Are you interested in starting your podcast but need help creating a studio?
It can seem overwhelming to create your podcast studio, but with the correct tools and knowledge, it’s simpler than you might think.
We’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create your podcast studio in this blog post, including advice on setup, equipment, and audio recording.
Let’s get started.
Choosing The Right Podcast Gear
Your required equipment will depend on your podcasting objectives, budget, and recording environment.
So, here’s my podcast equipment list for budget and high-end podcasters.
Studio Podcast Microphone
A good quality microphone is crucial for recording clear audio.
It is designed specifically for podcasting.
Considering your recording needs, you can choose a dynamic or condenser microphone.
Here are my two recommendations and their features.
AT2005USB – Affordable
- AT2005USB is the best $100 mic.
- It is a Cardioid Microphone (a handheld dynamic that captures sound directly from the mic head, reducing background noise)
- Has USB and XLR outputs.
- Has a headphone jack.
- Boom Arm compatible.
Electro-Voice RE20 – High-End
- Cardioid Dynamic Microphone.
- Perfects any voice.
- Upto $500.
- Better with conventional additions like boom arms.
- Electro-Voice RE20 provides clear recordings and vocals for beginners without mic control.
Related Reading: What Is Podcasting For Business – Learn More Here.
Podcast Studio Headphones
Good quality headphones are essential for monitoring audio during recording and editing.
Since you’ll be using headphones for extended durations, you should focus on their capacity to filter outside sounds.
It is referred to as the noise bleed.
Here are a few we recommend that are both comfy and practical!
Behringer HPX2000 – Affordable
- Up to $30
- Behringer HPX2000 was initially designed for mixing music but is very effective for budget-friendly podcasts.
- Excellent for music but not so great for vocals; bass is somewhat prominent.
Sony MDR-7506 – High End
- About $100
- Sony MDR-7506 is ideal for podcasts and radio broadcasts.
- No noise-bleed.
- Accurate mid-range frequencies.
- Excellent for Vocal Replays.
Audio Interface
An audio interface acts as a bridge between your microphone and computer, helping to improve audio quality and providing additional features like volume control and headphone jacks.
In almost all situations, an audio interface is required; depending on your budget, any of these options will suffice.
Behringer XENYX502/UCA222 Audio Interface – Affordable
- Starter pair for solo podcasters.
- XLR mic and four mono inputs.
- Channel volume control and 2-band vocal EQ.
- No USB Output Mixer—needs an audio interface like the UCA222 to connect to a computer.
PreSonus mixer and Komplete Audio 6. (Audio Interface) – High-End
- PreSonus mixer and Komplete Audio 6 is an excellent mixer.
- Firewires to PC.
- Near-zero latency.
- It supports 16 inputs.
- Four AUX Sends.
- Two Internal FX Buses
Related Reading: Cost To Start A Podcast – Get To Know Here.
Podcast Recording Software
a) Cost-Effective: GarageBand, Audacity, and ProTools.
Mac Users: GarageBand
- Already installed on the Mac. (And for free software, it performs exceptionally well.)
- Able to manage many channels concurrently.
Windows Users: Audacity
- Free open-source DAW.
- The interface is inferior to GarageBand’s, yet it serves its purpose.
- You can compensate for the lack of a built-in mp3 mix-down function by downloading a third-party application.
MAC and PC users: ProTools
- Newly developed software.
- The free version is a subset of their commercial DAW but functions flawlessly.
- The ProTools Store offers a wide selection of high-quality plug-ins.
b) For Professionals: ProTools, Cubase, and Logic Pro
This collection of software was designed for professional recording studios.
You can record a fantastic podcast with the free tools I provided in the last section, but if you have a reasonable budget, why not try some paid services with better features?
You can also check these out:
- Buzzsprout has a monthly subscription fee of $12
- Podbean is another monthly service that begins at $9
- Adobe Audition is $20 per month.
Related Reading: Best Podcast Hosts For Beginners – Explore The Options Here.
Other Equipment for Setting Up a Podcast Studio
You might want to employ any of these extras to enhance your equipment.
If you’re looking for affordable accessories, it’s a good idea to get these bonus tools as a minimum:
If you have a few extra dollars, you should get a higher-end version of the products listed above, such as:
- A Boom Arm with Shock Mount and Pop Filters or Windscreen
- The DBX 286s
- Live Wire Solutions ha204
- Zoom H6
- iJingle Pro
- Acoustic Foam and Corner Bass Absorbers
It would be best to have Long-Distance Recording applications and editing tools for podcast interviews or a separate segment with a guest and co-host who are miles away.
Here are our top three choices.
- SquadCast ($20 per month) is a podcasting service.
- Zoom – Free version
- Skype – should be used as a last option.
Cords and Cables
There are two distinct sorts of Cords/Cables: balanced and unbalanced.
As its name suggests, an Unbalanced Cable transmits only a single signal.
These utilize two unbalanced connections to transmit the left and right signals.
Typically, unbalanced cables are used for electric guitars and other single devices.
However, if you use these connections longer than 10 feet, you risk distorting the signal.
DO NOT DO IT.
Balanced cables can transmit two signals simultaneously.
They are superior at reducing noise and may be used up to 50 feet without problems!
Isn’t that fantastic?
The majority of the necessary equipment will require a balanced cable.
The microphone should have an XLR connector with three prongs.
For the mixers and audio interface, get RCA/AUX cables.
Where can I get Them?
a) Affordable: Balanced Cables are available at Walmart.
b) For High Rollers: Balanced Cables are available at Best Buy, Musicians Friend, and Guitar Center.
Or, of course, on Amazon.
These are slightly more costly.
However, these cords last longer and sound better, making them great.
Related Reading: Best Podcast Hosting Companies – Learn More Here.
The Bottom Line
Building your podcast studio is a terrific way to take your podcast to the next level and provide your listeners with high-quality content.
With the proper equipment, a sufficient area, and some knowledge, you can establish a podcast studio at home that sounds professional.
This article has discussed the needed equipment, setup, and advice for a podcast studio and how to make the most of a limited budget.
Remember that it is not only about the equipment but also about the efficiency and comfort of the studio; this will increase your productivity and motivation to record episodes.
The trick is planning, conducting research, investing in high-quality equipment, and experimenting with various setups until you find the optimal one.
You will be well on your way to crafting a podcast that your listeners will adore.
