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The Best Podcast Starter Kit (for one or more podcast hosts)
Congratulations. You found this post and it shows that you are devoted to start a podcast (and you are need the best podcast equipment packages). I absolutely get it.
This article is all about getting and using the right tools—best studio microphones, podcast mixer and even the best podcast kit for both beginners and serious podcasters. With the ever growing trend in the podcasting world, there are so many podcast starter kits that you can choose—thanks to Amazon and Google.
I understand the challenges you face (or will face) when it comes to finding recording a podcast. While you can easily start a podcasting show, don’t forget that using the right podcast equipment is going to help you develop and publish better audio experiences.
So, which equipment you should be using to launch your first podcast?
Starting a podcast is more than just considering the audio quality. A good microphone and other podcast gears are required to record and upload quality podcast for your listeners. You will find some of the best and most affordable, lower budget podcast equipment in this post.
The best equipment for podcasting boils down to the following:
- Microphone
- Recording software
- Podcast mixer
- Podcast hosting
These are the common podcasting starter kit that you need to have, before you are able to launch a podcast.
Carry on reading below to find out the best podcast equipment packages and of course, feel free to mix and match them—based on your needs.
BONUS: You will also find some awesome studio equipment bundle to help you get started with podcasting. Click on any of the tools shared in this article and you will be redirected straight to Amazon for the best podcasting equipment deals.
Table of Contents
TL;DR Best Podcast Equipment Packages for Beginners
1. Podcast microphone. My favorite microphone for podcasting is Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. One of the coolest microphone that doesn’t cost a bomb—and produces excellent voice. If you are a podcast beginner, this is the best microphone for podcast beginners. By far, this is the best USB mic that costs under $70.
Talking about the best cheap microphone, anyone?
2. Podcast recording software. You can use GarageBand if you have a Mac or Audacity if you have a PC (Audacity works on Mac too). This is the best free recording and editing software. Since you are just starting out, it is wise not to overspend on podcast equipment. Adobe Audition is a great recording software if you are willing to spend some dollars each month!
Download GarageBand For Free
Download Audacity For Free
3. Podcast hosting. Last but not least, you need to have a podcast host (in order for others to download and listen to your podcast). There are many podcast hosting companies and I recommend you to start use Buzzsprout podcast hosting (use this link to get a free $20 Amazon gift card).
Buzzsprout offers unlimited storage, unlimited team members and simple-to-read analytics reports to help you grow your podcast show.
Single Person Podcast Equipment Packages
This is often the best option for podcast beginners. Most beginners start with solo podcast. Therefore, here is the line up for the best podcast equipment kit.
Entry Level Microphones: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB
This is the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. Even Tim Ferriss (yeah, the guy behind the “Tim Ferris Podcast” uses this mic.
This microphone has both USB and XLR plugins—and this means that you can plug it right into your computer and record your podcast.
The cool thing about this microphone is that it has a headphone jack, so you will be able to listen to your own recording.
And if that doesn’t interest you, this microphone also comes with noise reduction features. Pretty cool considering the price.
Intermediate Level Microphone: Blue Yeti USB Microphone
While Blue Yeti microphone is a popular podcasting microphone for beginners, this microphone is often used by intermediate podcasters too. It comes with USB only (sadly), but has a ton of features and great sound quality.
What are the best podcast equipment starter kit for intermediate podcasters?
The best podcast equipment packages that I had personally experience is:
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- Blue Radius II shock mount
- Heil PL2T boom
Alternatively, there is also Rode Podcaster Booming Kit that consists of podcaster, PSA1 ARM and PSM1 shock mount. If you are wondering, rode is a well-respected brand in the microphone and audio equipment industry. This podcasting equipment can be setup quickly and easily without needing to spend extra money.
Professional Level Microphone: Heil Sound PR 40
Serious podcasters use Heil PR-40 microphone because it offers the best broadcast-quality microphone.
A professional podcaster would have the following setup:
- Heil Sound PR 40
- Heil PL-2T Boom Arm
- Heil PRSM Shock Mount
The above setting will give you the best podcast starter kit that comes with nearly everything you need for professional podcasting.
Two Or More Persons Podcast Equipment Packages
Most podcasters avoid solo podcasting because it is boring and it is challenging to get enough traction. With 2 or more persons podcast, the common setup would be 2 XLR microphones or studio headphones.
The answer to this is because by default, you re not able to record more than 1 USB microphones into one computer. To host more than one podcaster, you’ll need a USB audio interface or mixer with at least as many XLR microphone inputs as you have hosts.
Here are the best tools I recommend for multi-person budget podcasting:
- Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Microphone
- On Stage Foam Windscreen
- CBI MLC20 Low Z XLR Microphone Cable (20ft)
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Entry Level Podcast Equipment Kit
Headphones for Multiple Podcast Hosts: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Again, Audio-Technica equipment is up for grabs. When you have more than one podcast host, having a good headphone does offers many advantages.
How many do you need when you are hosting multiple podcast hosts?
Simply get 2x, 3x or 4x of those 4 things.
What’s next will be a little confusing. So, I’ll try my best to explain the best that I could.
Having more microphones is always needed when you have multiple podcast hosts. However, this also means that you need a solution to plug in multiple pairs of headphones simultaneously.
