A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for Beginners

In the Internet world, the podcast has emerged as the real deal that has given a base to many people to speak out their words without being on camera. So, apart from this previous explanation, there are loads and loads of things that you should know before starting your podcast channel. Wondering what they are? Well, here we will talk about a few podcast equipment necessary for the newbie podcasters.

Podcast equipment does not only mean a mic, computer, or audio editing; there are more on the bench.

Henceforth, below are the list of essential podcast equipment that you need:

A computer

A computer is the prime most that are needed for building a proper podcast setup for your program. As only with appropriate software, you can enhance the project’s audio, which directly means that you need a computer. And to support such software for a digital audio workstation (DAW), you need a computer that should have the right processors, memories, and correct USB ports.

On the specification side, a computer should have at least 8GB of Random-Access Memory (RAM), a small amount of Solid-State Device (SSD) storage, and a triple-core processor.

An XLR or USB microphone

Do you know an XLR is the most critical instrument for a podcast? The microphone determines the sound quality and also determines how efficiently you can save time in post-production.

The XLR podcasting microphones are used in professionals’ setups, which are connected to the mixer and the computer. Beginners can benefit from a USB podcasting microphone that connects straight to the computer via a USB port.

Beginners can also benefit from Dynamic podcasting microphones, but they provide less crisp and layered sound. The condenser podcasting microphones are used in recording studios with robust acoustic treatments, but they are sensitive to high frequencies and environmental noise.

Read Also: How to Create a Killer Podcast Intro and Outro?

Mixer

The mixers will help improve the audio quality and record the voice of co-hosts or guests with the multi-channel recordings. Using mixers helps in recording live episodes with AUX features.

Mixers also minimize the time needed for post-production for the final cut. The AUX out feature and number of channels are truly incredible features of mixers. The mixers will give better control over levels, inputs, outputs, and more.

Read Also: What Successful Podcasters Do Behind the Scenes

Pop filter or windscreen

To protect the air blasts from our mouths while we speak words like P or T, a pop filter or windscreens are needed.

The pop filters are foams or mesh screens fixed in front of the microphone to block the air blast or plosive noise to render a smoother audio output. Some mics are made built-in with filters, but it also won’t cost you much if you buy them separately.

Headphones

It might seem quite unnatural, i.e., using headphones while recording or doing a live podcast, as you have to hear your voice.

Well, headphones will cancel out noise from the environment, so you can solely focus on the audio. The headphone will help you trap any noise issues or audio level drops that can be fixed out later.

Headphone Amplifier

Headphone amplifiers are much needed when the podcast is going to get hosted by several people. The headphone amplifiers will not only amplify (going by their name) but will also act as a headphone splitter.

Read Also: How To Convert Your Webinar Into A Podcast?

Microphone stand

Hey, do you know about the mic stand? If not, let me explain. Often moving the mic while talking might raise a situation where the mic gets rubbed this. The stand will improve posture and sound quality.

The boom arm or the microphone stand helps in its easy mobility, as you can keep it in any position. You can easily pull in and push out the microphone from your mouth.

Acoustic treatments

You can opt for acoustic treatments if your place has too much reverb or echo. However, this acoustic treatment is not only about a single object like the rest of the others in this list.

But it involves including other equipment to cut other noises. Take the example of covering yourself with a blanket. And thus, it is suitable equipment for beginners.

Recording and Editing Podcast Audio

Though these are not physical equipment, they are extremely mandatory for a podcast.  First, you need a digital audio workspace to trap in or record the audio and later edit by correcting, so for that; you need the correct podcast editing services.

Shock Mount

Have you ever wondered how to counter the sounds of tapping, typing, or small vibrations? Well, the shock mount is the answer. Microphones are sensitive to most kinds of sounds; they can easily trap every sound.

So, shock mount can correct discard sounds, which are hard to notice even while editing. Most microphone makers provide mics that are compatible with shock mounts.

Read Also: 6 Podcasting Myths You Should Stop Believing

Microphone Cables

Now back to the physical equipment part, you need several cables that connect from your microphone to your audio interface, mixer, or preamp somehow.

So, for that, you need XLR microphone cables. Try not to buy the cheaper ones as that won’t sustain long and will bring in further problems.

Microphone Arm

If you and your guest got the potential to hold the microphone throughout the podcast, then kudos, you have saved some bucks. But if you can’t like most other people, you need to invest in the microphone arm that is an essential part of a podcasting studio.

So even if your guest moves from hitherto tither, the arm will maintain a consistent sound level. It will offer better comfort to your guests.

Portable Digital Recorder

So, if you prefer to record your voice for your podcast on the go, i.e., while traveling, then try investing in portable digital recorders.

Yes, smartphones can do the job, but yes unlike smartphones, portable recorders will give better battery life and excellent sound output.

Podcast hosting provider

Another nonphysical entity in the list? Yes, the podcast hosting provider will help create your podcast field and automatically upload your podcast to a major platform as you upload a newer one.

But remember to look at the tool’s storage, bandwidth, content promotion integrations, and website creation options before hiring them to work.

Conclusion

Okay, so these are the equipment mentioned above that every beginner needs to run a podcast show. Yes, this may feel heavy in your pocket. But these are just initial expenditures that will help in the long run.

So, be wise and rational while choosing the products related to the equipment needed.