04- Equipment. What do you need to start a podcast?

The Jet Streamer Podcast

This is it, folks. The episode that you've all been waiting for.

Enough of the technique stuff already, let's get down to brass tacks. This week we look at what equipment you need to buy to start a podcast. Rather than give a whole list of gear, this episode delves into why you should look to invest in decent gear, then gives you what to look for in your next purchase.

This episode will give you the skills to decide which of the main microphone types is right for you, as well as other equipment and software you'll need to get started.

--RESOURCES--
Software recommended in this week's episode:

• Reaper
• Audacity
• Adobe Audition
• Hindenburg

More on the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones.

My recommendations:

What microphone to get will largely depend on where you live, what your budget is, and what your needs are. For example, I live in Australia where Rode microphones are cheap and plentiful as they're made here. This is a starting point only, however any of these will give you a good sound to start with. And as mentioned in the podcast, these are, where possible, all Dynamic mics.

• XLR microphones:
  • Entry level: Rode Podmic or Rode Procaster
  • Mid level: Electrovoice RE320 or Sennheiser MD421
  • Professional level: Shure SM7B
• USB microphones:
  • Entry Level: Samson Q2U (can be used as an XLR as well)
  • Mid level: Rode Podcaster
  • "Deluxe" level: Shure MV7 (can be used as an XLR as well)
• Audio interfaces (for XLR microphones)
  • Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
  • PreSonus AudioBox