Summary
Building a home podcast studio isn’t as difficult — or as expensive — as you might think. All you need to know is what podcast equipment to invest in to record high quality and consistent podcast audio. You can set up a home podcast studio on a budget and eventually invest in more high-end podcast recording equipment as you grow. We share our favorite podcast equipment for beginners and pros, leaving nothing out, so read on!
In this post you’ll learn
- Why building a podcast home studio is important
- How to build a podcast home studio
- The podcast equipment we can’t live without
- Podcast equipment for beginners
- Free and affordable podcast equipment for podcasters on a budget
- Bonus podcast equipment that is super helpful
What do you need to record a podcast?
Before we dive in, we want to first say that building a podcast home studio is not as scary or intimidating as it sounds. Our first “studio” was on our cramped closet floor. (Seriously, the acoustics were great!)
It’s not so much about the space itself as it is about setting yourself up with the right equipment to record clear, crisp, professional-sounding audio. This is so important for both your listeners and potential sponsors!
Your podcast equipment also doesn’t need to be expensive to start. In this post, we’ll go over free and affordable podcast recording equipment in addition to investments that are well worth it.
Having a successful podcast starts with planning. That’s why you need to specify what equipment you’ll purchase. Your first step: Write down the brand names and the prices of everything — this will help you budget.
Here’s a shopping list of our go-to podcast equipment for beginners and pros to create your home podcast studio:
1. Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio:
We love the sturdiness of this interface. It accommodates up to four microphones and is super user-friendly.
Plus, you can interview remotely by simply connecting your phone via Bluetooth or with a TRRS cable. The automatic “mix-minus” audio prevents echo from being heard by callers.
There is also an option to record directly onto a microSD card so you don’t have to worry about your audio files taking up too much space on your computer.
A must-have piece of podcast equipment in our opinion! This is an investment ($600) and has been well worth it.
2. Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone:
These microphones are SO GOOD! The sound is incredible. Plus, the mics don’t pick up the majority of ambient sound, which editors love.
The Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone is another great option and is of very similar quality. It’s really compatible with the Rodecaster production studio and only $100! Both of these microphones are also super easy to take on the road!
3. Rode PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm:
We love using these suspension arms and recommend as-needed podcast equipment for a podcast home studio. They are great because we now record around a round table (no more closet!). Not to mention, they are easily adjustable and attach to most standard surface thicknesses.
They rotate 360 degrees with a maximum reach of 32.5 inches horizontally and 33 inches vertically. You can also opt for individual mini tripod table stands or a floor stand, depending on your podcast home studio set up.
4. Mic Foam Windscreen Cover:
These go over the head of the microphone and help to soften hard sounds in anyone’s speech. These are easily washable — soap and water, put them in the dryer on low heat or, preferably layout to dry. They also protect your mic from harmful dust and moisture.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones:
These headphones are affordable, produce clear sound, are comfortable, and block out most environmental noise. They provide exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response.
A great piece of podcast equipment for beginners and pros alike. Need we say more?
We also can’t live without:
Bonus Tip: For phone interviews, use Zoom and record the conversation with Zoom.
Affordable & free podcast recording equipment:
When it comes to starting a podcast, the equipment is a roadblock for most. “Well if I don’t have the right equipment, I can’t start!” Not true!
You can start a podcast this moment with a device you carry with you just about everywhere — your phone! This is a great place to begin practicing and recording your podcast.
In podcasting, you will learn most by doing, so use use the following list of free and affordable podcast recording equipment to start recording, gain momentum, and build confidence.
- Phone/Cell Phone (free)
- USB microphone to plug into a computer
- Microphone Pop Filter – $10 – $20
- Portable Samson Go Mic – $42
- Blue Microphones Snowball Ice – $40-$70
- Blue Microphone’s Yeti – $100-$130
- Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB USB/XLR Microphone Bundle – $120
Bonus Tip: Check for used mics (but in good working condition) on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, etc.
Don’t forget, we have more resources, advice, and tools to help you record your podcast in the PodcastPro Idea to Launch Course.
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