So you’re trying to start a podcast. Whether you will be hosting guests in your home or are podcasting alone, you will need a few things to get started. If you want to podcast from home and interview people from around the world remotely, there are some tools that you should have to make it a high-quality audio and video experience. While there are a few essentials that you will need, there are others that will greatly improve your podcasts. Below are five tools that you should have to get started on podcasting from your home.
High-Quality Microphones
Of course the first thing that you need is a couple great microphones. Shure is the industry standard, but there are also other options. The first thing you should do is go out and buy some high-quality mics to record with. While you should be sure to have enough regular microphones, you should also buy a few high-quality USB microphones to have around. When you have the right microphones, you’ll be off to a good start.
Audio Interface
Another thing that you will need to have is an audio interface. This is the blank canvas on which you record the podcast. They vary quite a bit. The sky’s the limit when it comes to audio interfaces. You can purchase a very expensive one or a reasonably priced one. You can even buy a one-stop shop like a Zoom or Tascam, but you will have a higher quality podcast if you separate your audio interface from your software. It depends on your level of dedication, but when it comes to audio interfaces you get what you pay for. An audio interface is a necessary tool for recording audio.
DAW Software
While you could purchase a Zoom recorder that is an audio interface that records your podcast, a better option is to pair your interface with a digital audio workstation (DAW). DAW software is the program you use to record audio and edit the podcast. There are many different kinds of DAW. If you aren’t making music with it, you don’t need one of the most expensive software. Shop around for the perfect program for you. There are plenty of options. When you have microphones and an audio interface, the DAW is the tool to record and edit.
HD Video Camera
These days an audio podcast isn’t enough. People want videos. One of the biggest platforms for podcasts is actually YouTube. The consumers of podcasts want to watch the video of the conversation, whether it’s on Zoom or not. You should use a high-quality video camera to record the video portion of the podcast. You will see the difference when you use video in the podcast experience. Your numbers will improve overall.
Comfortable Chairs
When you are recording hours of podcasts, there is one thing you might overlook—a comfortable chair. An ergonomic executive chair for you and each of your guests will make a big difference to how you feel in the moment. You will be able to have long, thorough conversations without getting uncomfortable in your chair. Of course it’s not a part of the podcast recording process, but having comfortable chairs in your studio is essential. If you and your guests are uncomfortable, you won’t want to sink into the conversation. Your mind will be elsewhere. But when you have all your needs met, the conversation is the only thing you will be thinking about.
Anyone can podcast, but there are tools everyone needs to get the job done. With so many podcasts out there, you can’t skimp on the quality of the audio and video. You want to run a professional operation. The best part about podcasting is that you can do it all from your home. Just buy these tools to get started. It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting a full studio or are recording podcasts with people remotely over the internet.
Whether you’re starting a comedy podcast, an investigative series, an interview podcast, or a solo podcast where you simply talk about your life and work, you need certain things to get the job done. Start with high-quality microphones and the tools to record video and audio, but you will soon be soundproofing the room and making it a full studio. Everyone has to start somewhere. Begin with the essentials.
Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, blogger, musician, and podcaster.
