Given the size of the podcasting industry, your voice is your golden ticket if you want to succeed. Although podcasts are a great medium for storytelling, the appropriate resources and a simple podcast setup definitely make the process worthwhile.
With customers growing picky about their choices and interests, your podcast's audio quality can make or break your brand image. Here, excellent audio is your secret weapon. In this article, we will discover some essential podcast equipment for beginners. So, let's dive straight in and ascertain that your podcasts launch successfully, creating the foundation for a fantastic audio experience.
The Podcast Equipment for Beginners
You will need some basic podcast supplies in your corner to ensure your voice sounds clean and sharp when you record a podcast. Here are some must-have equipment that can make your podcast recording experience memorable.
1. Recording Devices
There are numerous types of physical audio recording devices, including dictaphones, handheld audio recorders, and more. You can also use your computer as a digital recorder. Smartphones can also act as useful recording tools with the correct apps and add-ons, particularly for podcasting while on the go.
Best Podcast Webcam for Beginners:
OBSBOT Meet 2: This AI-powered podcast webcam is equipped with a 1⁄2'' CMOS sensor that helps in offering high resolutions up to 4K@30fps / 1080P@60fps. AI auto framing, fast autofocus, Bokeh, and Beauty Mode for an enhanced appearance while streaming. Moreover, dual omnidirectional microphones for clear sound reproduction and noise cancellation.
Microphones are excellent for capturing clear, crisp audio, making them an amazing choice for podcast recording. Types of headphones include:
USB Microphones: These mics are equipped with plug-and-play functionality and can be easily connected via USB to the computer. They make a perfect addition to a beginner's podcast equipment list because they eliminate the need for extra mixers or audio interfaces. Also, these devices are easy to set up and operate.
XLR Microphones: XLR mics are versatile and have amazing sound quality. However, they might not suit beginners because they need more setup and equipment. Professional recording studios and podcasters choose this type of microphone due to its adaptability and exceptional audio quality.
Condenser Microphones: They are renowned for their thorough audio recording capability and sensitive nature. They work well when recording in calm, controlled settings when you want to capture the depth and subtleties of your voice. However, since they are more susceptible to background noise, they might not be a good option in less controlled settings.
Dynamic Microphones: Theycan endure higher sound pressure levels and are less sensitive than condenser mics. They are known for rejecting background noise and focusing on capturing the music directly in front of them, making them perfect for noisy venues. So, they are perfect for shooting in less-than-idealcircumstances and live settings.
Affordable Microphones for Podcast Beginners:
Fifine K669B USB Microphone: The Fifine K669B is a plug-and-play USB condenser microphone that provides clear audio quality for podcasting. It's easy to set up and offers a budget-friendly option for beginners.
CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone: The CAD U37 is a USB studio condenser microphone that delivers quality audio reproduction at an affordable price. It features a cardioid pickup pattern to reduce background noise and is suitable for podcasting and voiceovers.
3. Headphones
A decent pair of headphones can make all the difference while creating or editing your next podcast episode, regardless of experience level.
During live sessions, headphones let you hear tracks similar to your audience's and monitor your audio. They ought to fit comfortably and not grow tiresome after extended use. To ensure precise and clear dialogue reproduction, headphones should have a balanced sound profile and filter out background noise. Types of headphones include:
Open-back vs.Closed-back: Closed-back headphones isolate sound and stop audio bleeding, which makes them perfect for podcasts set up for beginners.
Over-ear vs.In-ear: Podcasts prefer over-ear headphones since they offer complete immersion despite their potential weight.
Wired vs.Wireless: Wired headphones are better for podcasting because they work without charging and offer amazing sound quality.
Noise-cancelling vs. Non-noise-canceling: Noise-canceling headphones are better than non-noise-cancelling headphones because the former can distort music while it is being played.
Best Podcaster Starter's Headphones:
JLab JBuds Lux ANC: With features like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit, these headphones are perfect for recording uninterrupted.
Anker Soundcore Space One: This device has exceptional noise-cancelling capabilities and crystal-clear sound quality, making it ideal for beginners.
Sony WH-CH520: These cordless, lightweight headphones feature a long-lasting battery, making them perfect for podcasters looking for an affordable blend of practicality and comfort.
4. Pop Filter and Windscreen
These devices enhance audio quality by attenuating plosive noises like 'p' and 'b' and are positioned between the speaker and the microphone. However, windscreens cover the microphones to reduce wind noise and breath noises.
Best Pop Filter and Windscreen for Beginners:
Nady MPF-6: The device features double nylon mesh with a 6” diameter and a flat shape. It also comes with a gooseneck mount that swivels for simple adjustment and positioning, and its clamp fits any stand or pole with a diameter of up to one inch.
Auray PFSS-55 Pop Filter: This device has two layers of flat nylon mesh with a 5.5” diameter that is fixed to a flexible gooseneck with a clamp for convenient positioning.
OnStage Windscreen: This is known to fit most common microphones and effectively minimizes breath and wind noise for better audio quality in any recording location.
5. Mic Stand and Boom Arm
Clamp grips on the bases of boom arms are typically used to secure them to desks. After that, you can rotate the device, change its height and direction of motion, and generally experiment until you get the best recording position.
Boom arms also lessen the likelihood that noise from the shock will reach your microphone. This usually refers to actions like inadvertently knocking your leg off the desk or typing on a keyboard. There are two types of mic stands:
Desk stands are practical and tiny enough to fit in small spaces, making them ideal for podcast beginners who want a straightforward solution for situating their mic. They are also quick to set up and transport.
Floor stands to suit more permanent setups because they provide more stability and height. They are suitable for various recording situations, such as seated interviews or standing presentations.
Product Recommendations:
Neewer Desktop Microphone Stand: The deck is great for beginners because it doesn't make a hole in the pocket and gives a stable, adjustable platform.
InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand: The stand is very durable and flexible, allowing you to put your mic precisely where needed.
6. Acoustic Treatment
Acoustic treatment is the practice of minimizing undesired sound reflections, reverberation, and echoes in a space. It involves managing the sound waves in the space using bass traps, diffusers, acoustic panels, and other sound-absorbing materials. Types of Acoustic Treatments:
Acoustic Panels: The most popular type of acoustic treatment is panels. They absorb sound waves and lessen reverberation and echoes. Attaching these panels to the walls, ceiling, and floors can achieve a more acoustically balanced environment.
Diffusers: Instead of absorbing sound waves, diffusers are made to spread them in various directions. This contributes to giving your recordings a more airy and natural sound. You may make your listening experience more immersive by mounting diffusers on the walls and ceiling.
Bass Traps: Bass traps are intended to absorb low-frequency sound waves, which can be especially challenging to manage and give your recordings an unwelcome boomy or muted tone. Bass traps can be installed in corners and other spaces where low-frequency sound waves tend to gather.
Product Recommendations:
ATS Acoustic Panels: While these panels offer excellent sound absorption, they are a little expensive.
DIY Acoustic Panels: You can use materials like fibreglass or rock wool to create your DIY high-quality and less expensive acoustic panels.
Conclusion
Podcasts begin with top-notch content. This implies that you need high-quality recording gear and editing software capable of transforming a mediocre podcast into something truly amazing.
Furthermore, as we've discussed, there isn't a one-size-fits-all podcast beginning kit because they are available in various styles and forms.
So, choose podcast equipment for beginners that is simple to use at first. As you gain experience, it may be upgraded with features for more sophisticated use.