Podcasting has gained significant traction and is set to increase in popularity within the next couple of years according to industry professionals. In 2022 podcast listeners will account for about 20 percent of all internet users, which means that there will be about 424 million listeners around the world.
As digital media and content creation continue to evolve and expand rapidly, and as remote or hybrid workplaces are becoming more typical, I wanted to outline the technical processes of creating a podcast for folks who are inspired by or interested in this form of producing. I found many niches to explore during my graduate studies at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, but podcasting was the one that intrigued me greatly. That fervor recently led to the opportunity to collaborate with HowlRound as a podcast consultant, which has taught me even more about the podcast industry that I’m eager to share.
This beginner-friendly essay will touch upon the following:
- Equipment and gear needed to start a podcast
- Top digital software to edit your audio materials
- Best practices to keep your podcast organized, well edited, and efficient
Podcasting Equipment and Gear for Beginners
You have chosen a topic for your podcast, outlined the breakdown of each episode and what guests (if any) you’d like to be on the show—all the preparation and planning is done! You’re ready to put it into action.
Next, you want to start figuring out what equipment is best for you and your podcast needs.
If it’s your first time using any sort of recording equipment at home and want something easy, I recommend this Blue Yeti condenser mic that you can plug in as a USB to your computer. Overall, this is an easy microphone to use and is convenient for travel.
I personally use this WA-47 Condenser mic that also doubles as my mic for recording music vocals. Given my audio interests and overall needs as a sound designer, podcast producer, and vocalist, this mic was best for me.
Some additional well-reviewed and budget-friendly options include:
- Blue Snowball Ice Plug n’ Play USB Microphone
- Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
- Zoom ZDM-1 Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
If these microphones don’t fit your style, feel free to chat with an expert at Sweetwater to discuss more microphone options. They have a helpful customer service team to set you up with the audio equipment you need.
In terms of headphones, I find that plug-in jack headphones work better than the external speakers of a computer or even AirPods. You want to make sure that the headphones you do select allow you to clearly hear your audio for editing and playback checks. I recommend any Beats by Dre headphones, however, I also suggest reading this article by Riverside.fm for the 10 Best Podcast Headphones for 2022 to learn about a wide variety of the types of headphones out there.
In addition to a great microphone and headphone set, you’ll need a desktop or computer that can run a digital audio workstation (DAW), multiple browsers at once, as well as any software on your computer with materials you may find necessary for recording. I do all my editing on my MacBook Air; however, some folks find it easier to utilize a desktop. Again, it’s up to your personal preference!
Considering that it isn’t always possible to purchase this equipment in one go, you could consider accessing these items through your public library, your university if you are a student, or even friends or family who may have access to equipment directly or know folks who do.
After you’ve rounded up all your podcasting equipment, you’re ready to get into software.
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