Essential Gear to Start a Podcast
- febilla saswira
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Starting a podcast is an exciting step - even if the equipment preparation can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, it doesn't take a big budget or a fully equipped studio to get started. Instead, the equipment you need should be something that suits your purpose, space, and experience level.
Here are 5 must-have essentials in creating a quality podcast - with product recommendations in three categories:
✅ High-End | 💰 Best Value | 🎙 Beginner Friendly
Also read:
Microphone - The Key to Podcast Audio
When it comes to audio quality, the microphone is above all else. The microphone will capture the sound and determine how professional (or not) the podcast sounds.
There are two main types:
Dynamic microphones: Suitable for less noisy rooms, able to isolate background noise well.
Condenser microphone: Captures more detail, but picks up indoor noise - perfect for studios.
What to look for:
Clear vocal capture
Low background noise level
USB (easy plug-and-play) or XLR (better sound, more control)
Recommended microphones:
✅ Shure SM7B - Pro-level dynamic microphone used by top podcasters (requires audio interface)
💰 Rode PodMic - Durable, clear and precise for spoken word
🎙 Samson Q2U - USB + XLR, great sound with flexibility as you grow
🛠 Tip: Avoid using your laptop's built-in microphone. It may look convenient, but the difference in quality is huge.
Headphones - A Device for Live Monitoring
Headphones help to hear the speaker's voice and detect any technical issues during a recording session - such as echo, background hum or volume imbalance. Headphones also prevent mic bleed (sound from the speaker coming back into the microphone). Headphones with a closed design are best: they isolate the ears from outside noise and help the listener to focus better.
Recommended headphones:
✅Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro - Studio-quality comfort and precision
💰 Sony MDR-7506 - Industry standard, high detail and reliability
🎙Audio-Technica ATH-M20x - Reasonably priced with good clarity and comfort
🛠 Tip: Always use headphones when recording, even if you're recording alone - this will help you catch issues before they become problems during editing.
Audio Interface - For XLR Microphones and Improved Audio Quality
If you're using XLR microphones (like the SM7B or PodMic), you'll need an audio interface. This acts as a bridge between the microphone and the computer - converting analog to digital and often improving sound quality.
Some interfaces also offer gain control (how loud the microphone input is), which is especially useful for microphones that require gain like the SM7B.
Recommended interfaces:
✅ Universal Audio Apollo Twin - Best sound quality and onboard processing
💰 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - Reliable, beginner-friendly, and most recommended interface
🎙 Behringer UMC22 - Budget-friendly option but works well
🛠 Tip: If you're using a USB microphone, you don't need an interface - but keep in mind that USB provides limited upgrade options later on.
Recording & Editing Software (DAW) - Where the Magic Happens
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is software for recording, editing and producing podcast episodes. This is where you can correct mistakes, minimize audio glitches, and produce the perfect recording.
What to look for:
Easy-to-learn interface
Multitrack editing (if you have guests)
Support for plugins or noise reduction
Recommended DAWs:
✅ Adobe Audition - Full professional package, clean UI, powerful tools
💰 Reaper - Affordable and very powerful (try before you buy)
🎙 Audacity (Windows) / GarageBand (Mac) - Free and simple for solo shows
🛠 Tip: Don't overthink editing at the beginning - just focus on clean, crisp audio and minimize errors.
Podcast Room - An Important Place to Record
Even the best microphone won't fix a bad-sounding room. Echo, echo, and outside noise can ruin good quality content. You don't need a professional studio, but your room should be quiet and controlled.
What to look for:
Soft surfaces (carpet, curtains, pillows) to absorb sound
No echo or reverberation (a clap test can help!)
Minimal noise (away from traffic, fans, air conditioning)
Room Setup Ideas:
✅ Professional studio - Treated walls, acoustic panels, isolation booth
💰 DIY setup - Foam panels + curtains + carpet + microphone stand
🎙 Beginner hack - Record inside a closet or under a blanket fort (yes, this works!)
🛠 Tip: The more soft surfaces around you, the better the quality of your original audio.
No Space, Time, or Equipment?
We get it - building a podcast can take weeks of research and cost millions of dollars. If you don't have the space, time, or energy to do all that...
👉 Come record at Villo Studio
We've created the perfect podcast space - soundproof, acoustic, and equipped with pro-level equipment. Just bring the content and sound - we'll handle the rest.
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