Best Podcast Equipment (For Beginners & Pros)

Podcast recording equipment can be confusing to wade through and choose if you’re just starting out. There is a lot of podcast gear you can get but that doesn’t mean you need to get it all – and you can always expand your list of podcast equipment over time.

We are going to highlight the audio recording equipment you will need, as well as some things you may want to get later as you get more serious to really build out a complete podcast studio. There are separate posts about many of these individual items, so feel free to check out those posts for more in-depth info (there will be a link in the respective sections).

The essential podcast equipment you will need  in 2020 are:

• A computer
• A microphone

…they are the first two items listed below.

If you have multiple people recording together, you will want to avoid USB mics, which means you’ll also need an audio interface or mixer to hook up multiple XLR microphones.

Also, take a look at the podcasting starter kit for more specific equipment recommendations depending on the number of hosts you have. There are lower-budget options for beginners, along with upgrades for intermediate and pro levels.

List of Podcasting Gear

Quick Overview: Our Recommended Podcasting Gear

Computer

Common sense right? You need a computer to record and upload your .mp3 files. Most people will do just fine with what they have, but if you looking to upgrade I would invest in something that will last you a few years.

Check out the podcasting laptop suggestions here.

Find the best all-in-one or tower desktop computer here.

Microphones

Don’t use your computer’s built-in microphone. The easiest way to get started is to use a USB microphone. If you have multiple people or you want more flexibility, you will need one or more microphones with an XLR output.

Also consider your recording environment and the type of mic you’ll want: dynamic or condenser (dynamic mics are typically better when recording multiple people together).

Recommended USB mic:

• Condenser – Blue Yeti (also check out the Blue Yeti accessories)
• Dynamic – ATR 2100x-USB

Recommended XLR mic:

• Condenser – Rode NT1 Kit
• Dynamic – Heil PR-40

See the best microphones for podcasting.

Audio Interface

This is basically the bridge between your microphone and your computer. It converts the analog signal from the mic into a digital signal that the computer can use.

Here are the best USB interfaces.

Recommended audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)

Mixer

Similar the audio interface above, but a mixer gives you more control over levels, inputs, outputs, and more. Also crucial if you plan to regularly have call-in guests so you get set up a mix-minus line for your remote guests.

Find the best podcasting mixers here.

My favorite: Mackie ProFX8V2

Pop Filter / Windscreen

A pop filter or windscreen will greatly minimize or prevent plosives. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say “power” – feel the air on the “p”? That’s what you’re protecting the mic from – those air blasts can easily send a mic into the red.

See our pop filter recommendations here.

Recommended universal pop filter: Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL

Headphones

Headphones prevent many mistakes and retakes. It can be weird to hear yourself speaking live at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s highly recommended you get used to this. You don’t want to record something for an hour only to realize something wasn’t turned on or there was a loud buzz the whole time.

Closed-back headphones are what you want to use for recording, and your earbuds probably aren’t good enough. Avoid open-back headphones for recording because your microphone will pick up the sound.

Awesome budget recording headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

Headphone Amplifier

When you have several hosts, you’ll need a headphone amp so that each of you can have your pair of headphones. Think of it as a headphone splitter and amplifier in one.

Recommended headphone amp: Behringer HA400 (don’t forget a TRS cable to hook it up)

Mic Stands

Positioning your microphone properly will greatly improve your posture and sound quality. A decent boom arm or mic stand will allow you to easily move the microphone to a comfortable position – and equally important in my mind, you’ll be able to free up desk space and store the mic within reach, but out the way when you’re not using it.

Here are some recommended microphone boom arms & tabletop mic stands.

Recommended microphone boom arm: Heil PL-2T

Shock Mount

Microphones are especially sensitive to any sound that doesn’t have to travel through the air. A shock mount will prevent or minimize unwanted sounds from tapping the desk to typing to moving your boom arm to small vibrations that you might not even notice. Most microphone makers also offer a compatible shock mount, and some even provide one with the mic.

Recommended universal shock mount: Rycote InVision Universal Shock Mount

Microphone Cables

You have to plug your mic into your audio interface, mixer, or preamp somehow.

There is actually a lot that goes into XLR microphone cables and cheap ones can cause more problems than they’re worth.

I recommend starting with a mid-range XLR cable like the Rapco Horizon.

Acoustic Treatment

Some rooms are worse than other, but if your recording area has a lot of echo or reverb, a little acoustic treatment can go a long way.

Check out some recommended acoustic panels here.

Editing Software (DAW)

For beginners, the podcast editing software I recommend is Audacity or Garageband. They’re both free and relatively easy to use and learn. The next level up is Adobe Audition, and if you already have a Creative Cloud subscription, it’s probably a good idea to just go with that.

Podcast Hosting

You need dedicated hosting for your podcast files (I use and recommend Buzzsprout).

It’s a common misconception, but iTunes doesn’t host your actual .mp3 files, they just read an RSS feed and allow people to play your files hosted elsewhere. Learn how to upload to iTunes here.

You don’t want to put the files on your website host because that can easily make your site come to a crawl, and can cause problems when people try to listen.

Check out the best podcast hosting companies here.

Website Hosting

Many podcasts will need a website to give people a place to visit, learn more, and get additional resources.

I recommend using a WordPress hosting service.

One of the easiest to get started with is Bluehost and they have excellent pricing for new sites.

Learn how to start a blog on WordPress.

Mobile Podcasting Gear

Digital Recorder

If you’re doing interviews on the road, a portable digital recorder will be your best friend. You can always get started with an external mic for your iPhone, but a dedicated handheld recorder will give you a lot more flexibility (they can even double as a USB interface).

Recommended option: Zoom H4N Pro

Microphone

There are a lot of different options depending on the style of podcast you will be doing. If you’re interviewing people, check out these interview microphones.

SD Card

Don’t forget extra storage for your digital recorder! Grab a few of these SanDisk 32GB cards so you don’t run out of space on the road. Be sure to double-check what the max SD card size will work for your recorder (the H4N Pro above allows up to 32GB).