Podcasts, much like blogs and other forms of social media, are democratizing the method in which individuals communicate their opinions with the world. The episodic audio series is steadily gaining popularity, with listeners looking for entertainment value and informative conversation. According to the most recent statistics compiled by Nielsen, half of all households in the United States regard themselves as followers of at least one podcast, with 22 percent qualifying as “avid fans” of the medium.
You don’t need an expensive recording studio, a diploma, or any kind of certification to get started with a podcast, and there aren’t many obstacles to overcome when it comes to distribution, so the rise of podcasts can be attributed to both the variety of content that is available and the ease with which one can launch a podcast.
The following is a list of everything you need as a podcast editor.
Computer
A podcast’s production requires using a digital audio workstation (DAW), which can only be run on a computer. As a result, podcasting requires you to have a computer. This necessitates the utilization of a recording and editing program in order to get a more polished and expertly produced final episode.
Either a Mac or a PC will serve your computing needs just well. Same for pc or a laptop. We recommend that you use the apparatus you are already familiar with unless you have a reason not to. It is important to be aware that digital audio workstation (DAW) software such as Logic Pro and GarageBand are only compatible with Apple equipment. However, many of the settings that will be explored below are compatible with both operating systems.
If you want to buy a new computer for your podcasting setup, you should think about how much memory space it has, what kind of CPU it has, and what kind of USB connections it has. Computers with 8 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), some amount of built-in solid state device storage (SSD), and a triple-core CPU are ideal for novice podcasters.
Mixer
Mixers are utilized to enhance the quality of the audio as well as provide multi-channel recording options for those who are co-hosting an event with other individuals. In addition to that, everyone who uses an XLR microphone has to have this component. Including a mixer in your podcast production setup opens up the possibility of live recording episodes that make use of AUX features. The final edit undergoes very little to almost no post-production at all.
There are quite a few really cutting-edge mixers available on the market today; nevertheless, there are two important characteristics that consumers should keep an eye out for. They consist of the total number of channels as well as an AUX out option.
USB microphone
It’s likely that a podcasting microphone is the piece of equipment that’s the most important. It has an effect on the quality of the sound and can help you save time in post-production. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are a lot of debates going on over which microphone is the finest.
The apparatus may link to your computer in a few different ways, including XLR and USB. And the distinction between how sensitive it is and how sharp it sounds depends on whether it is a dynamic or condenser microphone. The following is how they compare:
- XLR podcasting microphones have a connection consisting of three prongs and are linked to a mixer and a computer. Typically utilized in business-related contexts.
- Podcasting microphones that connect to a computer through a USB connection can be used to record audio directly on the computer. Beginners who choose a simpler setup with fewer equipment typically use this technique.
- Podcasting microphones that are dynamic are less susceptible to background noise, but their sound may be less sharp and layered as a result. Commonly employed by novice podcasters who record their shows in makeshift studio locations.
- Podcasting microphones that use condenser technology are more exposed to extreme frequencies as well as ambient noise. Recording facilities that have substantial acoustic treatments are typically where you’ll find this.
Stand for a microphone.
A microphone stand or boom mount is an excellent solution for raising the mic off the tabletop and bringing it closer to the level of the speaker’s mouth. Because the alignment (above or below) of the tongue affects the sound of the person’s voice, this is an important issue to take into account.
While you are recording, using a stand decreases the likelihood that you will accidentally knock into the microphone or that it will scrape against something. Comparable to the pop filters, most of the available solutions effectively accomplish their goals.
Headphones
In the beginning, practically any pair of headphones will do when it comes to listening to music. Even though we consider them to be an essential component of a podcast setup, you don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on them right once. To get started, your regular Apple headphones or any other headphones that you are using to listen to music should be OK. A crucial point to remember is that each person recording should use their own set.
If you decide to purchase something, get headphones covering the entire ear. They provide superior sound quality, allowing you to more correctly perceive how your audio sounds.
Treatments for sound amplification
During post-production, you will thank yourself for having recorded in a location that was specifically designed to capture clearer audio. That involves setting up a do-it-yourself studio with proper acoustic treatment to get rid of the “sound of the room” and cut down on reverberations.
There are probably already a few different kinds of acoustic treatments installed in your home. The use of thick blankets, stuffed bookcases, area rugs, or even a closet are all effective methods for blocking out ambient sounds.
It’s recommended that you begin with a do-it-yourself option if you are just getting started. Find a closet where there are a few items of clothing hanging up, close the door, and start recording. You may also go to a room where it is silent, wrap yourself in a large blanket, and then start moving.
Acoustic panels are a good purchase if you have the room available to construct a studio just for your use.
The first significant obstacle that aspiring podcast editors must overcome is the financial investment required to acquire the necessary equipment for the ideal recording setup. When it comes to post-production, some individuals may want to spend more money on a microphone, while others may prefer a quality digital audio workstation.
Fortunately, there is no single correct response. Your podcast starter kit needs to be tailored to your interests and the outcomes you hope to achieve through podcasting.
