How to Produce a Great Podcast on Any Budget: Equipment & Tips

We’re going to talk about:

• Key equipment considerations for various budgets
• Microphone choices that can make or break your sound
• The role of headphones and cameras in enhancing your production
• Differences between free and premium recording and editing software

Understanding Podcast Equipment

Launching a podcast goes beyond just having a message to share, you gotta get the sound right so your message comes through successfully. You need podcasting equipment that meets both your content quality standards and your budget. Whether you’re gearing up for a solo show or planning dynamic interviews, the right equipment plays such an important part in producing a podcast that captivates and retains listeners.

Choosing Your Microphone

Your mic is arguably the most crucial piece of equipment for your podcast, as it captures the voice that conveys your message to the world. The right microphone can make a world of difference in audio quality, helping retain listeners’ attention and improve their overall experience.

If you think back to your own podcast-audience experience, there’s probably nothing guaranteed to make you switch off a show quickly as a terrible audio experience. So, I want to walk you through my personal microphone recommendations that won’t make you sound like you’re recording your show underwater!

Entry-Level Microphone Recommendations

If you’re just getting started or working with a limited budget, plenty of affordable microphones can deliver decent sound quality. The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a versatile and cost-effective choice, offering both USB and XLR connections. Another excellent option for newcomers is the Samson Q2U (I still use mine daily!), known for its ease of use and good sound reproduction at an entry-level price point.

Professional-Grade Microphone Recommendations

Professional-grade microphones offer enhanced clarity and durability for those ready to invest in superior sound quality. The Shure SM7B is a high-end, studio-quality microphone favored by podcasters and recording artists for its exceptional sound and noise cancellation abilities. Another noteworthy option is the Heil PR-40, which is renowned for its wide frequency range and ability to isolate the speaker’s voice from ambient noise.

The Value Difference Between Tiers

When comparing entry-level to professional-grade microphones, the key differences lie in sound quality, durability, and additional features. Higher-end microphones typically offer better sound isolation, lower noise floors, and more durable construction.

These features contribute to a clearer and more professional audio experience for both you and your listeners. While entry-level mics are excellent for starters, investing in a professional-grade microphone can significantly elevate your podcast’s production value in just one step.

Headphones and Cameras

Just like a great painter relies on quality brushes, podcasters seeking to elevate their production levels will benefit from investing in reliable headphones and cameras. When starting, the focus might be solely on audio, but as you grow, video podcasts are gaining immense popularity, making a good camera crucial for expanding your audience.

I LOVE adding video to the podcast experience because you cannot only add that video to YouTube or your website for people who prefer a visual experience or who need captions to access the content, but you can also leverage it in your podcast marketing! You can double your content repurposing by using audio and video clips on your social channels to attract people to your amazing show.

Headphones

High-quality headphones are essential for editing with precision and conducting soundchecks before recording.

• Budget Headphones: The Tascam TH-02 delivers high-quality sound at a cost-effective price, making it a suitable choice for those on a tight budget. For something more robust, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x offers professional sound at a price that is still accessible.
• Premium Headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 PRO adds comfort and superior noise isolation, ideal for longer editing sessions. For those who want the best headphones, the Sony MDR7506 provides unmatched sound clarity and an industry-standard reputation.

But aren’t headphones just, well, headphones? Not in this case! When you spend a little more and take the step up from budget to premium headphones, you will definitely notice the enhanced sound fidelity, that they’re more comfortable when you’re wearing them for a long time, and the better noise cancellation—features that are all noticeable during long editing sessions!

Cameras

Video podcasts add a layer of personal touch to your content, allowing viewers to see your expressions and become more engaged. I really think that adding video to your show helps you connect more deeply with your audience and build that know/like/trust factor.

So here are my camera recommendations:

• Budget Cameras: The Logitech C920x (~ $60) is a webcam that offers 1080 video quality, perfect for streaming and can be a smart and affordable entry point. Upgrading the budget slightly, you could go for the Microsoft LifeCam Studio with TrueColor Technology, which is fantastic at making your video pop, even in low light. I’ve been loving the Logitech Brio 4K webcam (~ $120) at my desk lately.
• Professional Cameras: The Panasonic LUMIX G85M is an excellent mirrorless option (~$600), providing 4K video capabilities and interchangeable lenses for a more cinematic feel. My personal favorite is the Sony ZV-1 (~$700) because of its flip screen and compact size. The Canon EOS 80D, a step further in budget, gives you stellar autofocus and battery life that really goes the distance when it comes to longer shooting sessions.

What I love about moving from an entry-level webcam to a mirrorless, digital, or DSLR camera is that it significantly amplifies video quality, which gives your podcast a polished and professional look. I find that using a higher-end camera offers better control over lighting, depth of field, and composition, but that said, when you’re starting out, there is no problem starting out with the budget option – in my opinion, it’s better to have video than not!

