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Podcast equipment is the foundation of creating studio-quality podcasts. While many tools go into a professional podcast setup, this doesn’t have to prevent you from starting your show.
So, don’t sweat it!
Recording your podcast just got easier. We’ve compiled a list of the essential podcast gear for specific podcast setups.
TL:DR – Best Podcast Equipment
In a hurry?
Here is the best equipment needed for a podcast.
- Best Podcast Microphone — Samson Go Mic
- Best Podcast Recording Software — SquadCast
- Best Podcast Camera — Logitech C922 Pro
- Best Podcast Headphones — Sennheiser 280 PRO
- Best Boom Arm — QuadCast Mic Arm
- Best Pop Filter — Royer PS-101
- Best Podcast Lighting Kit — Neewer 700W Lighting Kit
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Our platform lets you monitor your listeners’ analytics on each podcast episode.
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What Equipment Do I Need for a Podcast?
Your podcaster setup should have a mic(s), headphones(s), and recording and editing software.
Remember that you might require additional equipment, such as a boom arm or a microphone stand, a podcast mixer, a pop filter, extra lighting, and a camera (if you’ll be recording video).
How Much is Podcast Equipment?
Podcasting can be free using your phone’s (or laptop’s) built-in mic.
However, we recommend investing in simple podcasting equipment to achieve high-quality content.
When starting, you can:
- Look for a microphone like the Pyle Classic Vintage Microphone, which goes for around $50
- Invest in a decent pair of headphones like the Shure SRH440A, which costs around $100
- Consider free recording software like Audacity or GarageBand.
As you’ve seen, you can start with podcast recording equipment for around $150.
However, if you want to enhance the quality of your podcasts, you should invest in quality (and more) podcast gear with advanced features.
What Makes Great Podcast Equipment?
You’ve got to know the essential elements your equipment for a podcast should have.
Here is a quick breakdown of what makes excellent podcast equipment:
Equipment | Must-Have Aspects |
---|---|
Headphone(s) | - Collapsible and portable - Lightweight and padded ear pads for comfort - Adjustable to achieve a perfect fit |
Microphone(s) | -Sleek and stylish to blend seamlessly with the podcasting setup - Reduce unwanted background noise when recording - Plug-and-play for an easy setup |
Microphone Boom Arm | - Compatible with the mic you use - Mount to different surfaces or stand-alone - Rotate 360 degrees to allow you to adjust your mic to your ideal position |
Camera | - Resolution of 1080p full HD or a 4K - Built-in microphones - Long battery life to record for hours uninterrupted |
Pop Filter | - Durable material - Large and round to fit your mic perfectly - A mount compatible with several microphone stand |
Podcast Mixer | - Plenty of inputs and USB ports - Compatible with other equipment - Support multiple audio tracks |
Lighting Kit | - Adjustable light stands that are durable yet lightweight - Controls to adjust the brightness and color temperature to ensure a natural and clear color |
Recording and Editing Software | - High-quality resolution like 1080p or 4K video and 44.1kHz or 48kHz audio - Mobile app to record on the go - Remote, video, or local recording to suit your needs - Extra features like creating automatic transcripts, saving recordings to the cloud, screen sharing, and more |
Best Podcast Equipment For Beginners
Are you a beginner podcaster looking for top gear that should be on your podcast setup?
Here are the must-have tools:
- Microphone(s): Since you’re just starting out, consider the Samson Go Mic. It’s a USB plug-and-play mic that delivers excellent audio quality and is portable, enabling you to record on the go.
- A Pair of Headphones: Another must-have is the Sennheiser 280 PRO. With it, you can monitor your voice and your guests in real-time. Still, you can pick up plosive sounds, and the headphones block out echo and audio bleed as you record.
- Microphone Boom Arm: The QuadCast Mic Arm will prevent your mic from moving around while recording and reduce shifting volume levels by keeping your mic still. Plus, you and your guests can use your mics hands-free.
- Pop Filter: A pop filter like the Royer PS-101 is affordable and a great addition to any mic you pair it with. It makes a difference to your recordings by minimizing the plosive ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds.
- Recording and Editing Software: SquadCast is our top pick for a digital audio workstation. It offers professional 4K video (and audio) and supports recording podcasts remotely. It also has a mobile app for recording on the go and reliable editing features to enhance your podcasts.
