Shock Mount
If you don’t know already, microphones tend to have weird sounds which don’t travel in the air. Hence, when recording your podcast, it will pick up unwanted sounds such as tapping or objects moving about.
A shock mount helps to prevent your microphone from recording those random vibrations or sounds. Most of the shock mounts are compatible with any type of microphone.
Headphones
Headphones are essential when it comes to podcasts because you need to know how your audio sounds (despite cringing at your own voice). The reason being when you are recording your podcast with headphones in, you can hear exactly what you’re recording.
You can start off with over-the-ear headphones as it offers the best quality so you can clearly hear how your audio sounds. Try to avoid using earbuds because you won’t be able to hear your audio well.
Microphones
Probably the most important equipment when it comes to podcasts, choosing a good quality microphone makes a difference to your podcast quality.
Do you have multiple people speaking at the same time? If that’s the case, you shouldn’t use USB microphones as it will just be everyone’s voices cancelling out each other. Below the common microphones used in podcasts:
- USB Microphones: This would be ideal if you are a solo podcaster and don’t plan on bringing any guests over. Basically, it’s just you speaking.
- XLR Microphones: Professional podcasters would use this as it has to be connected to a computer and a mixer to function.
- Dynamic Microphones: This microphone would be useful for those who don’t have acoustic treatments in the place of recording. It offers a clear and crisp sound.
- Condenser Microphones: If you have acoustic treatments in your recording studio, then this microphone would benefit you as it is more sensitive to the environment noise along with the high frequencies occurring in the background.
Microphone Stand or Boom Pole
Imagine always having to bend down to speak on the microphone. Nobody wants that! It’s best to get a microphone stand or a boom pole so that you can simply adjust the level to your liking.
That way, the microphone can be close to your mouth without you having to bend down or whatnot (because the level of the microphone from your mouth makes a difference to your audio quality!)
Besides, you will also save yourself from accidentally knocking your microphone over.
Computer or Laptop
Of course, you will need a computer or laptop to edit or produce your podcast as you’ll need to use an editing software to put your recordings together.
You can either use a Mac or Windows PC as both will work just fine. Most podcasters tend to use Apple MacBook Pro. But ultimately, you should use something that you’re already familiar with.
Windscreen Or Pop Filter
Sometimes when we pronounce certain letters or words, it tends to sound plosive on the microphone. Hence, a windscreen such as a foam windscreen attached at the top of the mic will prevent those sounds from getting recorded.
The same goes for a pop filter – it will boost your audio quality as you place it around your microphone (usually made out of foam or metal).
Mixer
This equipment will be useful because when it comes to podcast broadcasting with several people, it allows to boost the audio quality while more than one person is talking at the same time.
You can also opt to record your podcast live with the help of a mixer as it enables special AUX features where everything is being recorded at one go, on top of adding several sound effects or music.
Require additional assistance to start your own podcast? Quickmedia not only offers broadcast services in terms of setting up the equipment but also consultation to ensure you achieve great success.