Choosing Your Software

The right software is just as important as the hardware to produce a podcast with great sound and visuals. So, I want to dig into some of the recording and editing options on offer that range from free to paid. Keep reading because I can absolutely help you find something that matches your budget and production needs.

Recording Software

Recording software is where your podcast comes to life, laying down the tracks for your show.

• Free Options: Audacity is a free, open-source choice with plenty of features to get you started on recording and basic editing. Zencastr offers a limited free plan for podcasters who want to record their guests remotely in high quality.
• Paid Options: Adobe Audition is a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud and comes with a monthly subscription, offering advanced features and integration with other Adobe apps. Hindenburg Journalist is another option, which provides a suite of smart tools specifically designed for storytellers at a one-off purchase price. I use Riverside because of its 4K capability.

The most important thing to know is that investing in paid recording software often means access to better customer support, more frequent updates, and advanced functionalities that can save time and improve audio quality. This is a huge consideration when you’re a business owner and might be super time-poor.

Editing Software

No matter how great you are at reducing background noise in your home studio, you’re still going to need to edit your show to produce industry-standard (or better) audio/video. Good editing software is an important part of producing your show because it allows you to tailor your podcast audio and visuals for maximum audience engagement.

• Free Audio Editors: Besides Audacity, there’s also Ocenaudio, which offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface for those new to audio editing.
• Paid Audio Editors: For more comprehensive features, Avid Pro Tools is a high-end solution used by professionals, while Reaper provides a cost-effective yet powerful alternative for podcasters ready to upgrade.
• Video Editors: If you’re venturing into video podcasts, DaVinci Resolve offers a remarkable free version with professional-grade features, while Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are paid options that offer a complete set of tools for a professional finish.

As with recording software, the jump from free to paid editing software can give you access to a broader range of tools and effects that enable a more polished and differentiated podcast production.

All-In-One Platforms

If you’re looking for an end-to-end solution to make life as easy as possible, then an all-in-one platform like Kajabi might fit the bill. These platforms typically come at a higher price point, but the advantage is that they offer a comprehensive suite of tools, including website hosting, email marketing, and course creation, on top of podcast hosting and production capabilities.

No matter your budget or brand vision, there is a software solution out there that is perfect for your podcast production needs. While you might start with basic free tools, as your podcast grows and your skills improve, investing in more sophisticated software is a great way to upgrade the listener experience and grow your audience.

Savvy Podcast Equipment and Software Choices

Whether you’re podcasting on a shoestring or ready to go all in and blow the budget, you have an option. When it comes to choosing a mic, there are both entry-level and professional options providing value at a huge range of price points. Equally, although you need headphones and cameras to make audio editing easier and to add a visual element to your podcast, and there is a range of cost-effective video production options available – there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start with the budget option and then upgrade when you have more to spend.

Recording and editing software also comes in various forms, from free to premium, allowing you to align with your budget and production needs. When it comes right down to it, there’s no reason why you can’t start your podcast using free software and a laptop, and a simple setup can still yield engaging and high-quality content that your audience will love!

Podcasting on Any Budget FAQs

What do I really need to start a podcast on a tight budget?

To begin podcasting on a tight budget, you truly only need a basic microphone, which could even be your smartphone, and some free recording and editing software. While high-end equipment can enhance your podcast’s quality, it’s unnecessary for getting started. The most important aspect is your content and how you engage your audience.

Can I use my smartphone as a microphone for podcasting?

Yes, you can start by using your smartphone as a microphone for podcasting. Many smartphones have surprisingly good built-in microphones that can work well for recording audio, especially in a quiet and controlled environment. Make sure you explore your phone’s settings – in just a couple of simple steps you can ensure your iPhone or Android records high-quality, uncompressed (lossless) audio. However, upgrading to a dedicated podcast microphone is advisable when your budget allows for improved sound quality.

Is it better to buy podcast equipment piece by piece or as a complete set?

Buying podcast equipment piece by piece allows for greater customization and budget flexibility, enabling you to prioritize what’s most important to you and invest in quality where it counts. Complete podcast sets can be convenient and sometimes cost-effective, but they may include items you don’t necessarily need, depending on your specific podcast format and goals. Rode have podcaster bundles that are worth looking into if you prefer to get all your equipment up front.

What is the difference in value between free and paid podcast editing software?

Free podcast editing software usually offers basic tools sufficient for simple editing tasks, which is great for beginners or casual podcasters. On the other hand, paid editing software provides a broader range of advanced features, additional support, and often a more streamlined workflow that can save time and enhance production value as your podcast grows.

Should I invest in all-in-one podcast solutions?

All-in-one podcast solutions like Kajabi can be worth the investment if you’re looking for a comprehensive platform to manage hosting, courses, and your website. They simplify the process and can be particularly beneficial if you plan to create a more complex podcast or if you’re integrating it into a broader business or content strategy.

Can I get help to launch my show?

If you’d love to start a podcast but you just don’t have time to do all the behind-the-scenes production, editing, and publicity, then Podcast Abundance can help you launch your show.