Podcasting is a lot like activities… you can spend a fortune on equipment but unless you have the basics, they’ll be sitting alongside those golf clubs and triathlon kit collecting dust.
This is why when you’re starting out, I recommend going for a simply set up rather than spending lots.
When I started my first podcast in 2015, I recorded, edited and released it using only my mobile phone so it’s possible to start with minimum equipment and get ok results.
In reality, you only need three things to start your podcast (two things if you’re only doing audio and not visual):
- Something to record the audio
- Something to record the visual
- Something to create and share the final file
So let’s take a look at these in more detail…
Something to record the audio
This can be something as simple as the microphone built inside your phone to computer to buying an external mic. To start off with I would recommend a USB mic that plugs start into your computer.
I would recommend… Blue Yeti Microphone
Something to record the visual
Typically a podcast would be purely audio but most podcasts now are available in video form on places like YouTube and social media.
Again, your built in camera in your phone or computer would work at the start for zero cost. However, improving the quality of your video by buying a webcam would be a simple upgrade that gives the videos a higher privation value.
I would recommend… Logic Tech Brio 4K
Something to create and share the final file
This is could be as simple as your computer or phone. You would typically use this to record the content on using an audio package such as Audacity or you’re in built voice memo software.
If you’re recording over the internet I would recommend using Zoom, StreamYard or Riverside.fm to record your content.
A few more things to consider are:
- Improve the lighting by purchasing external lighting
- Improve the microphone placement and quality by purchasing a microphone stand, pop shield or boom arm.
- If you’re recording on location, it’s worth investing in a dictaphone such as a Zoom H1n (or similar models).
Hope these all help you on your podcasting journey and I’ll be adding more to this blog over the next few months!