Podcasting has become increasingly popular in recent years, and more and more people are looking to get involved. There are podcasts on many different subjects, from true crime to comedy, there is sure to be a podcast out there for everyone. Any kind of genre you can think of, there’s a podcast out there all about it! Not every show is strictly informative or documentary-style, some are short stories read in theatrical voices or even campfire ghost stories that are meant to scare the listener. There’s a podcast for everyone out there!
They’re especially great for branding purposes, too! Podcasts can really help to add a sense of personality to a company. They can also be a great way to build an audience and connect with potential customers on a more personal level. The podcast should be on a topic adjacent to your business’s products, services, or mission. For example, a company that sells eco-friendly cleaning supplies could podcast about sustainability or zero waste living. You have the potential to reaching an entirely new global audience with a podcast.
Podcasts are extremely versatile forms of media. Instead of being stuck to listening to each show at a specific time or day as we once were before the internet, we have the ability to pick and choose exactly what we want to listen to on-demand. All we have to do is log in to iTunes or Spotify and click on what sounds enticing!
Podcasts can be episodic, which the most successful podcasts are, or they can be one-off productions. For example, a podcast would be a great way to wrap up an in-person event for attendees or to advertise what your event can offer others who didn’t get the opportunity to attend.
But before you can start podcasting, you need to gather the proper podcast production equipment. In this article, we’ll go over what podcast equipment you need to get started and where you can get your hands on some!
What Equipment is Needed?
Let’s take a look at the different pieces of gear that you will need in order to produce a good-quality podcast that your audience will appreciate and want to come back to on a regular basis.
A Quality Microphone
The first thing you need is a microphone. This is an essential piece of podcast production equipment, and it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs. If you’re podcasting alone, you might want to consider a USB microphone. These are great for podcasting on a budget. They produce clear sound quality. If you’re podcasting with a co-host or guests, you might want to consider an analog microphone. These are more expensive, but they offer better sound quality.
Microphone Stands and Cables
In addition to the microphone itself, you will also need a stand to hold it in place. If you’re podcasting alone, you can get away with using a simple desktop stand. If you’re podcasting with a co-host or guests, you will need a boom arm to hold the microphone in place. Boom arms are more expensive, but they offer the best sound quality.
You will also need cables to connect your microphone to your podcasting equipment. The type of cable you need will depend on the type of microphone you’re using.
An Audio Interface
The next piece of podcast production equipment you need is an audio interface. This is a device that connects your microphone to your computer. It converts the analog signal from your microphone into a digital signal that can be recorded on your computer.
There are many different types of audio interfaces available on the market, from simple USB interfaces to more complex Firewire and Thunderbolt interfaces. The type of interface you need will depend on the type of podcast you’re recording and the quality of sound you’re hoping to achieve.
A Digital Recorder
In addition to an audio interface, you will also need a digital recorder. This is a device that records the digital signal from your audio interface. It’s important to choose a recorder with a high-quality sound card in order to get the best sound quality possible.
There are many different types of digital recorders available on the market, from simple handheld devices to more complex studio-quality recorders. The type of recorder you need will depend on the type of podcast you’re recording and the quality of sound you’re hoping to achieve.
Headphones
The next piece of podcast production equipment you need is a good pair of headphones. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows you to hear the audio from your microphone clearly. Second, it helps to reduce the amount of background noise that is picked up by your microphone.
There are many different types of headphones available on the market, from simple earbuds to more expensive over-the-ear models. The type of headphones you need will depend mostly on your personal preference but also the type of podcast you’re recording.
A Pop Filter
A pop filter is a small piece of equipment that attaches to your microphone. It helps to reduce the amount of “pop” sound that is produced when you say certain consonants, like “p” and “b”. Pop filters are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most music stores.
A Windscreen
A windscreen is a small piece of equipment that attaches to your microphone. It helps to reduce the amount of wind noise that is picked up by your microphone. Windscreens don’t cost that much and can be found at most music stores.
An Acoustic Treatment
An acoustic treatment is important for two reasons. First, it helps to reduce the amount of background noise that is picked up by your microphone. Second, it helps to improve the sound quality of your podcast.
There are many different types of acoustic treatments available on the market, from simple foam panels to more complex bass traps and diffusers. The type of acoustic treatment you need will depend on the type of podcast you’re recording.
Podcast Editing Software
The final item of podcast production equipment that you’ll need is a podcast editing software. This is a computer program that allows you to edit your podcasts. There are many different types of podcast editing softwares available on the market, from simple programs that allow you to cut and splice audio files to more complex programs that allow you to add effects and transitions. The type of software you need will depend on the type of podcast you’re recording and the quality of sound you’re hoping to achieve.
Now that you know what podcast production equipment you need, you can start collecting what you need to create your own podcast.
How Can I Get my Hands on Podcast Production Equipment?
There are a few different routes you can take to get your hands on the gear you need to produce a podcast of desirable quality.
The first option is to purchase the equipment outright. This option will give you the highest quality podcast possible, but it will also be the most expensive.
Of course, purchasing could go one of two ways. You could purchase brand-new equipment. This is the most expensive option overall, but if you’re going to be producing episodic podcasts continually, it might be worth the investment to have brand-new gear, such as cables that can affect sound quality when they’re not in tip-top condition. Some things, if you do purchase, will have to be bought unused such as the editing software.
Or, there’s the option to purchase used equipment. As long as you can test the equipment to make sure that it works and is worth the price the seller is asking for, then it can be very worthwhile to seek out used gear. Gear such as microphone stands, windscreens, or even a computer to run your new editing software can be purchased used or refurbished without much consequences.
The second option is to rent podcast equipment. This option is a great way to get high-quality podcast equipment without breaking the bank. Renting a podcast studio and podcast production equipment is a great option for anyone who wants to create only a few podcasts here and there as well as one-off shows.
There are many companies that offer podcast equipment rental services. C&I Studios offers podcast equipment rentals on top of our podcast studio rental, located in Downtown Los Angeles!
What are the Benefits of Renting and How Can I Rent from C&I Studios?
When you rent from C&I Studios, you’re renting some of the best equipment in the business. You can trust that our equipment is in great shape and will help you produce a podcast of the highest quality.
C&I Studios offers podcast equipment rentals and podcast studio rentals for a variety of budgets and needs. Our podcast equipment rental services are flexible, tailored to your specific podcast production requirements, and will always be able to fit into your marketing budget no matter the size of your business.
Read: Building a Marketing Budget for your Small Business
We want to make sure you’ll make the most out of your podcast production. That way, you can save time and money on creating a space in your home or office that’s only used for podcasting purposes. Our podcast studio is already decked out with acoustic treatments. You’ll have access to audio recorders, and be able to use all of our studio’s resources while you’re here!
If you’re curious about renting podcast production gear or podcast studio space from C&I Studios, reach out to us! We would love to help you decide how much or how little you need to rent from us to keep you within your budget.
In the End…
Creating a podcast is a great way to reach new audiences and build a bigger following around your brand, product, or service. There are many different ways to get podcast equipment, but the two best options are to either purchase podcast equipment outright or to rent podcast production equipment. If you’re interested in podcast equipment rentals, please contact C&I Studios and we would be more than happy to work with you!