Blog 4 | What do I need to start a Podcast?

Starting a podcast is an exciting endeavor that allows you to share your voice, ideas, and stories with the world. However, before hitting the record button, it's important to have the right equipment and a well-thought-out setup. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential podcasting equipment offered by Pro Audio LA and provide a step-by-step process to get started with podcasting!

First off, you will need a few pieces of Podcasting Equipment:

1. Microphones: The cornerstone of any podcasting setup, a high-quality microphone ensures clear and professional-sounding audio. Pro Audio LA offers a range of microphones suited for different needs, such as dynamic microphones for live recordings or condenser microphones for studio-quality sound. One of the most famous podcasting microphones is the Shure SM7B. Like its more famous siblings, the SM57 and 58, the SM7B is a larger, cardioid dynamic microphone that can take a beating and deliver excellent recording quality under any circumstance. Pairing a SM7B with a Cloudlifter is a great way to open up the high frequencies of the SM7B to get crispy vocal takes. Similarly, the Sontronics Podcast Pro is another excellent and affordable podcasting powerhouse. Its hard to beat a mic for podcasting, called the “Podcast Pro”. Both of these mics will require an audio interface to connect to your computer. Which is coming up next on our list.
2. Audio Interface: An audio interface serves as the bridge between your microphone and computer, converting analog audio signals into digital format. Some audio interfaces come with built in mic preamps and this is what we recommend pairing with the microphones mentioned earlier. Pro Audio LA offers interfaces that meet the needs of both beginners and professional podcasters. Some of the best options out there are the Apogee Duet 3 and the Zoom PodTrack P4. Both of these interfaces are small, offer 2 to 4 input channels and connect easily to your computer via Thunderbolt or USB. They are both very intuitive to use with easily navigable applets and hardware controls. Now that you have your microphone plugged into your interface and ready to record, you need to be able to hear yourself, right?
3. Headphones are crucial for any home studio or podcasting setup. Besides offering a high quality listening option that is portable and affordable, headphones also allow the user to fine tune their recordings by providing isolated and controlled listening environments. We strongly recommend closed back headphones, like the Beyerdynamic DT-770, Final Audio Sonorous III, Focal Listen Pro and if you really want to splurge, Neumann NDH 20, Audeze LCD-2 closed-back.
4. Since we are all such podcast fans and want to help you get started on your podcasting journey, we have put together some intuitive and excellent bundles that include everything mentioned above. Check them out HERE.
5. Studio Monitors: While not essential for every podcaster, studio monitors are recommended for those who desire accurate audio playback during editing and post-production. Pro Audio LA provides a range of studio monitors that deliver detailed and balanced sound reproduction. Some of our favorite studio monitors that offer the most bang-for-your-buck are Neumann KH-120 , Genelec 8010, Focal Alpha 50 Evo .
6. Acoustic Treatment: Achieving excellent sound quality requires proper room treatment. Consider investing in acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers to minimize echoes, reverberations, and other acoustic imperfections. Pro Audio LA offers acoustic treatment solutions to optimize your podcasting environment. We recommend some easy to install acoustic treatment kits made by Primacoustic that you can set up by yourself and be up and running in no time. We also offer professional installation and room tuning services that you can find HERE and HERE.

Section 2: Setting Up Your Podcasting Studio:

1. Choose a Dedicated Space: Select a quiet and dedicated area where you can set up your podcasting studio. Ensure there is enough space for your equipment, a comfortable seating arrangement, and minimal background noise.
2. Positioning and Mounting: Set up your microphone on a stable stand or shock mount to reduce vibrations and handling noise. Position it at an appropriate distance from your mouth to achieve optimal audio capture.
   
3. Connect the Equipment: Connect your microphone to the audio interface using an XLR cable, ensuring a secure connection. Connect the audio interface to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt. Plug in your headphones and studio monitors to the audio interface for monitoring.
   
4. Software and Recording: Install a digital audio workstation (DAW) software such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, or GarageBand on your computer. Set up the recording parameters (sample rate, bit depth) and ensure the microphone and audio interface are properly selected as input/output devices.
   
5. Test and Adjust: Before recording, conduct a test run to check audio levels, ensure proper microphone positioning, and make any necessary adjustments. Monitor the audio through your headphones to ensure clarity and eliminate any technical issues.

Starting a podcast requires the right equipment and a methodical setup. Pro Audio LA offers a wide range of podcasting equipment, including microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, studio monitors, and acoustic treatment solutions. By carefully selecting and setting up your equipment, you can create a professional podcasting studio that captures clear and high-quality audio. If any part of this process feels daunting or you have questions and would like to learn more, reach out to us via text, email or phone and chat with one of our experts to find the right solution for you. Remember to experiment, practice, and continuously improve your podcasting skills. Happy podcasting!