In this case, you would require Behringer HA400.
4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier: Behringer HA400
Behringer Powerplay HA400 is a powerful and compact stero headphone amplifier, hosting up to 4 microphones at one time.
The HA400 contains 4 high-power stereo amplifiers that maintain the highest sonic quality even at maximum volume levels. Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers are included for outstanding audio performance – these are the same op amps found in “full-size” audio equipment – plus, a DC 12-Volt adapter is included.
Next, you need a USB interface or mixer (depending on how many people you have).
2 XLR inputs: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
4 XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB
- USB Interface: Tascam US-4×4
6 XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Behringer Xenyx X1222USB
- USB Interface: Tascam US-16X08
IMPORTANT: The above mixers don’t have multi-track output to your computer, meaning you won’t be able to edit each person individually. I recommend you to choose a USB interface if you need this option.
Bear in mind that at some point in your podcasting journey, you will need/want extra inputs. Make sure you take some time to consider the options you have because these podcast equipment may have similar pricing but a vast differences in the sound quality.
In order to kick start the review, you will need:
- Microphone (for each podcaster)
- XLR cable (for each podcaster)
- USB interface or Mixer (w/ USB in/out)
Looking for the best podcast equipment packages? These are optional but recommended:
- Microphone stand
- Shock mount
- Windscreen or pop filter
- Studio headphones
Microphone: Rode Procaster
Dynamic broadcast microphone that comes with studio boom arm and elastic suspension mount.
Intermediate Level Podcast Equipment Kit
Microphone, Boom & Shock Mount
You don’t have to look far and wide for this. If you are looking for podcast equipment packages that are great for both beginners and serious podcasters, Rode podcast equipment package is best to none (Rode Procaster, Rode PSA 1 Boom Arm, and Rode PSM 1 Shockmount).
This podcast equipment kit is a big step up from the beginner multi-person kit and for the price, it is definitely worth the money.
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
This headphone is an awesome choice—and you certainly can’t go wrong with them. Regardless you are solo podcast or multiple host podcast, this microphone is going to serve you well.
As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, the ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. Now, the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with the added feature of detachable cables. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.
Watch this video to learn more about it.
https://youtu.be/VGlPp7eAHS0
Audio Interface/Mixer (2 XLR, 4 XLR or 6+ XLR inputs)
This is tricky and can be confusing. Depending on your needs (2, 4 or 6+ XLR), the podcast equipment kit will defer widely.
Here’s what I recommend:
2 XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Yamaha AG06 (only channel 1 has phantom power)
- USB Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 6i6
4 XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Mackie ProFX8v2 or RODEcaster Pro
- USB Interface: PreSonus STUDIO 68
6+ XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Mackie ProFX12v2
- USB Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen)
Professional Podcast Equipment Kit
If you jumped to here, the microphone kit is the same as the solo section (with other top-notch options as well). The Universal Audio interfaces are fairly expensive, but you can safely use a less expensive model (like from the intermediate section right above here) with the other gear recommendations.
Microphone, Boom & Shock Mount
Introducing, the Godly all-in-one podcasting kit for professional podcasters—Heil PR-40 Microphone, Heil PL-2T Boom Arm & Heil PRSM Shock Mount
I’m sure you got this right. Heil podcast kit is by far, the best podcast equipment for podcasters. You can’t go wrong with this, really.
Alternative Microphone & Shock Mount
Dislike Heil products or whatever reasons? Don’t worry, I got you covered right here.
Shure SM7B and Electro Voice are some great alternatives to Heil.
- Shure SM7B (shock mount is built in – you just need a boom arm)
- Electro Voice RE-20 (broadcasting classic) and Electro-Voice 309A shock mount (also fits the Heil PR-40)
Because all of these dynamic mics are known to be quiet, I highly recommend pairing them with the CL-1 Cloudlifter (for each mic). It converts phantom power into a very clean +25dB gain. Cloud Microphones has a CL-2 (2 mics) and rack mountable CL-4 model as well.
Boom Arm
Heil PL-2T Scissor Boom Arm. Period.
When it comes to professional boom arm usage, Heil PL-2T Boom Arm is very decent (and highly recommended). You can’t find another similar quality with this pricing.
Headphones
It really varies based on taste and requirements. My personal favorite? Shure SRH940 Headphones.
Important: This headphone is a killer—and might just be an overkill for podcasting.
Audio Interface/Mixer
2 XLR inputs: Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB
4 XLR inputs:
- Mixer: RODEcaster Pro
- USB Interface: Focusrite 18i8 (2nd Gen)
6+ XLR inputs:
- Mixer: Allen & Heath ZED-12FX
- USB Interface: MOTU 8pre USB
Using The Best Podcast Equipment Kit
Using the right podcast equipment starter kit is an important step, especially when you are starting a podcast.
As a beginner in podcasting, you might want to consider starting low and lean—this means that if you are wondering “how much money needed to start a podcast?”, the answer would be under $150 at the most.
What do you think? I hope you find this article on the best podcast equipment packages useful and please share with your podcast fellow friends!
About Me
Young at heart and a deep passion for entrepreneurial success, Reginald is devoted to share everything he had learned about online marketing with the public. Follow him for more awesome postings.
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