Would you like to start your podcast? If you answered yes, you will need some podcasting equipment and set up a podcast studio. But what is a podcast? A podcast is a two worded word – iPod and broadcasting. Therefore, a podcast can be explained as the art of recording sounds of either an individual or a group of people talking about a particular theme.
Once you have recorded a podcast, you can upload it online, and listeners can download it and listen at their own time. It is essential to note that the listener does not need an iPod to listen to a podcast. Also, you do not necessarily need an iPod to record a podcast. The essence of the word iPod in the podcast is to differentiate it from a radio broadcast.
When you want to start a podcast studio, it is paramount for you to answer the following critical question: what kind of podcast are you going to record? Depending on the type of podcast you are going to create, you will require different types of equipment.
Why? Because there are various kinds of podcasts. So, lets dig in to know how to setup a podcast studio.
The following are the different types of podcasts available:
- Storytelling
- Traditional podcast
- Inspirational podcast
- Interviews
- Webinars or live events
- Reporting or case studios
It is crucial to know the kind of podcast you are going to create so that you can choose the right equipment to get the job done. It will also help you understand how much you will be spending to set up the studio and the environment that you will require.
Basics of setting up a podcast studio
For you to set up a podcast studio, you must understand how a podcast studio works. The primary steps in creating a podcast are similar in all kinds of podcasts. The following are the major steps:
- Idea and planning – you should have an idea of what you want to have in a given episode. If possible, you should have a written script for the same. If you are at a position, you can invite some audience for your recording.
- Recording – the next step is the actual recording. The recording should be done in the studio that you have created. You can do as many recordings of the same episode as you can.
- Editing – after recording, you need to edit your episode. This is critical because you will take all the unnecessary things and make the podcast sound at its best.
- Uploading – after you have edited your episode and you are content with the audio you have as the final copy. Next, you will upload it to your chosen site that will host it.
- Marketing – the last step is marketing your content to as many social media platforms as you can. This will help to attract potential listeners to your podcast.
Equipment you need
When you want to set up a home podcast studio, there is some equipment that you will need to this end. Depending on the kind of podcast that you are going to create, you will need various types of equipment. The following are the major equipment that is required to set up a podcast studio:
- Microphone
- Headphones
- Mixer
- Software
- Extra accessories
We will now consider each of the pieces of equipment listed above and give relevant examples in each category. Read on to be enlightened.
Microphone
The most crucial piece of equipment when creating a podcast is the microphone. You cannot just buy any mic if you want your podcast to sound like a pro. It is critical to buy a decent microphone that has excellent audio quality.
There are various types of microphones available in the market. Ensure that you purchase the one that is suited for the kind of podcast you want to create.
Hereunder are some of the best microphones we would suggest for you:
1. Audio Technica 2005 – USB
Audio Technica is a renowned brand in the industry. Its products are of high-quality, so you can be sure of getting a quality product for your podcast.
The Audio Technica 2005 – USB is an affordable microphone, so you will not break a bank to own it. Apart from that, it is a cardioid kind of mic, so it picks the sound at the end of the microphone.
What’s more, the Audio Technica 2005 – USB is designed to suppress all background noise. So, only what you are saying will be heard.
The microphone comes with a USB cable, but also you can use the XLR cord. Besides that, there is a headphone jack that allows you to monitor what you are recording remotely. With the help of the XLR cord, you can connect the Audio Technica 2005 – USB either to the mixer directly or the computer.
In terms of audio quality, the Audio Technica 2005 – USB has a decent sound. This will ensure that your podcast has the best audio quality for your listeners.
2. Electro-Voice RE20
Another high-quality podcast microphone is the Electro-Voice RE20. It is a cardioid kind of receiver, and it is very popular with most radio broadcasts.
In terms of sound quality, the Electro-Voice RE20 is the best there is. With decent microphone control, even if you are a beginner, you will sound like a pro.
However, the mic is a bit expensive if you are a starter, and you are working on a budget. But the service it will offer you is worth every extra penny that you will spend on it.
What’s more, the Electro-Voice RE20 comes with a decent preamp, which improves the sound quality that it produces.
3. Blue Yeti Pro
Another very common mic for podcasters is the Blue Yeti Pro and for all good reasons. First, it is affordable, so it will not leave a dent in your pocket.
Also, in terms of sound quality, the Blue Yeti Pro has one of the best audio quality for podcasting. Apart from that, it comes with a stand so you can place it on the table as you talk.
The Blue Yeti Pro is omnidirectional, so it will receive sound from any direction as you speak. What’s more, there are buttons for various control functions.
The design of the Blue Yeti Pro makes it stand out from the crowd. It is designed to look very professional.
Headphones
Another essential equipment when creating a podcast is a good pair of headphones. For podcasting purposes, it is recommended that you use over the ear kind of headphones. Also, they should be well cushioned to prevent noise leakage. The pads will also make them comfortable to wear them for a long time as you make the podcast.
But the best headphones depends on your personal preference. The quality of sound that you will get will vary from one headphone to another. But the essential factor to consider is to ensure that it does not leak.
The following are some of the best headphones for a podcast.
1. Sony MDR-7506
This is one of the best headphones for podcasting at an affordable price. They come in a sleek design, which makes them perfect for podcasting.
One of the outstanding features of the Sony MDR-7506 is that it does not leak any sound even at high volume. Apart from that, it reproduces the best audio at mid-range frequencies. Therefore, you can hear yourself as you record.
