So You Want to Start a Podcast?
Do you have a topic burning its way at the back of your mind? You’re pretty sure you know everything there is to know about it, so what better way to get the word out about the benefits of putting harp strings on your ukulele than a podcast!
Podcasts are relatively easy to produce, but if someone is going to be listening to you for an hour or more you’ll have to sound as crisp and clear as possible. In this article we’ll run you through what gear you’ll need and how to get the best sound out of it!
Let’s Start at the Source, Your Voice.
Obviously the most important part of any podcast, you and your co-hosts need a way to get your words onto the web. This means we’ll need a decent microphone. There’s a wide spectrum of mic’s for every budget so we’ll recommend two, one with great value and another for superb quality.
Let’s Start at the Source, Your Voice.
Obviously the most important part of any podcast, you and your co-hosts need a way to get your words onto the web. This means we’ll need a decent microphone. There’s a wide spectrum of mic’s for every budget so we’ll recommend two, one with great value and another for superb quality.
Firstly we have the Audio Technica AT2020USB+. This is the best value-for-money mic of the bunch and is an all-in-one recording powerhouse. As well as being a smooth cardioid condenser it also packs a USB interface, headphone out, volume and mix control all in the housing of the mic. For a lot of people this can be the start and end of the setup as all you need is software (which we’ll cover later) to record. The USB DAC can record at 16 Bit/44.1/48HZ, outputs audio through a 3.5mm headphone jack and runs off one USB cable. If you’re needing a setup with no fuss setup and minimal cables running across your desk this is the one to go for.
On the other end of the spectrum we have the Shure SM7B. This mic is the industry standard for podcasting and talkback. You’ll see hosts like Joe Rogan, the H3H3 crew and various radio stations using this mic. Unlike the AT2020USB+ this mic is an XLR connection only, so no fancy headphone outs or recording directly to a computer, but the trade-off is crisp vocals and ambience rejection like no other mic. It’s a cardioid polar pattern mic that only captures what is directly in front of it, the housing is built to reject noise from lights and other electromagnetic sources. This mic is king of isolated vocals for a reason: unless you’re talking directly into the mic you’ll capture almost nothing else from the room. This is great if you have multiple people talking during a podcast.
Next We Have to Capture Our Audio.
If you’re using the AT2020USB+ you can skip this step, but for everyone else using XLR connections we’ll need an audio-card. Audio-cards come in all shapes and sizes, but if we’re recording on the fly and need multiple inputs for mics, music and effects we’ll want something that has various input methods and EQ/volume controls built into the unit.
At the budget end we recommend the Behringer XENYX Q1002USB. This is a simple 10 In/2 Out mixer with enough inputs for any start up podcast. There’s volume control for each channel, EQ and built in compression for the two XLR inputs as well as multiple inputs instruments or effect units. It sums everything over two USB channels (left and right) for easy recording.
If you want to take things to the next level though, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is where your looking starts and ends. This is everything you could ever need bundled into one unit. Four XLR inputs, 3.5mm input, Bluetooth, MicroSD card for samples and recording, four independent headphone outs as well as TRS main out, LCD touchscreen and 8 pads for triggering sounds and samples. It doesn’t get much better than this. We have a video review of this unit that gives you all the details on our Youtube page!
Lastly, You’ll Want to Hear What You’re Recording.
You’ll most likely want to use over ear headphones to avoid that weird muffled head voice that happens when using in ears while you talk.
The Audio Technica MX line of headphones are great. Most of them are closed back so external noises don’t leak through, have great clarity and require little power to drive.
Our pick is the M50X for its price and quality, these headphones will go to war and back before breaking and the cable is replaceable in the event your cat destroys it.
That’s a basic rundown of the gear you’ll need to start your own podcast! If you have any questions or want more options for gear give us a call or email and we’ll talk you through the best option for your setup and budget!
