Best Podcast Equipment: What You Need & What You Don't in 2024

Ok, so you've got the concept, charisma, and drive to hit it big. Awesome tools can make some editing software unnecessary (such as Framedrop, an AI tool that transforms video - like your podcast episodes - into viral TikToks, Shorts and Reels automatically). But what about the gear? Good production quality often requires good equipment. When searching for the best podcast equipment it is easy to get lost with all the specs and features on offer - especially when you’re new to it! Fear not, I’m here to simplify all of that. This guide will help you build your dream setup without unnecessary (and often expensive) extras. Podcast listening is up 12% in the past two years so there is no better time to start! Learn what you need for professional-quality audio and what can be skipped for now. Grab a drink because we are about to begin.

The Best Podcast Equipment

In a nutshell, here’s the best podcast equipment you can get if you’re starting:

• Microphone: The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone is highly recommended for podcasters, offering quality sound. Other budget-friendly options include the Shure SM57 and SM58, providing similar tone and characteristics at a fraction of the cost.
• Headphones: Closed-back headphones like Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and Sony MDR-7506 are ideal for recording, offering good sound quality and isolation.
• Microphone Stand: Consider boom arms over desk stands for better microphone positioning and isolation, such as the RODE PSA1.
• Pop Filter: A pop filter reduces popping sounds caused by plosive consonants, with options like the Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter.
• Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2 are recommended for connecting microphones to computers, offering essential features for optimal recording quality.
• Computer: Choose a computer or laptop with sufficient processing power and storage, such as the Apple MacBook Air or budget-friendly desktops.
• Acoustic Treatment: Consider DIY solutions like foam panels or strategically placing furniture and rugs to improve audio quality in your recording space.

The Podcast Equipment You Can’t Do Without

Quality comes at a cost. Although I’ve talked about podcasting equipment before when talking about how to start a podcast for free, you will definitely see benefits for investing some money in your setup. So, what are some quality tools that you can buy that will 100% improve your podcast?

Microphone

The microphone is THE most important part of your setup if you’re a podcaster. It’s all about how you and your guests sound so investing in quality microphones is a must. The most popular microphone among podcasters is by far the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone and you can’t go wrong with it. It is however a little pricey at $399 but you definitely get what you pay for. Wondering what a dynamic microphone is? There are a few kinds:

• Dynamic Microphones: These are durable and versatile, making them ideal for podcasting. They have to be used pretty close to your mouth but in return they don’t pick up nearly as much background noise and are hard to peak in normal conversation making them a safe choice. I’ve mentioned the Shure SM7B as a the go-to dynamic microphone for podcasters but if you’re on a budget the Shure SM57 and Shure SM58 are very similar in tone and characteristics and will be ¼ of the price at around $100.‍
• Condenser Microphones: Known for their sensitivity and clarity, condenser microphones capture a broader range of frequencies and are great for capturing vocals and subtle nuances in sound. However, they pick up more background noise and are considerably more fragile. They also need phantom power to operate (while dynamics do not) so, if you are going this route, make sure your interface has this feature or your voice will be barely audible. These microphones are better for music and I do not directly recommend condenser microphones for podcasting unless you already have one.‍
• USB Microphones: These are plug-and-play microphones that connect directly to your computer via USB. They are convenient for beginners and those without a dedicated audio interface and are often cheaper. For beginners on a budget, USB microphones like the Blue Yeti (or the Blue Snowball for even cheaper) or Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB are excellent options. They offer decent quality without the need for additional equipment.

Headphones

High-quality headphones are essential for monitoring audio during recording and editing. Closed-back headphones are preferred for recording because they isolate the sound in your ears and prevent bleed into the microphone. This ensures that you can accurately hear your own voice and any other audio cues without interference. The more transparent and neutral your headphones are, the better they will be at showcasing problematic frequencies which you can then correct with EQ. This means your podcast episode’s will translate better to all other audio equipment than if they were not neutral making for a more pleasing listening experience. 