In terms of audio quality, you can be assured to get one of the most satisfying sounds from the Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
They are padded on the ears to ensure that you are comfortable even if you wear them for a long time. Also, the headband is adjustable so that they can sit comfortably on your head.
2. Behringer HPX2000
Another great pair of headphones for podcasting is the Behringer HPX2000. If you are a newbie and you need affordable headphones, this is the best choice for you.
They are designed for music mixing, but they work very well when recording a podcast. If you are a bass lover, then you can be assured to get the best booming bass from the Behringer HPX2000 headphones.
In terms of sound quality, they have a decent sound. In the mid-range frequency, however, the sound might fall below the ideal level for podcasting.
They come with a closed-back, which ensure there is minimum sound leakage even at high volume. This makes them a perfect pair for monitoring your audio recording.
The earmuffs of the Behringer HPX2000 are padded for comfort even after wearing them for a long time. The headband is also adjustable to ensure they fit well on your head.
The ear cups are also swiveling, which allows you to choose whether to use one ear or both. They are also capable of isolating the sound to minimize any audio loss.
3. Audio Technica ATH-M70X
Are you looking for high-end headphones for your podcast? Then may we recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M70X.
What makes the Audio Technica ATH-M70X headphones stand out from the rest is their superior sound monitoring ability. They come with a swiveling ear cup, which allows you to opt to listen via one ear or both.
That is not all; the Audio Technica ATH-M70X has the noise isolation ability. This means you will only hear what you want to hear without any destruction.
Moreover, the earmuffs are cushioned. So, you can wear them for a long time, and you will not experience any fatigue in your ears. The headband is adjustable to fit your head size comfortably.
Mixer
Most of the mixers available in the market require an interface to the microphone and your computer. However, if you are using a mic with a USB connection, for those that need an interface, you will require XLR.
The mixer will help you to connect other sources, such as when you want to play some music while recording. Also, it will help to minimize editing after logging. The mixer will help you get your audio into your computer.
In simple terms, the mixer acts as the audio board, which has the ability to send and receive more than one audio input. It gives you a chance to affect the audio signals.
The primary work of the mixer is to give you control over the panning, EQ, and volume. There are those other advanced effects that give you advanced mixing techniques.
Some of the other extra features that for in a mixer include a mix-minus feature. This feature allows you to divide the audio signal into 2 different channels. One channel is for your personal use while the other channel is for guests. With this split gives you full control of both sounds and each on a separate track.
Another feature to look for is the AUX sender and return control. This feature allows you to have advanced editing control.
The other thing to look for is the USB output. The USB allows you to send your audio directly from the mixer to your computer. This feature makes your work very easy. However, it takes away some of your control over the sound you are recording.
The following are some of the best mixers that we recommend for your podcasting:
1. PreSonus StudioLive AR16
This is the best mixer for podcasting in the market today. It is a USB kind of blender that allows you to connect to your computer directly.
One of the outstanding features of the PreSonus StudioLive AR16 is that it comes with a total of18 channels. These channels are sufficient to run everything that you need for your podcast.
Apart from that, it comes with a Bluetooth connection. There is also an SD card that allows record all your files. With the SD card, you can directly record to the SD card if you do not have an external storage media.
2. Behringer XENYX502 with UCA202 Audio Interface
If you are an individual podcast maker, this mixer is ideal for you. It comes with an XLR mic input. Also, there are 4 mono inputs. Apart from that, there is a volume control function for every separate channel.
In addition to that, there are 2 bands for EQ for your vocals. This allows you to connect other devices and play music if you wish to.
The Behringer XENYX502 is not a USB kind of mixer, so you will require an interface. Therefore, it comes with the UCA202 Audio Interface. From the interface, you can be able to connect to your computer with a USB cable.
Software
Another piece of equipment that you will need when setting up a podcast studio is the software for recording your vocals. There are those podcasters who prefer to use the free DAW software to create their podcast. But this free version of DAW does not have some of the advanced features which allow you to edit your podcast.
Some of the software that you can use include:
1. Audacity
This is free software that allows you both to record and edit your audio. However, it lacks the MP3 mix down, so you will need a third party plug for this function.
Check HERE
2. Logic Pro
This is a paid software which is very surprising. It allows you to perform some of the in-depth editings so as to improve your audio quality. It comes with various functions that you can command to remove all the unwanted stuff from your audio. The final result will make you sound like a pro even if you are an armature.
Check HERE
Also read:
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- Best Boomboxes of all time (Updated 2023)
Extra accessories
In order for all the pieces of equipment that we have mentioned above to work well, there are some accessories that work with them. These accessories will help to improve your podcast studio setup.
The following are some of the common accessories that you should consider:
- Microphone stand
- Pop filter
- Sound windscreen
- Headphone amplifier
- Shock mounts
- Microphone cables
- Acoustic treatment
- Podcast hosting
- Web hosting
- Digital recorder
- SD card
- Preamp
- Headphone splitter
- Portable recorder
- Audio clip player
- Sound conditioning
For complete kit Click HERE
Conclusion
Did you get intimidated by the pieces of equipment that you require to set up a podcast studio scare you? You can work with your budget and acquire the essential equipment and start, and you will acquire other types of equipment as you continue. Let nothing stop you from achieving your podcasting goals. All the best.