Podcast Equipment: Everything You Need to Get Started
Podcasts are a fast growing industry. They’re an engaging way to tell stories and make people feel part of a conversation, and they’ve caught the enquiring eyes of the academic world too. Many universities now offer students the opportunity to podcast as part of their coursework. A great podcast can hold all the rigor of a traditional essay – presenting voices, facts, research and argument – while also forging that perfect link between creative and technical savvy.
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A short history of the podcast
Apple integrated podcasts onto iTunes in 2005, and while it may have been a slow burner, it’s now a soaring global industry. The global number of podcast listeners was in excess of half a billion worldwide as of 2023, according to figures by Statistica.
Podcasts are primarily audio-only, though increasingly podcasters are using a video format (in fact, YouTube is the most used podcast platform in the US). And audiences tend to be young – 25 to 34-year-olds are the key demographic. Experience in planning, editing and producing podcasts is now recognized as a set of key transferable skills by employers.
The university podcasting trend
There’s a natural link with media degrees, but podcasts can be just as well suited to any degree that requires critical thinking, such as history, politics and social sciences. Houston, We Have a Podcast, the official podcast of the Nasa Johnson Space Center, is also a perfect example of how complicated science subjects can be thrashed out on audio. Frankly, podcasts can be woven into any subject area and they’re a great option for some neurodiverse students, and anyone who may favor a practical alternative to writing.
Of course, picking the subject matter, writing the script, telling the story – that’s just part of the process. Professional sounding podcasts are about crisp audio and precise editing, and that’s reliant on quality podcasting equipment and some technical know-how. So what equipment do you need to set up a great student podcast studio? Here’s our guide…
What equipment do I need for a podcast?
In the simplest terms, you need something to record your voice onto and store the files. A smartphone or computer is a great place to start, most will have built in microphones and speakers, and these are perfect for people dipping their toes into the podcasting waters. If you want to elevate it though, a stand-alone microphone and some production hardware are two key investments. Read on for more information on both…
Microphone
An external USB microphone plugs into a phone or computer via a USB cable. The pick-up pattern is something to look out for. A cardioid pattern covers a narrow, heart-shaped area, meaning they’re ideal for recording in smaller rooms. You can also add a pop filter, which is a thin piece of fabric on the mic stand, that acts as a buffer between your mouth and the microphone. It softens the ‘plosives’ – or those hard vocal p, g, d and b sounds.
If you have a slightly bigger budget though, XLR microphones are more versatile and give users more control over sound level and quality. These connect through audio interfaces, giving more flexibility with editing.
Production hardware
Zoom (the podtrak, rather than the online meeting software) and RØDECaster are solid options, good value and industry standard. Maono offers some great equipment too at a lower price, such as this audio interface. These are the best way to record quality, in-person podcasts. Look for multiple microphone and headphone inputs so you can record with more than one person. Check battery life too because you might want to record on location at times.
Headphones
There are myriad headphones, and a lot comes down to personal preference and budget. But industry standard is generally for over ear headphones, because of their noise cancelling qualities.
Camera
If you want to film your podcast, a webcam will offer good resolution, wide screen capability (good if there’s more than one person in the room), and some flexibility with the shot. Spending a bit more will get you higher quality pictures, which is useful if you want to crop or zoom in on individual speakers. A flip screen will help you monitor the recording in real time, which is helpful if you’re working alone.
Lighting
Lighting can make a big difference to the overall quality of a video podcast, and some simple softbox lights are relatively inexpensive. A softbox is essentially a fabric box that sits around a light source to diffuse it and soften the overall picture quality. The larger they are, the softer the light. Look for adjustable stands so they can be used at different heights and angles. If you are planning to use them beyond podcasts, check the weight and packing options for location work too. This FGen set is a great starting point.
Online recording
There are a number of online platforms that are particularly useful if you want to record a podcast remotely. Riverside, Zencastr and Cleanfeed offer both free and paid subscriptions. These act as virtual studios, providing recording, editing, distributing and monetizing options.
Editing software
Again, there is a range available – Adobe Audition and Pro Tools are paid for and industry standard, great for audio podcasts (and they often come with cheaper packages for students). They give complete edit control over all the fine details – enabling the producer to zoom in and clean up the sound quality. Then there are free options like Audacity, which is a cross platform editing and recording app. This is a good, affordable option for students because it allows for that detailed, perfectionist approach that podcast editors need. There are also lots of online tutorials about how to use it. Garage Band, which comes pre-installed on most Apple devices, is another solid free option, thanks to its simple editing tools.
When it comes to video podcasts, you will be needing supporting software. Sony Vegas Pro is high end, professional quality that uses AI functions, multi camera editing and supports montage-style production. It’s available on subscription. DaVinci Resolve 19 is also popular and has a free app version, with all the necessary functions.
Podcast equipment close-up
| Podcast equipment | Key features | Price |
| Mics Audio-Technica AT2020 Sennheiser USB-C microphone with cardioid condenser capsule Shure MV7 | Cardioid mic (good for recording in small spaces), lightweight, affordable, and great quality Cardioid mic, adjustable tilt function for flexibility and good sound control, professional quality USB and XLR outputs for use with computers and professional interfaces alike. Cardioid pattern. | $114 $128 $364 |
| Production / recording hardware Maono PS22 Audio Interface Zoom PodTrak™ P4 RØDECaster Pro | Two mic inputs, compliant with a wide range of mics, connects to USB and phones for great flexibility Four mic inputs offer more flexibility. There are also gain control knobs and mute buttons for each input. Up to three hours of use with just two AA batteries or a USB power supply, so good for off-site recording Four microphone inputs, intuitive controls via a large full-colour touchscreen, automatic level setting. Professional standard for the slickest podcasts | $120 $192 $556 |
| Headphones Audio Technica ATH-M20x Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | Quality audio reproduction and effective sound isolation. An affordable option from a solid brand High end noise cancelling tech to keep out high and mid frequency sounds | $64 $382 |
| Cameras Logitech Brio 100 Full HD 1080p webcam Sony ZV-1F | Widescreen capability and full HD 1080p. Affordable, lightweight. Lens type: Fixed focus, 2 mega pixel, plastic lens with anti-reflective coating – simple to use, no fuss, affordable and lightweight 4K Ultra HD (good for cropping), flip screen (good for working alone). Lens type: ultra-wide angle 20mm lens, great for depth and perspective. This camera also automatically recognizes human faces and eyes, making sure you stay in focus. | $51 $702 |
| Lighting FGen 135W Softbox NEEWER Background Support System Lighting Kit | A great starter kit that includes two 2x50x70cm softboxes, energy saving bulbs, a light stand and a carrying bag. A step up in price, but this set has some extra features such as a backdrop and two umbrellas, which can help to soften and broaden the light. | $65 $288 |
The journey ahead
So that’s what you need to set up a great podcasting studio – one that both allows students the space to create and gives them the flexibility to go on location and explore. This is the start of a new academic journey – rich in content, full of creative potential, and a perfect source for learning lifelong skills.
Connect2 equipment management software
Once you have built your pool of podcasting equipment, you will need a system to loan and manage it, allowing students full creative rein, while protecting the university’s valuable assets.
Connect2’s online equipment reservation portal keeps a perfect inventory, enabling a simple check-in, checkout process. Get in touch to see how we can help.