Two classic and reliable tracking headphones trusted by audio engineers are the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and the Sony MDR-7506. Both provide good sound quality and isolation for around $100.

Microphone Stand

A sturdy microphone stand is essential for positioning your microphone correctly and ensuring consistent audio quality. There are mainly 2 different types available:

• Desk Stands: These are the cheapest, often come included with the microphone and are a budget friendly way to have a microphone hold itself up. Their main flaw is that they pick up desk vibrations which can be a problem depending on your setup. 
• Boom Arms: Probably what you’re thinking of when you think “mic stand”. These articulate arms are ideal for freeing up desk space, offering more flexibility in microphone positioning and being far more capable at isolating your microphone from all kinds of desk vibrations (still, try to be careful when recording).

If you’re getting a good (and heavy) microphone do not cheap out on the boom arm as the last thing you want is your expensive microphone destroyed due to a weak boom arm. I recommend the RODE PSA1 for around $99. It has a good build quality, is sturdy and is likely the most popular boom arm among podcasters. It will pretty much any microphone without any issues.

Pop Filter

A pop filter is a mesh or foam shield placed in front of the microphone to reduce popping sounds caused by plosive consonants like "p" and "b." It helps maintain consistent audio quality by minimizing unwanted noise and ensuring clear vocals.

Don’t overthink pop filters. Music producers have been using socks on metal wire for ages and they work pretty much perfectly. If you want a more aesthetic but just as capable option the Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter for $11 on Amazon will serve you just fine.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is essential for connecting your microphone to your computer and converting analog audio signals into digital data. It also provides essential features like preamps, phantom power, and input/output options for optimal recording quality. Also, most microphones (non-USB ones) have XLR cables which almost all audio interfaces support.

If you’re planning to do a solo podcast the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (single input) for $139 will serve you just fine but if you want to futureproof or if you’re counting on having guests on go with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2 inputs for $199). There are interfaces with a lot more inputs so if you think you are going to need them take that into consideration.

Computer

A computer or laptop is essential for recording, editing, and producing your podcast episodes. The most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Enough processing power to edit and render your podcast episode’s audio and video.
2. A decent amount of fast storage (you can always buy more later).

For beginners, laptops like the Apple MacBook Air or budget-friendly desktops with decent specifications are suitable options for podcasting.

Acoustic Treatment

Acoustic treatment is essential for creating a controlled recording environment and preventing issues like echo and boom in your audio. When it comes to acoustic treatment density is almost always the main factor you want to be looking at. If something is incredibly light it is likely not that good at absorbing frequencies. For products there are several options available, including:

• Absorbers: These absorb high frequency sound reflections and minimize echo and are typically made of materials like foam or fiberglass.
• Diffusers: These scatter sound waves to create a more balanced acoustic environment, reducing flutter echoes and improving overall sound quality.
• Bass Traps: They do what their name implies. Designed to absorb low-frequency sound waves, bass traps help minimize bass buildup and improve clarity in your recordings. Bass traps can be overkill for a podcasting-only space since the human voice can only get so low. 

For beginners on a budget, DIY acoustic treatment solutions like foam panels, mattresses, pillows or blankets hung on walls can provide significant improvements in audio quality without breaking the bank. Additionally, strategically placing furniture and rugs in your recording space can help reduce unwanted reflections and echoes.

For a decently cheap and incredibly effective alternative (that I’ve tried on my own home studio and that worked beautifully) you can make your own acoustic panels just like In The Mix demonstrates in his YouTube video:

When looking to buy the best podcast equipment, be on the lookout for bundles. They can be a great way to get quality equipment for a more affordable price. Always do your research and check for reviews before buying anything. That way you’ll always get the best equipment for the money. Good physical equipment alongside good digital tools (such as Framedrop, one of the best AI tools for podcasts in 2024) will get you 99.9% of the way into having a quality podcast.