making this model suitable for podcasters who wish to integrate musical content or require greater versatility than what a voice-focused mixer provides.
Handheld podcast mixers have quickly become an attractive option, simplifying technical demands of podcast production by eliminating the need for separate audio interfaces and providing built-in effects. For example, the DLZ Creator podcast mixer was created to record up to four people at once without external devices such as splitters. It offers headphone outputs which offer individual volume control without an extra device such as headphone splitter being required.
DLZ Creator also comes equipped with essential tools for crafting professional-sounding podcasts, such as a gating effect that prevents feedback and compressor that keeps voices balanced on a track. You can set individual microphone EQ and gain adjustments, with recordings made to individual tracks on your computer which you can edit later within digital audio workstation software.
Digital Recorders
Many podcasters opt for digital recorders with built-in microphones that play back audio in real time for easier editing, often sold with a USB soundboard mixer for completeness and higher-quality audio recording. When choosing this solution, however, at least one microphone per host/guest must also be supplied along with a microphone stand; additionally, some models offer controls so you can mix in real time but also multitrack recording capabilities to capture complex episodes more efficiently.
Utilizing a digital recorder with microphone is a quick and straightforward way to produce your own podcast. Once completed, editing can take place with various free or paid software such as Audacity, Adobe Audition or Garage Band; at Ausha we prefer Reaper as it’s accessible both for Macs and PCs and is very user friendly.
If you plan on expanding their podcast with multiple hosts, a mixer console could be an ideal way to do it. While more expensive than digital recorders, mixer consoles provide greater control over sound output for greater creative freedom in producing podcast episodes.
Zoom H1n is an ideal budget option for podcast producers looking for high quality audio recordings on a tight budget. Equipped with onboard X-Y mics to produce extremely clear audio, its user interface is user-friendly and records in broadcasting WAV format at 192kHz with 32 bit floating resolution, helping avoid clipping noise that often occurs when your dynamic range exceeds that of your recorder.
If you plan on recording multiple people at once, consider purchasing a laptop equipped with an integrated webcam. This will make recording sessions more comfortable while enabling guests to attend remotely via internet connection. A popular choice for this purpose is the MacBook Air due to its lightweight design and exceptional battery life; another good option would be Dell XPS 13 9360 which features dedicated GPU and ample working memory for managing larger-scale recording and editing projects.