Doug Armitage, Nederland. Home recording and Podcast recording equipment can be confusing to understand, and it can be a challenge to understand what you might need, and choose what you’re going to need, just starting out. There is a lot of podcast gear you might want to get but that doesn’t mean you need to get it all, and you can always expand your list of podcast equipment over time.
I’d like to highlight some of the audio recording equipment you will need, as well as some things you may want to get later if you get more serious, and really want to build out a complete podcast studio. The essential podcast equipment you will need to get started are:
A computer
A microphone
Headphones
You need a computer to record and upload your .mp3 files. Most people will do well with what they have, but if you are looking to upgrade I would invest in something that will last you a few years.
Software for recording is available free, but for really high quality mixing, Avid Protools and Garage band are easy to learn. Audacity (www.audacityteam.org) is a popular and easy to use and allows you to use a variety of mixing and microphone setups. A USB microphone is inexpensive, and a LOT better than the microphone in your computer or on a headset. And please, do not use the one in your phone.
If you have multiple people recording together, you will want to avoid USB mics, which means you’ll also need an audio interface or mixer to hook up multiple XLR microphones. There are several kinds of XLR microphones to look at. Your recording environment and the type of mic you’ll want: dynamic or condenser. Dynamic mics are typically better when recording multiple people to keep tracks discrete. Condensers, due to their low-mass diaphragm, have superior transient response. Due to its extremely low mass, the diaphragm of a condenser microphone can follow the sound waves more accurately than that of a dynamic microphone with a (relatively) heavy moving coil attached. Condenser microphones, therefore, offer superior sound quality. There are many brands, and a good microphone stand to hold the microphone in a comfortable position is going to make things a lot more consistent.
Also, take a look at the kits that are available for more specific equipment recommendations depending on the number of hosts you have. There are lower-budget options for beginners, along with upgrades for intermediate and pro levels.
Headphones are a really easy way to make sure you are getting the quality of sound you want. Without a good set, (not earplug types) you really don’t know. A nice set of headphones will allow you to produce a balanced MP3 that people will listen to. There is nothing worse than a poor recording and people will just not listen to it.
Next, we look for a good audio interface, the part between you and your microphone and your computer. This converts the analog signal from the microphone into a digital signal that the computer can use. A mixer is the same, but has several inputs, and a mixer gives you more control over levels, inputs, outputs, and more. This is important if you plan to regularly have multiple musicians playing at once, or call-in guests on your podcast, so you get set up a mix-minus line for your remote guests. Inexpensive mixers will only have one or two XLR inputs, which limits the number of decent quality microphones you can use locally, especially if they’re condenser microphones that need phantom power. See us at Brightwood Music for more options!
It’s also a good idea to buy something with enough channels to expand into.
For more information or to check out local options for microphones or headphones, stop by Brightwood Music at 20 E. Lakeview Drive, Unit 109 in Nederland. Brightwood Music is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Check out their Facebook @brithwoodmusic.
(Originally published in the April 8, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
