8 Pieces of Equipment You Need to Start a Podcast

The rising popularity of podcasts in today’s media-obsessed culture doesn’t come as a surprise. Providing a unique alternative to storytelling, listeners have the freedom to subscribe to their favored podcasts, instantly download episodes and listen to them at any time of day. Content consumers are flocking towards podcasts for quick, convenient and captivating forms of entertainment. While the demand for podcasts continues to grow, more and more first-time podcasters are joining the digital movement. If you’ve never ventured into podcasting before, we have listed eight pieces of equipment you should invest in before kicking off your venture.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Pack (3rd Gen) Standard

Sound quality is one of the most important elements of a successful podcast, allowing the broadcast to be free of dropouts and ensures the listener can hear your dialogue clearly for a memorable experience. Establishing high-quality also shows your audience you take your content seriously and will encourage them to come back for a second episode. One of the best-selling USB audio interfaces in the world, the Scarlett 2i2 Studio Pack offers a full studio package, including headphones, two natural-sounding mic preamps, instrument inputs and more. Plus, it’s compact and portable, allowing podcast enthusiasts to have top-notch sound quality and digital conversations anywhere they go.  

2. PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio Standard

An excellent piece of equipment for mobile musicians, sound designers and of course, podcasters, this USB 2.0 bus-powered AudioBox iTwo provides high-quality audio I/O for Mac, PC and Apple iPad. Ensuring you provide your listeners with exceptional sound, this two-channel audio interface is not only compact for the utmost convenience, but it is also ruggedly built with interfaces offering high-performance mic preamplifiers, powerful audio and recording software iPad. Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated, and this well-made piece of equipment is exactly what you need.

3. Live Wire Advantage XLR Microphone Cable

The devil is in the detail they say, and that couldn’t be truer. Microphone cables are one of the most crucial components to your podcast set-up and can really make or break the sound balance and audio signal. This microphone cable includes silver-plated Neutrik connecters, 20-gauge dual conductor design and braided copper shielding for 85 percent coverage. It is rock-solid reliable and will allow beginners or pros broadcast their podcast with crystal-clear sound.

4. Live Wire Advantage Instrument Cable

Setting the tone and assembling your space for a podcast is both exciting and important. And we know it can become overwhelming when rummaging through a large selection of equipment options. A go-to option for excellent clarity and detail, the Live Wire Advantage Instrument Cable is ideal for a studio, stage or broadcast. Both rugged and reliable, this cable includes a 20-gauge copper core conductor, heavy-duty metal connectors with secure nickel contracts and braided copper shielding for 95 percent coverage. There are no “bad” choices for cables, but this option is guaranteed to take your podcast audio to the next level.

5. Proline Telescoping Boom Microphone Stand Black

Overlooking essential podcasting equipment can really hurt your chances of a successful broadcast, and a stable microphone stand is one of them. Both durable and secure, this telescopic mic stand provides podcast enthusiasts with an inexpensive, feature-rich stand for years of good use. Its 7-pound weight makes it ideal for even the heaviest microphones and its 26-inch base spread prevents accidental tips and knock-overs that may occur during your show.

6. PreSonus AudioBox iTwo 2×2 USB/iPad Recording System Standard

If you are looking to become a podcast pro or just really want quality audio, the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo offers ideal flexibility for professional and enjoyable recording on your iPad or laptop. Capturing your source in great detail, this USB bus-powered interface incorporates two combo mic/line/instrument inputs with a high-performance Class A mic preamplifier, balanced TRS monitor outputs, excellent connectivity, and professional-quality converters. You don’t have to be an expert when starting your first podcast, but this piece of equipment will launch you in the right direction.

7. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Generation) USB Audio Interface Standard

A clean signal and solid sound quality are key to setting up your podcast for fame and fruition. There’s nothing that turns a listener off more than muffle or external noise that can interrupt their stream. Focusrite offers an outstanding choice for audio interface, providing podcasters with professional-quality sound that your audience will appreciate. Compact and portable, it includes stereo line outputs on RCA phono for connecting to home speakers, headphone output with gain control and a natural-sounding mic preamp for high-quality recording.

8. AKG K52 Headphones Standard

Headphones are a critical piece of equipment necessary to start your podcast. A great paid of headphones will not only allow you to rid of outside noise in your recording space, but they will also allow you to hear your own voice and make you a better broadcaster. Lightweight and comfortable for both tracking and listening, the AKG K52 over-ear, closed-back headphones provide a flawless fusion of sound quality, ease and durability. These headphones are self-adjusting for a personalized, comfortable fit and feature quality drivers for solid bass and clear highs. Whether you are preparing for a longer episode or preparing a quick teaser of an upcoming segment, these headphones are a must-have accessory.

Purchase Podcast Accessories at Music & Arts

In addition to each of the above pieces of equipment, Music & Arts has tons of other equipment you’ll need to get started (and keep going!) Whether you’re a first-time podcaster or a seasoned pro, stop in at your local Music & Arts store or browse our website and we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

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