There are many good reasons to start a podcast, and one of the common reasons is it is easy to do. You can share your information and even earn money with podcasting. Many folks enjoy a celebrity status in the arena of podcasting and you could be the next. However, you need to get familiar with the basic equipment to get started in the world of podcasting.
So, what kind of equipment do you need for a podcast? If you are seeking a reply to this query, here are the basic equipment that you need for your podcast.
Basic microphones
You need a good podcast microphone to get your voice into the computer for recording. There is no need to shell out a lot of money to buy a good quality microphone. A lot of brands offer top of the line microphones at really affordable prices. However, be sure you don’t compromise with the quality for a low price; otherwise, you won’t be able to record quality audio sounds. Remember, the better the microphone quality, the more professional the quality of audio sounds will be.
No one is going to listen to your podcasts if the audio is inferior. Make sure you upgrade from the headset and microphone you have been using for Skype. USB microphones are a special mention in this respect; they are designed to work seamlessly with computers. Many of them are simply plug and play devices. People who are new to the world of podcasting should lower their learning curve and buy a USB microphone that directly plugs into the computer. It is the simplest way to get started and can take care of a one-person podcast.
Mixers
In case you happen to choose an XLR microphone, you may want a mixer to go with it right away. Mixers let you blend in a range of sounds to create a new sound. They also help you in enhancing the audio quality of your podcasts. As such, it is extremely necessary to be choosy when looking for a mixer. They come with different number of channels and in numerous price ranges to suit your budget. You will need a channel for each microphone you use with a mixer.
Mackie, Behringer and Focusrite Scarlett are popular brands that offer top class mixers in various price ranges. However, you can choose any good mixer that can deliver expected results. Just make certain that the mixer is durable and in line with your specific requirements. As a thumb rule, go for a mixer that has really good ratings from users and that is used by popular podcasts.
Headphones
Headphones let you monitor the sound that is being recorded. Don’t buy soft-shell headphones – those that only come with foam on the outside. These devices fail to suppress sound, which might cause feedback. It is better to use a headphone (a hard-shell model) with a rubber or sturdy plastic outside for trapping the sound.
When it comes to buying headphones, you need to be really diligent. You will find headphones in all price ranges, but cheap headphones give cheap sound. If you don’t mind the sound quality, then it is okay. However, if you are planning to get into multi-track audio mixing eventually, you will definitely need a top-quality pair of headphones that are pretty discriminate to let you tweak the audio.
Computer
For a typical podcast, any Mac or PC computer is enough to take care of the recording that you want. There is no good reason to go out and buy a new computer for podcasting. Any computer that you have bought in the past few years and that is in good condition will help you accomplish the podcasting job. If your existing computer works, it is great. After some time, you can buy a new computer with a more memory and faster chip when you think that your existing computer is just not enough for your podcasting needs.
Recording and mixing software
A podcast could be just your own voice. A lot of podcasters stick to a simple presentation either because they selected an easy method or think that the information they are offering does not need any sort of enhancement. However, it is likely that you may want to use a pre-recorded show introduction with some pieces of audio inserted occasionally, even commercials. Free software tools make recording as well as editing pretty easy.
However, you should remember that recording an audio is one thing and mixing the audio is another thing that requires a bit of legwork. You can either decide to record all of your audios and then mix them statically, or you could record and mix in real time. It is best to go for a software for recording and editing a podcast. While there are many software applications, you may want to choose the one that offers advanced features and that makes recording and mixing seamless. No matter your preferences, such software applications come with a reasonable price tag.
Internet access
While it might seem obvious, you need a way to upload your completed podcast when it is ready for the world to hear. You need to have a really good Internet connection. The reason is podcasts are essentially large files. You ought to have a speedy and uninterrupted connection for uploading your files.
Optional accessories
You may also need other accessories for podcasting, but they are optional. For instance, a pop-filter may seem a good investment if your mic is on the cheaper side. It can do wonders for the sound you record. If you are planning to do a lot of podcasting, then a table stand and a boom for your mic are really indispensable to make you comfortable. A portable recorder is another accessory that may come in handy for on-the-go interviews.
Closing words
Podcasting has grown to be one of the most sought-after things online. Whether you wish to voice your concern over particular things, share information or make money, podcasting lets you accomplish your goals. However, it is important to know what kind of equipment do you need for a podcast. Just check out the common equipment required for podcasting as mentioned above and start sharing your passion with the world.
what kind of equipment do you need for a podcast
