Here are some tips and tricks to help you pick the best podcasting equipment for your new podcast:
Invest In A Decent Microphone
A microphone is the most important piece of podcasting equipment you will own — it serves as the primary link between you and your audience. Generally speaking, with microphones, you get what you pay for, but this doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on your podcast mic.
Microphones that are specifically designed for podcasters usually have a USB interface that lets users plug the mic directly into their computer. If you plan to record your podcast in a studio setting where two or more people will be speaking, choose an omnidirectional mic to ensure all voices are recorded.
If you plan to record your podcasts using a mobile device such as an MP3 player or a tablet computer, look for a microphone that has a 3.5 mm plug that can be inserted into a mini headphone outlet. To minimize background noise when recording a podcast in the field, look for a mic that can be clipped onto the speaker’s shirt, near their mouth.
VoIP Service or Telephone Recorder?
If your podcast is going to follow a traditional talk-show format with phone calls from guests, you’ll need to use either a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service like Skype or invest in a telephone recorder. If you’re lucky enough to have reliable high-speed Internet service, conducting your podcast interviews using VoIP will allow you to easily record the conversation on your computer. Podcasters who have slow Internet connections should use either a landline or cell phone for interviews and record the conversations on a digital telephone recorder.
Headphones
A decent set of headphones is an important piece of podcasting equipment that allows you to save time while improving the overall quality of your recording. Wearing headphones while taping your podcast lets you monitor exactly what is being recorded live, which saves you valuable editing and re-recording time. New podcasters tend to turn their heads frequently while recording, leading to the telltale fluctuations in audio volume that have become the hallmark of rookie podcasters. Using headphones during your podcast recording sessions will help minimize variations in your audio quality and improve your credibility as a seasoned podcaster.
Once you become more involved in podcasting, chances are good you will want to invest in additional podcasting equipment like a digital mixer, an upgraded sound card and advanced audio software. Before you run out and spend thousands of dollars on professional podcasting equipment, it’s a good idea to learn the basics of podcasting using the affordable, simple gear we’ve listed here.
