Well, you finally decided to start your podcast. Remember, everyone starts from zero. And I mean everyone—including the podcasters who now have thousands of loyal fans. So do not worry if you are nervous or feeling like a beginner. We are here to help you. Here is every piece of equipment you will need to start your podcast—with links!
1. Laptop
A laptop allows you to become a pod master, enhancing your podcast with flair so you can produce the podcast of your dreams. You can harness the immense editing power offered by several editing suites, using visual effects and music, transitions, or even live video.
The key factors in choosing a laptop are the memory, processing power, and operating system. The others are just extras. Here are the 3 laptops that we recommend for podcasting:
1. Lenovo Idea Pad 5i (15.6”): Great for podcasters who want to grab and go. The Lenovo IdeaPad is affordable, super portable, robust, and an all-around winner for fair prices.
Price: Starting at $869
Processor: 11th Gen 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-Core Processor
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® MX550 2GB
Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, touchscreen, 300 nits, TÜV certified
Memory: 12 GB
GET IT HERE
2.ASUS VivoBook F510UA: Get your podcast on the go with the ASUS VivoBook F510UA, which is compact enough to carry but still boasts a big screen.
Price: $599
Processor: Powerful Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz (Turbo up to 3.1GHz) processor
Operating system: Windows 10 Home
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 15.6 inches anti-glare Full HD 1920×1080 Wide View display with ASUS Splendid software enhancement
Memory: 8 GB
GET IT HERE
3. Macbook Air: The MacBook Air’s battery life and portability are unmatched, and it can run about any resource-intensive software you throw at it.
Price: $1199
Processor: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU
Operating system: macOS
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 13.6-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina display.
Memory: 8 GB
GET IT HERE
2. Microphones
Whether you want it or not, your microphone is the key ingredient for your podcast. Good audio attracts listeners like moths to a flame, while poor audio can annoy them and send them running.
Keep building your audio setup with the help of our guides to the best computer speakers, the best gaming microphones, and the best streaming microphones while also spending less.
There are an infinite number of mics in the world, and each one has its own personality. Consider your own goals and the budget that you must work with. Here are a few options for every need, from super-affordable to pro-grade. Pick the one that suits you best.
1.Rode PodMic: This is an excellent-sounding podcaster’s mic with an easily affordable price tag. If you want to sound fantastic, have a high-quality build, and have a low price, this is the microphone for you. But if you are a beginner, you should avoid the XLR connector. It does not take much setup to get it sounding crisp and clear in the first place.
Price: $99
Mic Type: Condenser
Audio Patterns: Cardioid
Size: 6.8 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches
Connection Type: 3-pin XLR
GET IT HERE
2.Blue Yeti: The Blue Yeti is the microphone to have if you want to sound like a pro, no matter what you are doing. It works just as well on podcasts as it does on gaming streams or Skype calls.
Price: $119
Mic Type: Condenser
Audio Patterns: Bidirectional; Cardioid; Omnidirectional; Stereo
Size: 11.6 x 4.9 x 4.7 inches
Connection Type: USB
GET IT HERE
3.Jlab Talk: Blue’s JLab Talk has been hanging out at the $80 mark for a while now. It is a fantastic deal on a mic that was already solid at $99. Like Blue’s Yeti, it is incredibly easy to set up and use, and you even get the same four recording patterns.
Price: $78.99
Mic Type: Condenser
Audio Patterns: Bidirectional; Cardioid; Omnidirectional; Stereo
Size: 9.9 x 7.6 x 7.6 inches (with tripod extended)
Connection Type: USB
GET IT HERE
Fun fact: Did you know that Mike Schubert (Podcast host of Potterless, The Newest Olympian, Modern Muckraker, and Horse Hoops) started his podcast Potterless by recording it on his cell phone? Now he has over 1000 patrons and 20,000 Instagram followers and has become one of the biggest rising podcasting stars. His first show has charted in the top 40 for Arts & Entertainment podcasts and top 60 for comedy podcasts on Spotify.
Everyone can have a successful podcast! You just need to have the right equipment. It does not even have to be the most expensive.
3. Headphones:
Whether you are a podcasting novice or a pro, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference when recording or editing. They allow you to monitor your audio during live sessions and hear tracks like your audience.
The headphones should have a comfortable fit that will not become fatigued over extended periods of use, but they should not be so big that they are distracting. They should also block out some ambient noise and have a neutral sound profile that ensures clear dialogue reproduction.
1.Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO: They provide versatile performance for all aspects of podcasting thanks to their analytical sound and detail-oriented balance of frequencies. They can reproduce voices clearly and accurately, although sibilants like S and T sounds can be a bit piercing.
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Transducer: Dynamic
Noise Cancelling: No
Wireless: No
Mic: No
Price: $139
GET IT HERE
2.Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: These over-ear headphones have a mid-range that is so clear that you will think you have been transported to the recording studio. They also deliver consistent audio quality, so if you get a proper fit and seal, you will hear every nuance of your music. These are the best headphones you can get on a budget!
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Transducer: Dynamic
Noise Cancelling: No
Wireless: No
Mic: No
Price: $49
GET IT HERE
3.Superlux HD 681: In contrast to over-ears that have closed enclosures, these headphones have semi-open ear cups and leak more sound. However, this design also helps them create a more natural and spacious passive soundstage, making it easier to mix audio tracks accurately. They have a neutral sound profile that ensures that dialogue is clear, detailed, and present.
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Transducer: Dynamic
Noise Cancelling: No
Wireless: No
Mic: No
Price: $64
GET IT HERE
4. Podcast Recording Software
Now that you have all the physical equipment, you will need to begin your podcast, the most crucial decision is where to record it. Are you going to be just you? Would you have another host? Some guests? Answer all these questions before deciding on recording software. Since you do not have a studio, deciding where you can record your podcast and your guests is crucial for its quality.
Be sure to check out our article on the best podcast editing software blog. You will find all your answers there.
5. The most significant thing:
The most important thing is the content you make. Enjoyable content is the result of a curious and happy mind. Are you having fun? Or are you doing it just because? If you have fun and transmit that to your listeners, they will enjoy the topic as much as you do, and your podcast will be a success.
6. Podcast contracts
A podcast is more than just a simple broadcast, a professional level podcast is an in-depth, full-scale production that requires producers, hosts, editors, guests, composers, and more. Each one of these roles has their own unique set of circumstances and rights which require the right podcast contract. If you want a Professional level podcast, get the right contracts in place for your production.
