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What you need to get started

Two pairs of black headphones hanging on a wall

Depending on what you already have and how much you want to invest, you can start a podcast on very minimal setup. You can record a podcast with nothing more than your smartphone, but the quality audio won’t be as good as a microphone. We suggest you start with what you have first and see if you like podcasting before investing in more expensive equipment.

Here’s some of the gear you’ll need:

Computer: You will need a computer to support a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or some type of recording and editing software. 

Microphone: The better the microphone, the better the sound. You’ll want to get a USB microphone otherwise you will require a mixer or audio interface to connect your mic to your computer to record.

  • USB microphones are mics you can plug directly into your computer as it has the necessary wiring and a USB port. Pricing can start at around $60. It is usually recommended to purchase a dynamic microphone that is front-firing with good rejection, meaning it picks up your voice clearly without the unwanted sounds of wherever you’re recording.
  • Condenser microphones are most often found in studios and capture a larger frequency range, have a louder output and are much more sensitive to loud sounds. They also require phantom power supplied by a mixer or audio interface. You would need a mixer with XLR inputs and a USB output if you are using a condenser microphone. XLR cables connect the condenser microphone to your mixer and the USB output connects the mixer to your computer to record.
  • Headphone/microphone headset is good for hands-free recording. 

Audio interface (a mixer):  A device that converts analogue to digital by allowing communication between computers and a condenser microphone.

Headphones or earbuds: Closed-ear headphones or earbuds that do not leak or sound bleed is recommended. This gives you isolation which is good for editing.

A pop filter: A screen or shield for your microphone that prevents ‘plosives’ from creating what is called a mic pop. “Plosives” are the P’s or B’s or any letter that shoots a blast of air from your mouth.