Essential Podcasting Gear: Recommendations on Mics, Editing Software and More
Podcasting has exploded into a mainstream digital audio medium, with over two million active shows and 100 million monthly listeners across diverse niches. But creating a professional high quality podcast capable of cutting through the noise requires the proper gear and tools.
This guide explores essentials across microphones, headphones, editing software, hosting platforms and accessories needed to launch and run a polished podcast. Let’s dive in!
Microphone Essentials
High-quality microphones are by far the most critical component for achieving engaging recording quality.
Studio Condenser Microphones
Large diaphragm studio condenser mics like the industry standard Shure SM7B or affordable Audio-Technica AT2020 capture rich vocal recordings suitable for most podcasts and broadcast.
USB Microphones
Combine mic and interface into one plug-and-play device. Budget options like Blue Yeti work. Or upgrade to the Shure MV7 for broadcast-ready results equaling or exceeding studio mics paired with an interface.
Dynamic Microphones
Rugged mics good in untreated spaces. The Shure SM58 or Sennheiser e835 excel at live recording and minimizing ambient sounds for clear voice isolation.
Lavalier Microphones
Clip-on mics like the Sennheiser ME 2 excel for interviews, mobile recording and dual host talk formats.
Shotgun Microphones
Directional mic good for field recording. Useful for boosting audio clarity during remote interviews or on-location shoots.
Audio Interface
Required for studio condenser mics. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provides quality results on a budget.
Headphones and Monitors
Quality headphones ensure you can accurately monitor and edit your recordings:
Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Look for over-ear closed back headphones with flat frequency response optimized for mixing like models from Sony, Sennheiser, AKG and Audio-Technica. Great for late-night recording.
Monitor Speakers
Add reference studio monitors like the Kali Audio LP-6 or Presonus Eris E5 XT to check mixes on proper speakers. Positioned properly, results will translate well to listeners.
Noise Isolating Earbuds
When recording on-the-go, noise isolating earbuds like Shure SE215 block out environmental sounds for improved monitoring.
Bluetooth Headphones
Wireless headphones provide flexibility to move around while recording. Look for minimal latency and solid mic quality.
Digital Audio Workstations
You’ll need digital editing software for recording, mixing and exporting episodes:
Adobe Audition
Robust toolset for intensive audio production including effects, soundbeds, repair tools and publishing capabilities. And integrates seamlessly with other Adobe apps.
Apple Logic Pro
Equally full-featured DAW for Mac. Includes extensive effects and instruments useful for podcast scoring and sound design.
Ableton Live
Music-centric DAW with unique nonlinear Session View makes arranging and manipulating clips easy.
Hindenburg Journalist Pro
Specialized multitrack DAW tailored specifically for podcast production including field recording capabilities.
Reaper
Affordable yet still very capable open-source DAW gaining popularity in the podcast realm. Customizable to different experience levels.
Garageband
Free simplified entry-level DAW for Mac and iOS. Surprisingly full-featured given the approachable interface. Provides a quick learning curve.
Additional Helpful Equipment
Round out your kit with these extras:
Pop Filters
Foam windscreen blocks plosives and breathing sounds. Essential for quality vocal recordings.
Shockmounts
Suspension mount isolates mic from bumps, vibrations and handling noise. Reduces rumble. Rycote Lyre is the gold standard.
Mic Stands
Securely position mics in place. Look for sturdy boom options that allow easily adjusting placement as needed.
Audio Interfaces
For studio mics, provides XLR inputs and headphone preamp. Recommend Focusrite or Universal Audio.
Acoustic Treatment
Reduce echo and muffled sound using acoustic foam panels in your recording space.
Equipment Racks
Organize all your gear neatly together in one place. Brands like OnStage make compact racks.
Remote Recording Kits
Portable interfaces like the Zoom Podtrak P4 simplify recording interviews and episodes on the go.
Cables and Adapters
Stock up on XLR cables, TRS/TRRS aux cables, adapters and extenders to ensure connectivity.
Cloud Recording and Collaboration
Remote options facilitate co-hosting:
Zencastr
Records each host’s audio locally then uploads high quality WAV files to the cloud for syncing. Multi-track capabilities.
Squadcast
Browser-based multi-track recording with video chat, screensharing and instant file sharing great for remote podcast interviews.
Cleanfeed
Audio-only browser-based multi-end recording solution optimized specifically for podcast interviews and remotes.
Riverside.fm
Locally records each participant’s feed while also providing remote control over participant audio levels in real time.
Zoom
Popular video chat platform. Use built-in recording and cloud storage option to capture remote conversations. Quality varies.
Podcast Media Hosting
You’ll need a media host for wide distribution across apps and sites:
Buzzsprout
Easy set up and publishing. Includes website, player and apps submission. Starting at just $12/month.
Libsyn
Robust stats and community. From $5/month entry plan up to full-featured Pro Suite.
Captivate
Most affordable option starting at just $3.55/month for 3 hours. Works great for starting out.
Podbean
Very customizable players. Plans offer unlimited episodes starting at $9/month.
Transistor
Optimized for independent podcasters. Very accessible pricing at $19+/month.
Ongoing Learning Resources
Continually learn from pros to improve the production quality bar:
- The Podcast Engineer YouTube Channel
- The Audacity to Podcast
- The Podcasters’ Studio
- School of Podcasting
- The Podcast Junkie Interview Shows
- Music Radio Creative (Gary Taylor)
- The Podcast Host Podcast and Blog
Investing in the essential gear and software provides the technical capabilities to produce studio-quality shows able to thrive in the increasingly competitive podcasting world. The tools you use directly impact the listener experience.