Everything you need to get started in podcasting

It’s no surprise these days – podcasts are everywhere – and gaining new listeners by the second. Especially among Gen Z, millennials and members of Gen-X, new podcasts of all varieties are sprouting up and replacing radio as a primary form of audio entertainment.

If you’re a person with a lot to say about any particular subject, it’s now easier than ever to have your voice heard by kickstarting your very own podcast show at a very low cost.

Whether you’re on the fence about starting your own podcast and want to learn more, ready to take the leap but don’t know where to start, or already have your podcast going but want to tighten up your quality, these gear choices are for you.

Here’s all the basic equipment you need to start podcasting.

Best condenser microphone for podcasting: Blue Microphones Baby Bottle SL

The first item on your list of necessities for podcasting is a quality low-noise microphone.

In terms of achieving a high level of audio quality on your podcast, this is going to be the heart and soul of what sets your podcast apart from those with lower quality.

When shopping around online you may feel overwhelmed with the different names and types of microphones and run into a difficulty determining which one is right for you.

Condenser microphones are the type traditionally used by most podcasters, and are known for emphasizing a very high-quality audio output, while maintaining a very low noise floor.

Keep in mind condenser microphones need 48v phantom power to be picked up properly, which is typically provided by either a mixer or audio interface. On either of these, it is usually found as a button that says either “Phantom” or “48v.”

Condenser microphones can be found in large and small diaphragm types. For podcasting you’ll be better off with a large-diaphragm option.

In general, any condenser microphone will deliver a high-quality output signal, but the more expensive microphone you buy will give you a boost in sound quality over other podcasters.

Best dynamic microphone for podcasting: Electro-Voice RE20

Look at any podcaster, broadcaster, or streamer’s setup and you’ll likely find Electro-Voice’s RE20. This true cardioid dynamic microphone includes an onboard pop and high-pass filter reduces or eliminates proximity effect, which makes it perfect for dialogue.

It has great off-axis rejection and a wide 45Hz to 18kHz frequency response. And if you are also into music production it’s a perfect all-around microphone that excels on low end sources like kick drum and bass guitars.

The RE20 is the most popular microphone for broadcasting and podcasting for a reason.

Best audio interface for podcasting: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Gen 4

Next in your signal flow is a basic audio interface. This captures the audio from your microphone and converts it from an analog signal to a digital signal, something that your computer can understand and record as a digital file. Think of it as a translator between your microphone and your recording computer.

While there are a wide range of sizes and prices among audio interfaces on the market, the right one for you is likely going to have a low channel count. This mostly depends on how many microphones and people you’ll be recording at a time on your show.

If your podcast calls for only two microphones, your ideal audio interface won’t need more than a few channels. But the more guests or hosts you have, the larger interface you’re going to want to buy.

You’ll also want to think about how an interface connects to your computer. Smaller interfaces usually connect through USB-C or USB-A and are bus powered.

Best DAW for podcasting: Cockos Reaper

The third, and final piece of gear on the list of necessities for podcasting is a digital audio workstation, or DAW. When you connect your audio interface to your computer, the DAW is going to be the piece of software that actually lets you see the audio coming in, record it, and edit it into an episode.

There are a lot of DAWs out there, and each can be used in different capacities. But before you go out and shell out the big bucks on a DAW with a bunch of bells and whistles, do a quick check on your computer. A lot of computers have a DAW that comes pre-installed, which often can meet the basic needs for podcasting.

Most computers made by Apple contain a DAW called Garageband, and many PCs come with programs like Audacity. Both of these work well for basic audio recording and editing.

But for additional features you may want to consider laying down some money for more intuitive recording software.

Best headphones for podcasting: Sony MDR 7506

Now that the essentials are out of the way, consider investing in accessories that aid you in recording and editing your podcast.

The first accessory we recommend is a pair of quality studio headphones. They let you monitor while you’re recording, and you can use them for editing. There are plenty of great models to choose from. But if you want a tried-and-true classic, Sony’s MDR 7506 is a great entry point.

The other optional accessory you may want to pick up is a pop filter to reduce plosives and sibilance. Plosives are strong pops of air the microphone picks up when the person is too close and uses strong consonants such as “P” or “T.” Sibilance is excessive high end sounds from sounds like “S”.

FAQ

What’s the most important piece of gear for podcasting?

The most important piece of gear is a good microphone. Audio quality is critical for keeping listeners engaged. Our top picks are the Blue Microphones Baby Bottle SL large-diaphragm condenser and the Electro-Voice RE20 dynamic models.

Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?

If you’re using an XLR microphone you need an audio interface to connect your mic to your computer. USB mics don’t require an interface. XLR mics are the higher-quality choice if you’re trying to get the most professional audio fidelity.

Can I start a podcast on a budget?

Absolutely. You can get into it with a decent USB mic, basic headphones, and free software for under $200-. What matters the most is the quality of your content.