Podcast Equipment for Beginners: Your Guide
As a podcaster, you want to make sure that your podcast sounds great. That means you need the right equipment and accessories. However, this can be overwhelming for new podcasters—especially if you don’t know where to start. You may not even know what these podcast equipment for beginners are or what they do!
Fret not, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll go over all the podcast equipment for beginners that you need to get started. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the best equipment for your needs.
Podcast Equipment for Beginners: What You Need
The first step in setting up your podcasting equipment is to consider beginning a podcast. You’ll need the following to get going.
Microphone
A good microphone is key when it comes to recording a podcast. You’ll want to make sure that whatever microphone you pick has a high-quality build and excellent sound quality. Your favorite podcast hosts often use microphones made by Blue Yeti or Rode, but there are other options out there that are just as good at different price points.
It does not have to be expensive to get a good microphone, but you will want to make sure it’s durable and reliable. Because they’re simple to use and can be connected to any computer or laptop, USB microphones are the best option. Additionally, you’ll need a shock mount for your microphone to prevent audio distortion caused by movement while you’re recording.
Pop Filter or Windscreen
A pop filter or windscreen is another essential piece of equipment for anyone who wants to record high-quality audio. It helps prevent the popping sounds that occur when you say certain letters and words, especially P’s and B’s.
A pop filter provides a smoother sound than you would get without one, and it doesn’t cost much.
Headphones
Headphones are another essential piece of podcast equipment for beginners. To hear what is being recorded and to make any necessary adjustments, you will need a pair of headphones. Having headphones on while recording allows you to monitor the sound quality of your recording and make adjustments accordingly.
A pair of headphones is also essential for editing your podcast. You must be able to hear the audio being recorded while editing it. This will give you the chance to make the necessary changes and guarantee that the episode sounds fantastic when it is published. A good pair of headphones can last a long time if taken care of properly.
A Computer
There are many different types of computers available, but the one you need to podcast is a Windows or Mac computer. The reason for this is that most audio editing programs are only available on these operating systems.
The computer will also need to be able to run the required programs. Most computers that are purchased today can handle most podcasting software, but if you’re unsure it may be a good idea to check with your computer shop before buying one just in case.
Mixer
A mixer is a device that amplifies the sound coming from your computer. You can use one to control the levels of each individual track, which is great if you’re trying to record multiple people at once. The mixer will also allow you to add effects like echo or reverb if needed.
Podcast Software
There are many different podcast software available, but they all have the same function: recording and editing audio files. The best software will allow you to record your voice and music in high quality without any background noise or distortion. Some software even includes features like automatic volume control and noise reduction.
When you’re ready to publish your podcast, you’ll need a hosting platform. Hosting platforms are where your podcast will live and be available for listeners to access. They can be free or paid, depending on what features you require. While some hosting platforms offer more features than others, they all provide a place for people to listen to your podcasts.
The Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners: Factors to Consider
When you’re just starting out with podcasting, it can seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get started without breaking the bank. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what equipment is best for your podcast:
Your Budget
One of the first factors to consider is your budget. If you’re just starting out, it’s likely that you don’t have a lot of money to spend on equipment. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t make high-quality podcasts! There are plenty of affordable podcast equipment options out there for beginners.
The key is to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford to spend.
The Type of Podcast You Want To Create
You should also take into consideration what type of podcast you want to create. If you’re planning on doing an interview-style podcast, then a high-quality microphone is going to be more important than if you are creating an audio documentary or other types of show that doesn’t require as much interaction with your guest(s).
It will also determine the number of microphones you need to purchase. If you are doing an interview-style podcast, then it’s likely that you’ll need two or three microphones so that your guests can talk into one and you can talk into another.
How You Plan to Use the Equipment
When you’re planning to purchase equipment, it’s important to take into consideration how you plan to use it. If you are going to be doing interviews and recording podcasts in the same space where people live or work, then noise reduction may be a concern for you.
Do you need to keep the mic at a distance from the subject? Do you need to purchase a mic with great sound quality? Is it important for your podcast to be portable? These are all questions that should be answered before making any purchases.
