The best podcast equipment to use for newbies and pros
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
In the last few months, I have been getting a lot of questions about how to start a podcast and creating income.
The best advice I can give you is: get the best equipment you can afford because no matter how great your content if your audio is not good you will lose listeners and miss sponsorship opportunities.
Think about your audio quality as part of your resume. If it isn’t good, why would any company hire you to represent their brands?
The basic equipment that you will use are:
Computer
Mic
When I first started my podcast a year ago, I had no clue how to create great audio. I didn’t even have a mic.
Resulting in bad quality audio and having to redo a few episodes because of my inexperience. A huge upset if you are interviewing guests and they took time out of their busy schedule to speak with you.
Learn from my mistakes and start your podcast journey on the right foot.
Here is the equipment I have used to get the best audio that has led me to monetize my podcast.
Computer
You will need a computer to upload your mp.3 files, do your editing and so much more.
I am currently using a MacBook Air Computer:
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina display, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 128GB) – Space Gray (Latest Model)
Of course, there are other computers that you can use as well. find out what’s best for you.
Microphones
Having the right mic is crucial to great audio. Do not use the built-in microphones that are on your computer.
That’s what I did when I first started and it wasn’t a great idea. Learn from my mistakes.
If you search around, you will see a lot of mics with different capabilities and prices.
Here are the mic’s that I am currently using.
For recordings online and solo audio recording I use Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
For in-person interviews, these are the headset mics I use Shure SM10A-CN Cardioid Dynamic, Headworn, includes 5-Feet attached cable with XLR Connector and belt clip
When I was looking for these mic’s I knew I wanted something that was easy to travel with, had great audio even when you are outdoors and was also comfortable for my interviewees to wear.
If you are planning to have an in-home studio and do your recordings mostly from home, here is a mic that has amazing quality: Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Silver
You can also get the Blue Yeti as a bundle and save on the accessories Blue Yeticaster Professional Broadcast Bundle with Yeti USB Microphone, Radius III Shockmount and Compass Boom Arm
Headphones
Headphones are great to prevent mistakes and to retake the recordings. I have my headphones on while doing an interview to make sure that the audio is clear and there is enough volume.
You do not want to record something and realize later that it is completely unusable (this has happened to me before when I didn’t use my headphones).
Here is the headphone I use: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
When I am traveling I use: Gaea Headphones，Premium in-Ear Wired Earphones with Mic and Noise Isolating Headset Compatible with Apple iPhone iPad iPod SE/6/6S/5/5S/5C and All 3.5mm Earbuds Devices-White (2Pack)
Wires
I usually carry extra wires in my bag for my mics.
This is the wire that I am currently using for my mic and recorder: Kopul Studio Elite 4000 Series XLR M to XLR F Microphone Cable – 6′ (1.8 m)
Handheld Recorder
There are a lot of recorders out there but the one I bought is the Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder
It is the best investment I have made on my podcast, aside from the mics.
If you are thinking of doing a lot of in-person interviews this recorder is a must! It is light and the perfect equipment to travel with because it is light and small. The audio quality is also incredible!
You can also buy the bundle that has most of the accessories that you will need for the recorder Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System with Deluxe Accessory Bundle
Online recorders
When I record my interviews online. I usually use Skype calls with Ecamm recorder.
You can also use Zoom which already has a built-in recorder.
I prefer Skype call with Ecamm recorder but there are many who use Zoom, you can decide which you prefer.
Bag
I do a lot of running around because I often travel to do my podcast interviews.
It took a lot of research to find the best bag that will allow me to carry all my equipment, and it took a while to find the right bag that fit all my needs and would fit all my equipment.
Lowepro Pro Runner BP 350 AW II. Pro Photographer Carry-On Camera Backpack
Whether you are just starting out or have already created your podcast, the most important thing you can do is provide the best audio quality for your audience.
I can not emphasize enough how you can lose or gain a new listener just from the first few seconds of your audio.
Make sure you give them a good experience from the start so they will stay.
If you have any other questions about the equipment, editing and how to get started you can sign up for my podcast mentorship program here.
I can give you one on one advice and help you get started and succeed with your podcast.
Happy recording everyone!
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