Video Podcast Equipment For Beginners
Your video podcasting recording equipment is similar to an audio-only podcast with a few additions.
Check them out below:
- Camera(s): Like your Microphone, you want to ensure you capture quality video content. The Logitech C922 Pro is excellent gear for podcasting at a low price. Plus, you can connect it to your device through a cable and start podcasting.
- Lighting Kit: You can use natural light or a simple ring light. Alternatively, invest in lighting equipment like the Neewer 700W Lighting Kit, which ensures you look great on video podcasts.
Podcast Equipment Bundle
The easiest way to have professional podcast setup equipment is to consider a starter kit.
Below, we will look at a 2-person and a 4-person podcasting setup.
Podcast Equipment For 2
Specifically tailored for podcasters, the Rode Podcaster Bundle ensures you’re not paying for something you don’t require.
The kit includes:
- Two mics with built-in pop filters to minimize the harsh plosive sounds. In addition, there are mounts to reduce movement and for easy positioning while recording.
- 2 boom arms to hold your microphones steady.
- 2 Rode headphones, ideal for recording, editing, and mixing podcasts. They are also comfortable, so you can wear them when recording long sessions.
- An audio production studio that supports multitrack recording and offers virtual effects to enhance podcasts.
Podcast Equipment For 4
The tools you need in a four-person podcast setup are similar to the equipment used in a typical podcasting studio (except they are in fours).
The Rode Ultimate Podcaster Bundle has the tools to record your podcast quickly.
The bundle includes:
- 4 microphones
- 4 microphone boom arms
- 4 headphones
- An audio production studio
Mobile Podcast Equipment
Have you ever wanted to record a podcast on the go but didn’t know the mobile recording equipment for podcasts?
Let’s see the essential equipment for an easy and convenient setup:
- Phone: Of course, you’ll need your phone.
If you’ve had yours for a while, upgrading to the latest models, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, would be best. They have features like built-in noise cancellation and support high-resolution videos.
So you can record HD videos and clear audio.
- Portable Microphone (s): Choose compact wired mics like the Rode Lavalier GO or wireless mics like the Wireless GO II.
Both options are easy to carry around without compromising the audio quality of your podcasts.
- Collapsible Headphones: A good pair of headphones, like the Shure SRH440A, is excellent for monitoring your recordings.
They are adjustable and collapsible, providing comfort while allowing you to take your show on the road.
- Portable Recorder or Mobile Recording App: Consider a portable recorder like the Zoom H4n Pro with built-in mics and effects. You can record separate audio files.
Alternatively, choose dedicated recording apps like GarageBand or SquadCast with one-stop recording and editing capabilities.
Top Tip: If you want a fast and reliable method to create private podcasts, consider Hello Audio. You can repurpose video and audio content into private podcasts in minutes.
Our platform also allows you to publish and manage your private podcasts automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below, we’ve answered the common questions regarding podcast equipment:
What Are Some of the Podcast Necessities?
The four must-have pieces of podcast equipment are:
- A mic
- A pair of headphones
- A podcast recording app
- A camera for recording video.
Depending on your setup, you might need to spice things up with additional equipment, such as a pop filter, an audio mixer, a lighting kit, and a microphone stand.
Is it Difficult to Set Up Podcast Equipment?
It might be difficult for beginners to set up their podcast equipment correctly, but that should not be a reason to sweat!
We have a detailed guide on how to record a podcast with step-by-step instructions on setting up your equipment.
Where can I Upload a Private Podcast?
You can upload private podcasts on the Hello Audio platform. Additionally, you can upload video content, such as TikTok videos, and our platform will automatically convert it into audio files.
Our platform will then deliver your private podcasts to major listening apps like Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.
Intrigued by these features?
Watch our demo to see how Hello Audio works.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, you can have decent podcast gear without breaking the bank and upgrade it later, step by step.
You can also leverage Hello Audio to create quality private podcasts. Our platform has everything you need to create, launch, publish, and manage podcasts.
To name a few, you can convert long-form videos and audio, add automatic transcripts, and automatically publish podcasts on platforms like Spotify. You can even access detailed analytics for each episode to help make informed decisions.
All set? Start your professional podcast in minutes without any hassle!