The Right Gear for Your Podcast

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all kit for any podcast. Check out this guide to see what podcast gear is right for you.

Tips & Tricks

1. Plan out your show format before you start buying gear.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you going to be recording multiple people in the same room?
• What is the maximum amount of people that will be recording in the same room at the same time?
• Are you going to be recording in multiple locations?
• Are you planning on taking your podcast on the road?

As a general rule of thumb, you want to have 1 microphone for each voice in your show--meaning each person needs their own microphone.

2. Location matters.

It’s not always possible for podcasters to record in a studio setting environment. Be sure to scope out the area you’ll be recording in thoroughly before you begin recording your audio. We recommend recording in a room that has as little background noise and reverb as possible.

3. Use your space to your advantage!

When it comes to sound absorption and reflection, you may not need expensive gear to get great sound. Even something as simple as a pillow or two can help absorb unwanted noise. If you’re not getting the results you want, the solution might be as simple as turning in a different direction.

4. Pay attention to your environment.

Consider things like:

• When is lawn mowing day?
• What about trash day?
• Are there landscapers in your area? What time do they start working?

It may sound silly, but these are things that you want to plan for.

5. If possible, test your microphone before you buy it!

Every voice is different, and at the end of the day, audio is subjective. While one person might love a certain microphone, you may think it makes you sound silly. Trust your ears!

6. Before starting your podcast, record 5-10 seconds of silence.

Ambient and room noise should be captured so that your software can remove it before your actual podcast starts.

Microphone recommendations:

Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser

Rode PodMic Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

For additional info on why we recommend these microphones, check out this guide.

Other accessories that you'll need:

• A microphone stand with adjustable suspension arms.
• A pop filter.
• 1 Mic cable for each person.
• Headphones. Always wear headphones while recording!
• Headphone adapters, webcams, extension cords, etc. Whether you want to invest in these accessories depends on what you’re planning on doing with your podcast.

Mobile Recording

We recommend putting together a recording kit that you can quickly grab when you’re on the go. Be sure to include extra cables, batteries, mic stands, flashlights, etc. These things are often overlooked, but they are very important. You can record right into your mobile device with some great free and paid audio apps. Editing your sound can be a bit challenging on mobile devices, so we recommend moving your audio files to a wider monitor for editing.

If you plan ahead and invest in the right gear for your individual needs, you will have a great time podcasting!