The Podcast Equipment You Need to Get Started

June 23, 2023

If you’re new to the wonderful world of podcasting, there are quite a few topics you’ll need to learn about before you can get started. While mastering how to tell an engaging story or create compelling conversations with guests is essential, so is having the right podcast equipment.

Choosing the best podcast equipment for your needs can get confusing; that’s why we’re here to help! Whether you record your entire podcast on your smartphone or invest in high-quality podcast equipment, we’ve got you covered. We’ve created this comprehensive list with the most important podcast equipment, so you can become the storyteller you always wanted to be.

Are you ready to create your own podcast? Let’s dive in!

First Off, What Type of Podcast Are You Recording?

There are many different types of podcasts, and deciding which type of podcast you’re interested in creating is the first step towards telling your story. Some podcasts are quite complex, with co-hosts and sound effects, while others are simple and feature a single host. You may also be interested in creating a news-reporting or educational podcast.

Each podcast format requires different equipment so you can tell your story your way! For instance, if you’re creating an interview-style podcast with multiple guests, acquiring multiple microphones and headphones for a professional setup may be beneficial. Once you decide which type of podcast you’ll create, you’ll know which podcast equipment is most important for your needs.

The Most Important Podcast Equipment for Beginners

Having the right podcast equipment ensures that you’re able to start off strong and get your audience excited about your content. Remember that it’s okay to start with a modest podcast setup. You can always acquire more equipment as your audience expands.

If you need help figuring out where to start, consider the following podcasting tools, so you’re ready to record!

1. Computer or Mobile Device

A computer is the first piece of podcasting equipment you’ll need to create your masterpiece. You can use almost any computer to create your podcast, whether it’s a Mac or a PC. What’s most important is that the computer supports the digital audio workstation (DAW) that you use to record and edit your podcast.

The good news is that not all DAWs require a computer. If you only have access to a smartphone or tablet, you can still become a storyteller! With cloud-based DAWs like Soundtrap for Education, you can create your podcast on any internet-connected device.

If you decide to purchase a brand new computer for your podcasting journey, just make sure it has enough memory space and the right USB ports, so you can focus on creating!

2. Microphone

A high-quality microphone can give your podcast a professional sound that your audience will love. Also, a podcasting microphone will make it easier to edit your podcast during post-production. While there are a few different types of microphones to choose from, these are the most common ones for podcasting:

Dynamic microphones have a lower sensitivity to ambient noise, so they’re recommended if you need to record in a noisy environment.
Condenser microphones can pick up high frequencies and environmental noise. Condenser microphones are a good choice if you can record in a calm, quiet space.

Podcasting is all about being creative and sharing your vision with the world, so if you don’t have access to an external microphone, that’s okay. You can still get started with your device’s built-in microphone.

3. Mixer

Mixers are another essential piece of podcast equipment for beginners. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, mixers enhance audio quality and offer multi-channel recordings so that you can record your podcast with friends.

By adding a mixer to your podcast setup, you’ll also have the opportunity to record live episodes with AUX effects, which allows you to add sound effects during your recording session. This way, you’ll have a smooth post-production experience.

4. Podcasting Headphones

You’ll need a pair of podcasting headphones for the smoothest recording and editing process possible. Regarding podcast equipment, almost any pair of headphones will help you get the job done.

You can use the same pair of headphones to listen to music. If you want a more robust podcasting setup, you can purchase a pair of over-the-ear headphones with noise-canceling capabilities. Just make sure that everyone recording with you has a pair of headphones because it will help you assess the audio quality as you record.

5. Microphone Stand

A microphone stand is another helpful piece of podcast equipment if you’re using an external microphone. A mic stand will ensure that the microphone is level with the speaker’s mouth, providing better sound quality. Another benefit of using a microphone stand is that it reduces the chance of someone knocking the microphone over while recording.

6. Acoustic Treatments

Acoustic treatments are often overlooked when considering podcasting equipment, but you’ll reap the benefits when it’s time to mix and master your recording! You may not even need to purchase any extra equipment to improve the acoustics in your podcast recording space because you can use items lying around the house.

If you have the option, consider recording in a space that doesn’t have too many hard surfaces because the sound waves can bounce off of them and create an echo. For instance, hang blankets from the walls to absorb the sound, or even record inside a quiet closet where clothes will help muffle noise. If you want to create a dedicated podcasting space in your home, materials like empty egg cartons can also be turned into handy soundproofing.

7. Video Camera

Many podcasters don’t release video content, so using visuals to promote your podcast is a great way to stand out from the crowd! Consider adding a video camera to your list of must-have podcast equipment for a successful release. You can use a video camera to create social media posts and YouTube videos that garner your audience’s attention.

When podcasters add video content to their creation, they typically use a single camera set at a specific angle to simplify the editing process. But if you’re committed to creating high-end video content, you can try setting up multiple cameras in the same room in order to get shots from different angles and develop an engaging final product!

8. Audio Interface

If you’ve ever been inside a recording studio, you’ve seen an audio interface before. When you’re selecting podcast equipment, you may discover that you need an audio interface as well, but it will be much smaller than the ones used in professional recording studios.

An audio interface will convert the microphone’s audio signal into a digital signal so that the sound travels back to your computer for editing purposes. You won’t need this podcast equipment if you’re using a USB microphone or a built-in microphone.

However, many podcasters prefer to use an audio interface to maintain the integrity of the original audio recording. Additionally, audio interfaces typically allow multiple input and output channels so that you can record with several different microphones at once.

9. Recording and Editing Software

Once your recording space is set up, you can focus on creating your podcast. But first, you’ll need the right digital audio workstation. Your digital audio workstation, also known as a DAW, is the software you’ll use to record and edit your podcast. There are plenty of different DAWs to choose from, but your DAW must be compatible with your operating system.

Unless you have quite a bit of experience editing audio, you’ll need to select an intuitive and easy-to-use DAW, so you can direct your energy toward delivering the best story possible.

Not sure where to start? Soundtrap for Education has all the tools you need to create a stellar podcast! Complete with an Interactive Transcript Tool and plenty of tutorials to guide you, this cloud-based DAW has everything you need to begin your podcasting journey.

10. Podcast Hosting Provider

When it’s time to share your podcast with the world, you’ll need to find the right podcast hosting provider. This may not be podcast equipment, per se, but it’s undoubtedly crucial to your creative process. A podcast hosting provider allows you to store and share your audio recordings with others. They also help you share your podcast with interested listeners as you grow your audience.

There are a few different podcast hosting providers to choose from, but if you’re using Soundtrap for Education, you can upload your podcast directly to Spotify for a seamless experience from start to finish.

Create Your Podcast with Soundtrap for Education

Soundtrap for Education is the ultimate audio production platform for students and teachers to create and edit audio recordings. Pupils and educators can easily tap into their artistic side with this intuitive audio platform that facilitates a creative learning environment for every subject, regardless of the student’s age or experience level.

With Soundtrap for Education, students and teachers can collaborate with advanced cloud technology at any time or place. In addition, the platform comes equipped with a robust resource portal. The portal contains tutorials, an external curriculum, and lesson plans to complete the educational experience. And teachers can keep student collaboration safe and secure with invite-only groups in Soundtrap’s versatile digital environment.

If you’re ready to enhance your educational experience with an intuitive cloud-based audio production platform, get started today with Soundtrap for Education! And be sure to share this article with other teachers in your network to help spread the joy of learning through sound.