Podcast Equipment: What You Need to Make Yours

Having the right podcast equipment can make all the difference in making your own podcast and delivering high-quality content. Counting with a good microphone and computer, for example, will help you to capture and edit the audio, avoiding technical errors that may affect the quality of your recordings.

Available on multiple digital platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, podcasts have become an enormous success all over the world. The audio programs are made about different topics, from true crime to comedy. Some podcasts are structured as interviews, others have several hosts, and there are ones specialized in telling stories too. 

You can make a podcast about almost anything, fashion, local culture, tv shows, trips, and so on. It's important to be original and get to know what your target audience likes. Knowing which equipment to choose is a great starting point, check out the article to learn more about this.

Necessary Podcast Equipment #

For the ones who want to make a podcast, it's possible, to begin with just a smartphone. You will use it to record, edit and publish the podcast on the platforms you prefer. However, if you wish to invest in your career as a professional podcast host, and or producer, it is worth buying podcast equipment that will guarantee better audio quality.

You will have the tools to release amazing episodes to your audience.  If you want to have a videocast too, where you will make the videos available for your audience, it's fundamental to consider the necessary video equipment along with the audio. 

Microphone#

One of the most important parts of your podcast equipment is the microphone, which is responsible for capturing the audio as you record. There are different types of microphones, with multiple sizes and prices. 

The USB microphone is very common, and you can plug it directly into your computer. It's recommended for those who are doing a solo podcast since they often follow the cardioid polar pattern,  which is designed to catch one voice at a time. 

Another option is the XRL microphone, which comes in different formats. They offer professional sound quality and are suited for interview programs, where you can use just one mic to capture all the voices, or, even better, have a microphone for each person. This type of microphone can't be directly plugged into the computer, though, you will need a mixer or a digital recorder to send the audio to the computer. 

Recording Device#

Your smartphone is a recording device itself, as most of them come with an audio recording app integrated. You can use them instead of a microphone if you need to capture sounds and you don't have any microphones with you at the moment.

You can also use the recording device, which is small and you can carry it around with you wherever you need. To start recording all you have to do is press "start". There are old recording device models that save the audio on a tape, but nowadays they are digital, and you can send the audio directly to the computer. Digital recorders also come with  SD card slots and other inputs too.

Computer#

You can install an audio editing app on your smartphone and produce everything you need to have a podcast on it, but with the computer, it may be easier to edit. Instead of using the touch screen to move the bar and make the necessary cuts in the audio files, you can use a mouse or a keyboard for better precision. You also have the alternative to record remote interviews online. 

Audio Interface#

The audio interface isn't essential podcast equipment, but it's useful to have if you are going to use XRL microphones. You can connect the mics to the interface, then transfer the audio files to the computer. 

Headphones#

Headphones are a very important part of podcast equipment because you will need to hear with attention what you are recording. It's also a very good tool when you are editing the audio to catch if there are any problems and fix them. 

Pop Filter#

If your microphone doesn't come with built-in filters to avoid the plosive sounds to get in the way of the recording, you may need a pop filter. It's installed near the microphone, in front of your face, and it will help to have an even better sound. Another advantage is that pop filters aren't expensive. 

How to Choose Your Podcast Equipment#

There are several aspects to be considered when choosing the best podcast equipment for you. First, you need to set up a budget, how much are you willing to spend to purchase all you need? If your budget is low, this doesn't mean you can't have a podcast, start with your smartphone. 

After setting up your budget, it's important to consider the type of podcast you will create. If your podcast is going to have several interviews, which won't be recorded online, it is worth having more than one microphone, for example. 

Make a list of the items you need, and what you already have. Before buying anything, research the product online, and check the customer reviews. This way you avoid spending money on podcast equipment that isn't good and won't deliver a satisfactory result. 

Use Social Media to Promote Your Podcast#

Once you decide what your podcast is going to be about and start producing, besides investing in the proper podcast equipment, also develop the visual identity of the podcast, creating a logo, and a cover, and defining other details, such as the color palette. 

You can create social media profiles with the name of your podcast, and use these platforms to interact with your target audience. An idea is to publish a post before each podcast is released presenting the topic of the show, and inviting the audience to listen to it. Enjoy it to add a link to the podcast.