The Number of People You Plan to Record With
As mentioned above, the more people you plan to record, the more expensive your equipment will be. If you plan on doing interviews with just one person at a time, then an inexpensive USB mic may suffice. However, a specialized recorder and mixer are generally best suited for your needs if you intend to record podcasts where numerous speakers are speaking at once.
Choosing the best podcast equipment for beginners is a matter of understanding your needs and being realistic about what you can afford. It’s best to have one guest at a time to record with and then build up your equipment as you go along.
These are just some of the factors you should consider when choosing the best podcast equipment for beginners. If you’re serious about starting a podcast, then it’s worth taking your time to find the right equipment and learn how to use it effectively.
How Much Do You Need to Spend For the Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As with most things in life, the more money you spend, the better quality your podcast will be. If you’re just starting out and have limited funds, then it’s best to get some basic equipment that will get the job done for a reasonable price.
But if you’re wondering how much you need to spend for the best podcast equipment for beginners, then here’s a rough breakdown:
Basic Computer/Laptop: $500
Basic Microphone: $30-50
Headphones: $25-50
Mixer: $60-$100
Software: Free or $50 max/month
Note that this is just an estimate and you may need to spend more or less depending on your specific needs. For example, if you want a professional-quality podcast, then it’s best to invest in some of the higher-end equipment like mixers and microphones.
Where To Purchase The Best Podcast Equipment For Beginners
Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience, but they can be difficult to create without the right equipment. If you’re just starting out, here are some of the best places to get the equipment you need:
Amazon
Amazon offers a wide variety of podcasting equipment at competitive prices and with free shipping. You can even get discounts if you sign up for their Prime membership!
There are also merchants who sell podcasting kits for beginners. They include everything you need to get started, including a microphone and other accessories.
Best Buy
A wide range of podcasting tools and accessories are available at Best Buy, all of which are reasonably priced and frequently on sale. You can also get free shipping if you’re a Best Buy Rewards member.
The company’s website has a good selection of kits for beginners as well. Their selection includes a large selection of microphones, mixing boards, headphones, and more.
AliExpress
Find some of the cheapest podcasting gear on AliExpress, an online marketplace that sells a large range of products from China. The site has an extensive selection of accessories and equipment for all types of people.
It’s a known fact that you can find some of the best quality products on AliExpress. To make things easier, they have filters that let you narrow down your search by price (cheap to expensive), brand, size, and color.
Walmart
Walmart is a great place to start if you are looking to get your first podcasting gear. They have a variety of options available at affordable prices, including microphones, headphones, and mixing boards. The selection is not as large as Amazon or AliExpress, but they do have some of the best-selling podcasting equipment available.
It’s accessible and easy to use, which is why it’s one of the most popular websites in the world. Their search engine is easy to use, and their customer service representatives are always available when you need them.
These are just a few of the many places and platforms where you can find your podcasting gear. The selection and prices will vary depending on the store, but one thing is for certain: you’ll never be short of options when it comes to buying equipment.
Do You Need Podcasting Equipment for Beginners?
Even if you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to have some podcasting equipment. In fact, having the right gear can make or break your podcast. You need to invest in the right equipment if you want your podcast to sound great and be successful.
Quality is everything, and with the tough competition in the podcasting world, you need all the help you can get. If you’re just starting out and don’t have any equipment, it’s a good idea to start slowly. You can get started with just a microphone, headphones, and an audio recorder. Then as your podcast grows in popularity, so will your audience. When that happens, you’ll be able to invest in more advanced equipment.
Final Thoughts on the Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners
If you want to get started in podcasting, but don’t know where to begin, let this article be your guide. We’ve outlined what we believe are the best podcast equipment and software for beginners, as well as some helpful tips for podcasting in general. But we don’t want to just tell you what we think — we want to hear from you.
You can purchase some of the equipment we listed here, or all of it, your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different equipment and software, either. You never know what combination might work best for your podcast. So get started today, and enjoy the journey!
Disclosure: Our objective is to highlight products and services that we believe you will enjoy and find useful. If you buy them, Starting to Know may receive a tiny percentage of the sales proceeds from our commerce partners at no additional cost to you.
