Podcasting or the production of podcasts is something that we don’t actually dabble in but because we are a production company and love gear – this is something that we do get asked about.
We get asked for tips on how to setup an in-house podcasting system or we get asked about what gear is required to make your own podcast.
So in this article, we’ll outline what you’ll need to produce a podcast.
You’ll obviously need a great concept, a prepared content plan and talent to drive your podcast. For these components you are totally on your own and the truth is; the success of your podcast heavily depends on those key components.
Having high quality, consistent and professional sounding audio is the other side of the equation. Having terrible audio will let down an amazing podcast – so let’s talk about what you’ll need.
- Software to record and output your audio
- Good quality Mic(s)
- Headphones
- A suitable space to record in
Before we launch into specific gear, just need to highlight that we have no affiliation to any specific brands. But will favour particular brands and gear because they have a good track record and we have used many of their products.
- Software
If you’re in the production game you may have access to Pro Tools, Audition or similar but if you’re starting out or budget conscious – I might suggest you go the simple route and look to Rode Connect.
This will make even more sense when we look at Mics in the next section of the article but Rode Connect is free – and a powerful software tool that really makes the process easy. You won’t need a heap technical knowledge, it’s got great colour coding and a simple interface fit for purpose. Whereas the big professional packages are designed for engineers to run them. There’s absolutely a place for this in the industry – and that won’t change but for the sake of a podcast setup only – Rode Connect is your ticket.
In this software; you’ll be able to plug in and setup your Mic(s). Most mics will connect via XLR cable and you’ll find out pretty quickly that computers don’t have XLR connections. So to make the link, you’ll need an audio interface. Rode makes the RodeCaster panels for this. They’re super simple to use, colour coded and integrate with Rode Connect perfectly.
- Mics
You’ll see nothing but Rode mics on all of your shoots so naturally we’ll gravitate towards recommending a Rode Mic for podcasting also. Rode have a few suitable mics like the Rode PodMic or Procaster. To run these mics you’ll need XLR cable – enough to run from a Mic to the RodeCaster panel.
Rode also offer great accessories like Desk stands for the mics or studio booms to hold the mics for your podcast. You’ll definitely need something to hold these mics, as they aren’t designed to be used handheld or on any other device.
An alternative to the above mics are going wireless with Rode Wireless GO to Rode Wireless ME clip-on transmitter/receiver kits. These will cut out the wires, connect to a RodeCaster panel and conserve some budget. However, these are mostly designed for other production uses and in a Podcast scenario will be much lesser sound quality than the dedicated mic products.
- Headphones
Headphones are a must! To be able to monitor the quality of your recording and look out for other sounds interrupting your recording – you’ll need headphones. Plus they’ll really get you in the zone for you podcast.
You can get by with anything that plugs in, even as basic as Apple wired headphones with a headphone jack. But we’d recommend something more inline with the production world. Rode do make headphones but we haven’t had any usage time with them. We have however used Audiotechnica headphones in production for many years. So a pair of ATH-20x or ATH-40x wired headphones will be perfect.
- A suitable recording space
Now that you’ve come this far, all that effort could be wasted if you are looking to record in a poorly chosen space. Obvious considerations like choosing a space the has no foot traffic, nobody else trying to work in the same room, near a freeway or Melbourne trams next door need to be first and foremost. Noise pollution or outside and uncontrollable sounds are going to come through in your audio.
Other space considerations are; spaces too large, lots of windows and hard surfaces and not many items that will absorb sound. These considerations are around the sound bouncing about in your space and making sound like you are recording in a public toilet.
Sound treatment is ideal but to do it professionally is going to be a big investment. But if that is out of reach for your podcast, then sound acoustic foam panels or diffuser panels on a few areas will start to help. A floor rug under your recording space will make a big difference too. As well as soft furnishings, such as couches, cushions and beanbags. And finally, curtains – thick block out or thermal backed style curtains will really help.