How To Begin Podcasting on a Low Budget
Right now, podcasts are a big thing! Podcasts are audio broadcasts that currently everyone is making. Everyone is listening to podcasts. Many platforms are streaming podcasts. A lot of us want to be heard, and a podcast is a great way to get our voice out there! For those who may not be comfortable with video or are also avid podcast listeners, podcasting may be the route that you want to pursue. In this article, I will tell you how to start your own podcast at a low-budget cost.
What Equipment Do You Need?
First, you’ll need some sound equipment for recording. The basics include a condenser microphone, headphones, and an audio interface. You will also need a pop filter and a mic stand, but any generic one will work.
The mic I use is an Audio-Technica Cardioid Studio XLR Condenser Mic: https://amzn.to/2QdIBG2 which picks up sound great. I had originally purchased it to record music, but it also makes a great voice-over and podcasting mic. Another popular condenser mic to consider is a Blue Yeti Nano Premium Mic: https://amzn.to/2X8s0EG
As much as we all love Bluetooth headphones, especially since the newer iPhones don’t have an audio jack, I prefer having my headphones directly plugged in. This is just in case of any static or if the headphones cut out or any time, malfunction, or die. You can, however, just buy a Bluetooth headset and get the audio jack cord. There are a lot of popular headsets made by Beats by Dr. Dre, Sony, etc.
For an audio interface, I use the Behringer Audio Interface, 1 Channel: https://amzn.to/2qIqFsn Now, if you have two people or more on your podcast, you need multiple mics, and perhaps a multi-channel audio interface. Since the condenser mic doesn’t plug directly into the computer, the interface will transmute the sound from the mic to a .mp3/.wav file. You can also increase the mic audio, instant gain, and output audio volume via the interface. Another popular interface is the Focusrite Scarlett (https://amzn.to/33Rqr0N), but they are more expensive in comparison.
For live podcasts or podcasts in which you have remote guests or call-ins. When you get some funds, I suggest purchasing a live mixer. It does as it says. It mixes sound while you’re recording on a multi-channel track. The MackiePro FX is highly recommended: https://amzn.to/2CFxUnE
And lastly, if you’re recording from a table instead of a boom mic pole or mic stand, purchase a shock mount since mics are very sensitive to any sound, and reducing noise, later on, is a hassle.
Where Should I Record My Audio?
If you don’t have the money to record in a studio, you can create your own set-up. Most importantly, you want to have an isolation shield for your microphone (https://amzn.to/33NMdCA). If you don’t want to purchase one, you can DIY one with foam boards.
Note that some libraries or public access TV and media stations may have soundproof recording areas, in which you can record audio. Some may have a certain set of rules and agreements.
Understanding Audio & Editing Software
Personally, most of the software I use is Adobe, so for audio editing, I use Adobe Audition. For a zero-cost option, I would suggest Audacity. You can also use Garageband or Logic Pro(only available for MAC). Pro Tools is another option especially for mixing.
Within the software, you can directly record the audio from the mic and interface and playback and edit within the software as a multitrack mixdown. Garageband is better for creating beats, as you will need other sounds. If you use sounds that are not yours, make sure to get permission to use those sound bytes and/or pay for those sound bytes to avoid any legal trouble. If you’d like to purchase any beats, I suggest looking up on www.beatstars.com or listen to beats on YouTube and contact the creator for leasing and purchase. Lastly, when exporting the audio, export it as a .wav file, as that is the largest and highest quality sound file to be uploaded. Note, this is important as many streaming services may compress your audio for their server.
Where Do I Upload My Podcast?
Most people upload their podcast onto Soundcloud. You can also upload it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. When you have enough listeners, you can also consider making a standalone website for your podcast. When uploading your podcast, make sure you have a logo or graphic, titles, and descriptions for each episode. Choose a logo that best represents who you are but also your brand.
