Starting a podcast? Here are some tools you’ll want to have

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Business, Events

Podcast equipment to get you started on a budget

Wondering what equipment you need to start — or uplevel — your podcast? We’ve got you covered!

There are so many tools out there and it’s tough to know which is the right fit for you, your show, and your budget.

This is what I use on my podcasts, Laughing with Gingers and The Wedding Dish.

Oh, and did I mention it’s budget-friendly? Let’s get into it!

Mic

I use the Blue Snowball Omnidirectional/Cardioid USB Microphone with Two Versatile Pickup Patterns and Stylish, Retro Design for Recording, Streaming, and Podcasting.

Price: It’s reasonably priced (approx. $60).

Why I like it:

  • It’s a USB mic, so there’s no need to get an adapter to connect to your computer
  • You can pick up multiple voices using one mic; if you have guests, you won’t need to purchase a second setup
  • It has three settings so you can adjust the level of audio and directionality. This means that if you have a guest or co-host, you’ll use one of the settings. If you’re like me and are recording alone while having a snoring dog in the background, you can adjust the mic so that it picks up only your voice and not the snoring doggo

Mic Equipment

I do not use a mic arm because of the shape of my desk. However, if I was going to get one (and I wish I could), I’d go with the InnoGear Adjustable Mic Stand for Blue Snowball and Blue Snowball iCE Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand with Microphone Windscreen and Dual Layered Mic Pop Filter.

Price: It’s really inexpensive, and has over 5,000 good reviews (approx. $20)

Why I like it:

  • The clamp saves valuable real estate on your desk
  • It swings and adjusts so you can get the mic as close to your mouth as possible (the rule is your mic should be no more than one “aloha” away from your mouth)
  • It comes with a filter that will bring out the depth in your voice
  • It’s universal, so it’ll work with most mics and now just the Blue Snowball
  • Clamp adjusts up to two inches

Webcam

⁠I use the Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam.

Price: Inexpensive (approx. $70)⁠

Why I like it:

  • It’s higher quality than my built-in webcam
  • I can use it on my monitor and don’t need to keep my laptop open
  • It’s adjustable
  • It has a built-in omnidirectional mic (which I would not recommend using for podcasting, but you could use it for Zoom calls because it’s higher quality than your laptop’s mic – generally speaking)
  • It comes with a privacy screen you can flip down when you’re not using
  • It lights up blue when it’s activated so you know you’re on video

Ring Light

I use the Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, Carrying Bag.

Price: It’s on the expensive side (approx. $90)

Why I like it: 

  • It’s big
  • You can adjust the color temperature
  • You can attach your DSLR camera, webcam, or phone to the inside of the ring light, so it’s perfect if you’re doing a livestream or video podcast
  • You can adjust the brightness (it gets REALLY bright)
  • The tripod is highly adjustable
  • It’s a soft light, so it’s not accentuating any imperfections in the skin
  • It’s pretty portable

Soundproofing

It’s no secret sound is extremely important here. If you have tile or hardwood flooring, lots of windows or glass, any type of metal in the room, etc., you’re going to want to look into soundproofing. The problem is, some can be unattractive and if you’re setting up an in-home studio that is in, let’s say a spare bedroom, you may want to consider soundproofing that is attractive.

Enter this 3D white brick self-adhesive soundproofing.

Price: Inexpensive (approx. $60 for 10 panels)

Why I like it:

  • The panels are very large (115 sq. feet); in my estimate, the panels are about 4x the size of the traditional soundproofing panels you might find online
  • It’s self-adhesive
  • It’s easy to cut/trim if you need it to fit a custom space
  • It’s cute, keeps the room feeling bright and open, and works with the aesthetic in my office
  • It’s waterproof. This may not seem like a huge deal, but if you’re a spiller (like me) or you have young kids, it’s actually really nice to be able to wipe it clean

Headphones

I’d recommend always using headphones, but you can start with whatever you have on hand. I use noise-canceling headphones, but they’re a bit of an investment and whatever you have on hand will honestly be 100% fine!

Gear total: Approx. $260

⁠That’s all you need!

If you’re looking to get your podcast off the ground and go from passion project to profitable, we’re offering the Passion to Profit Podcast Pathway

This 12-week intensive will open on 9/7/21.

90-day course includes:

  • Weekly small-group meetings
  • Resources
  • Access to the community forum
  • Accountability
  • Challenges
  • Trainings
  • Course modules (ongoing access)
  • Slack channel 
  • Expert interviews
  • Panel discussions
  • Live events
  • Co-working sessions
  • Templates
  • Swipe files
  • Scripts
The Passion to Profit Podcast Pathway is a very high-touch program, so space is limited and spots are filling up pretty quickly.
Ready to get listeners, get heard, and get profitable?

Sign up for the Passion to Profit Podcast Pathway today!

This post contains affiliate links that go directly toward supporting Laughing with Gingers and The Wedding Dish. We appreciate your support!