If you enjoy listening to podcasts, you're not alone. Millions of Americans listen to podcasts every month — and there are more than one million different shows to choose from.
The competition may be fierce, but if you're considering starting a podcast yourself, don't let the numbers put you off. With the right equipment, you can make the process of creating your own show much easier.
You'll need more than a brilliant idea for your content to start recording a podcast. From voice recording software to mixers, this post will guide you through the equipment you'll need to record, edit, and publish your episodes.
1. Recording Software
After a computer with a reliable internet connection, recording software is the most important piece of equipment you'll need to create your podcast. There are plenty of options out there, all of which fall into one of the following categories:
- Cloud-based software: These recording tools are hosted in the cloud, meaning you can access them (and save your content) via the internet.
- Local recording software: This is downloadable software that is stored locally on your computer.
To find the right voice recording software for you, there are various factors to consider. These include your budget, skill level, and the type of computer from which you'll be using the software.
2. A Microphone
As most computers and laptops come with a built-in microphone, you may be wondering whether it's necessary to buy an additional microphone for your podcast. But to achieve the highest possible audio quality for your podcast, it's probably a smart investment.
If you're just starting and aren't sure how long you'll continue to produce your podcast, look for a microphone that will give you impressive sound quality without breaking the bank. For example, a stand-alone USB microphone can be a practical choice.
3. An Audio Interface And Mixer
For any podcast host that wants greater control over their output, an audio interface and mixer are crucial. You'll probably have heard of these tools, but what exactly is the difference between them? Although both are used to perfect your audio (and are often confused), it's important to understand how audio interfaces and mixers work.
An audio interface is an external piece of hardware that connects your microphone to your desktop. It's used to interpret the audio signals and convert them into a format you can edit on your computer. A mixer enables you to adjust your audio with features such as reverb, volume controls, and sound effects.
These hardware tools will also give you access to the following key capabilities:
- Adjusting the settings of your microphone
- Editing your recorded audio, including rearranging sections and cutting out mistakes
- Boosting the quality of your sound
- Adjusting the frequencies of your audio
4. Headphones
Wearing over-ear headphones is one of the best ways to ensure consistent sound quality. This will enable you to monitor the audio as it will sound on your finished podcast, preventing mistakes during the recording process.
You don't need to splash out on an expensive pair of headphones. Any model that filters out external noise and helps you accurately monitor the sound quality on your computer will do the job perfectly.
Bottom Line
Are you ready to start recording your podcast? You'll need the right equipment to give your show the best shot at success. Keep this list of the top four essential podcast gear in mind when you're preparing to launch your show!