I get asked a lot about what you need to start a podcast. And I’ve put together a handy guide on what equipment I have, what I use regularly and what I have used, but no longer use, to give you an idea of what kind of equipment you can get to get your podcast off the ground. I’ve made a whole episode around this on The Video Show which you can see here.
Microphones
I’ve used a few microphones through the years, but my current choice is the RODE Podmic. It’s a great quality microphone and won’t break the bank. I actually own three of these, and use them for group podcast recordings. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the past I have used the RODE NT1A, this was a bit more expensive but came with a pop filter and an XLR cable. I did have two of these but one inexplicably broke. It’s a pretty good mic, but one I currently use as a backup. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Recorders
I use the three recorders I’m going to mention on a regular basis, but in different ways.
For Podcasting I use the RODECaster Pro. This will set you back around £500ish but it’s specifically built for recording podcasts. With 4 XLR inputs I not only use this for recording and streaming live on my own, but with shows recorded in the studio with guests. There’s also an option to connect your phone and another bluetooth connection so you can bring guests in on the phone, and play music. And with 8 sound pads there’s the option to play sound effects (I usually use this to play the show’s theme song when recording in and out.) Lastly, it has the option for multitrack recording, so you can edit each audio stream separately. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For everyday recording (but you could use it for podcasting) I use the Zoom H4N. I’ve had mine for about 5 years, and use it every time I go anywhere to shoot anything. It’s sturdy (I’ve lost count how many times its been dropped), versatile (there are three different ways to record audio) and well worth every penny. It does have the option for multi track recording, but only two XLR inputs, so if that’s all you need, it’s not as fancy as the RODECaster, but brilliant nonetheless. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lastly, I use a Zoom H6N for additional XLR recording. It’s a bit more expensive than the H4N, but with 4 XLR inputs, and a removable recorder at the top of the device it’s a bit more advanced. I probably haven’t used it as much as I could have, but it’s a fantastic addition to my kit. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stands and Cables
There’s a few different stands I use for podcast recordings, but let’s start with my own show. As I’m on a desk I use the RODE PSA1 Arm. It’s great for keeping the mic out of the way when I don’t use it and really easy to use when I need it. One slight downside (and I didn’t see this in many reviews) was it did have a little bit of a squeak at one point, but a bit of oil sorted it out. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For guests I use one of the following, depending on their height and the placement of the mic.
For table top recordings I use the RODE DS1 Stand it sits on the table, and can be adjusted (although does seem to start quite high up). It’s quite a simple bit of kit, and not incredibly exciting. But you need somewhere to put your mic. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another table top stand I use is the Samson SAMD5 stand. You can’t adjust the height on this one, and it sits a lot lower. But it’s heavier than the DS1. Again, not the most exciting thing you’ll ever buy. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For guests sat on the sofas I use a Tiger MCA68-BK mic stand, it’s pretty lightweight but does the job. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
In terms of cables I tend to use the ones that came with the microphone, but for the Podmic on my desk I needed something with a shorter cable so it didn’t get tangled in all the other cables in my desk. So think about cable length when you’re buying. Here’s what I have.
Hosting Platforms
For all of the podcasts I produce I use anchor.fm it’s owned by Spotify, free to use and distributes easily to all the major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts. Plus you can receive messages from listeners and incorporate them into your show. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just to be really easy, here’s the links to all of the products I mentioned:
Microphones:
Podmic: https://amzn.to/2SI8Ms0
NT1A: https://amzn.to/3dvLywd
Recorders:
Rodecaster: https://amzn.to/3h4s3Np
Stands and Cables:
RODE PSA 1 Arm: https://amzn.to/3h4sUO7
RODE DS1 Stand: https://amzn.to/3juoodG
Samson D5 Stand: https://amzn.to/3qCB6Zb
Tiger MCABK-68: https://amzn.to/2UeGe9G
XLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3w6KMwf