How To Step Up Your Podcasting Game: #2 Equipment
Knowing what recording equipment you need is often a daunting step towards creating your podcast. If you’re not a tech-y person, it can be overwhelming even thinking about what microphone to buy, how to record, and what software to use. I’m going to make this as simple as I can so that you buy the correct gear and be confident using it.
You’ll need five things.
(1): Microphone
There are two basic types of microphones: Dynamic and Condenser. Without getting bogged down in the details, you want a condenser microphone because it is more sensitive and will make you sound better on your podcast.
When looking for your condenser microphone, there are two different ways to get the audio signal from your mic to your computer: either USB or XLR.
A USB microphone converts your voice into a digital signal so it can be recorded straight into your computer. This makes it easy since you won’t have to buy an audio interface (I’ll go into that later), but with USB you often sacrifice the quality of the audio and aren’t usually able to record more than one microphone at a time.
USB Microphone Recommendations: Blue Snowball ($100), Audio Technica AT2020USB+ ($150), Sennhieser MK4 ($400).
An XLR microphone converts your voice into an electrical signal. You will need to spend a little extra cash on an audio interface and XLR cable to get the audio signal to your computer, but the audio will sound more professional and this type of microphone is more versatile if you want to use it in other recording situations.
XLR Microphone Recommendations: Audio Technica AT2020 ($100), Rode NT2A ($400), Neumann TLM102 ($700).
(2): Interface
An audio interface converts a microphone signal into digital to be recorded into your computer. If you want to use a USB microphone, this is not necessary! If you decide to use an XLR microphone, however, purchasing this interface will be crucial and will allow you to record more than one microphone at a time.
Interface Recommendations: PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 ($100), Focusrite Clarett 2Pre ($400), Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII SOLO ($700).
(3): Headphones
Headphones allow you to hear your voice during recording and editing. Without headphones, recording with speakers will create feedback into the microphone and sound awful. Just don’t do it!
Headphones Recommendations: Any earbuds you already have (Free!), Audio Technica ATH M30x ($70), Sony MDR7506 ($100)
(4): Computer
Computes things. This is the main tool for recording your podcast. This one’s pretty self-explanatory.
(5): Recording Software
Recording software on your computer will allow you to record your audio and edit it after recording. Becoming familiar with your software will enable you to produce and edit your content so that it sounds fantastic!
Software Recommendations: Audacity (Free), GarageBand (Free), Adobe Audition ($240 per/ year), Pro Tools (ranges from free to $1000’s).
Some Extras:
You may want to consider a pop shield or pop filter for your microphone. This is the circular disk that you see in front of a microphone usually made from a nylon material.
If you’re using an XLR mic you’ll also need an XLR cable. I use Jumperz, but Hosa is a cheaper option. Mogami are the best and most expensive.
A microphone stand may be helpful too if you like to be standing while you speak or read. Some microphones have a stand included.
If you want to learn more about recording techniques and editing practices, read the full article on my website: http://fullenglish.co/blog/2018/6/22/how-to-step-up-your-podcasting-game
