Podcasting Essentials: A Complete Equipment Checklist

A professional podcast requires a flawless set-up. This article is a definitive guide for podcast hosts to check the list of essential equipment and not miss out on anything.

Podcasting Essentials: A Complete Equipment Checklist
Excited about starting a podcast? You’ve got great content ready and can’t wait to get started; What more could you need? It’s true that you don’t need a fancy studio or in-depth tech know-how to start your podcast. However, you do need some good equipment to take off successfully.
Let’s take a look at the comprehensive list of equipment required for a podcast. The list focuses on how to deliver a traditional audio podcast flawlessly.

MIC

notion image
https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-gray-microphone-164829/
This is the most crucial piece of equipment for your podcast. Your voice is the only aspect of your personality in a podcast that will draw listeners in, so you should sound great.
You can choose a USB mic for a hassle-free setup. USB mics are extremely easy to use, and they connect with your laptop and phone via a USB port.
But if you’re planning a podcast with more than two people, explore dynamic/condenser analog mics, which are better suited to the need as the digital (USB) mics can create issues with communication when there are more people involved.
Buy a dynamic mic if you wish to capture loud and strong sounds, but if you want to pick up delicate sounds, then a condenser mic is the right choice. Remember, the mic is crucial to the audio quality, so spend a little generously here.

POP FILTER

notion image
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-microphone-and-a-pop-filter-8198559/
A pop filter eliminates plosive or wheezing sounds while you are recording. Mics are sensitive, and they tend to pick up extra chatter or disturbance. This piece of equipment prevents that from happening. Some mics come with a built-in filter, but if you don’t have a mic that does, it is a good idea to buy a pop filter separately.

SHOCK MOUNT

notion image
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/recording-studio-red-microphone-with-shock-mount-gm539091032-96024663
This is another accessory to your mic which enhances the quality of sound while recording. Having a shock mount is as important as the pop filter. Your mic is mounted onto this device so that it can move back and forth and absorb vibrations transmitted from the floor through the mic stand. With this equipment, you don’t have to worry about the faint background sounds that would otherwise appear on your recorded session.

BOOM ARM

notion image
https://unsplash.com/photos/ZJ_JWo4X0hM
It is highly recommended that you buy a boom arm for perfect mic placement and better posture.  Also, when you’re hosting multiple guests, a boom arm can move the mic horizontally over to your guest speakers, eliminating the need of setting up an extra mic.
A sturdy boom arm will allow you to keep your hands free. It is also very convenient when you and your guests face each other as you can place the mic above your head and not have it come in between the speakers.

HEADPHONES

notion image
https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-wireless-headphones-on-white-table-610945/
Using headphones is like proofreading your voice. You can hear yourself as you record to detect and eliminate any slurs or unwanted sounds then and there. You can go for noise-canceling headphones to ensure a better hearing experience.
Using headphones allows you to hear the sound loud and clear so you or your guests don't have to repeat yourselves during a conversation.

AUDIO INTERFACE HARDWARE

You can rely on this equipment to ensure a superior recording experience. An analog mic cannot be directly connected to your computer, unlike the USB mic.
Audio interface hardware converts your mic’s analog output into digital input for your computer to understand. You can then edit the recorded sound on your computer via audio editing software.
This gear improves the quality of your recording by at least a factor of ten. However, you don't need one if you’re using a USB mic but the difference in quality is substantial.

CABLES

Last but not least, you need to invest in high-quality cables which connect all your hardware. Quality wires offer you smooth and secure connections. They are more durable and long-lasting.
The equipment listed above is more than capable of making your podcasts stand out provided you already have a computer and a stable internet connection. You can choose to explore soundproofing if it is necessary to your requirements.
This list will enable you to create a glitch-free superior quality podcast! Get early access to Listnr.FM and start you podcasting journey today!

FAQs

Can anybody start a podcast?

Anyone can start a podcast, you don’t need any particular technical skills to start one. Get compelling content, the right equipment and a robust platform like Lstnr that let’s you record, edit, host and distribute your podcast effortlessly.

Can I podcast from home?

You can use your phone to record a podcast however for significantly improved quality, use a microphone, and monitor the sound with headphones. You can easily use an end-to-end podcasting solution like Listnr to record, edit and distribute your podcast.

Does it cost money to post a podcast?

There are many podcast hosts in the market. Some offer free hosting services for limited hours and packages that start at around $12 per month. You can try Listnr.fm for free if you want to create 1 Podcast show.Choose a platform that provides a good user experience, and the ability to edit, distribute and monetize your podcasts.

Do podcasts make money?

Making money from podcasts requires patience. Build a loyal community and explore avenues like contributions, affiliate marketing and sponsorships.