Are you starting an enterprise podcast for your company? Before purchasing your gear, have an idea of the purpose of your podcast. Who is the podcast for? The setup for an internal company podcast may have different equipment needs than a branded public podcast.
Once you’ve determined the format and your budget, you can start looking into the fun part – new podcasting gear! But what equipment is needed for a podcast? What about a video podcast?
If you’re ready to buy equipment but aren’t sure what to get, we’ve created this guide to help you determine what equipment is needed for a podcast. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Read below for the 9 things you need to get started.
1. A computer
You’ll need a computer or a laptop to record and edit your audio and video (if you’re doing a video podcast). Whether you choose Mac or PC, ensure your device is compatible with the software you wish to use. We’ll cover more on editing software later.
A new laptop can range from the low hundreds to the thousands range.
Computers with limited space tend to have a slower processing speed,so you may want to also consider purchasing an external storage drive. This will keep your files in the same place, and free up space on your computer. On average, these can cost $70 to $150, depending on the capacity.
2. Microphone – USB or XLR and additional accessories
To record your podcast, you’ll need a microphone! While you technically can record your show directly into your smartphone, the audio will likely suffer as a result, so it’s not recommended.
When looking for a microphone, there are some techy terms you’ll probably see. We’ve outlined them for you.
USB vs. XLR mic
USB. These plug directly into your laptop. Then you can choose it as the input device and start recording in your software. This is a popular choice for beginners or those who want a simpler setup.
XLR. These involve a more technical setup, including an audio interface which we will cover in a later section. The mic will also need XLR cables to connect to the interface and capture the audio.
On average, microphones cost around $50 to $300 or more, depending on the brand and the microphone type.
3. Microphone accessories
Wondering what equipment is needed for a podcast studio? These three essentials help you get the best recording possible. We just put them in one section to make it easier.
Mic stand
It’s usually better to put your mic on a stand. This ensures a more consistent sound and frees your hands to click record or hold your script. These cost around $30 or more, depending on design complexity.
Pop filter
At under $20, these are inexpensive but invaluable. A pop filter is a screen that helps get rid of the plosives in our speech. For example, the harshness of the letter “P” or “T”.
Shock mount
Some microphone packs or mic stand packs have this built-in, but if not, it’s worth the investment. This suspends the mic and safeguards against ruining your recording if the mic stand gets hit. Sometimes your mic will come with a shock mount. If not, they can range from $50 to $200.
4. Headphones
A good pair of headphones is essential as these will help you to identify volume or background noise issues during the recording and editing stages. Also, let’s be honest; a cool pair of headphones help you look the part when you’re recording.
Opt for over-the-ear headphones, as these will isolate your sound better. You can get a good pair for anywhere from $40 to $200.
5. Audio interface
This is a device that’s used in conjunction with an XLR microphone. If you have a USB mic, your mic doesn’t need this. This device translates the signal from the mic and sends it to your laptop to be recorded in the audio software.
Depending on the brand and model, these run for about $200 to $400.
6. Audio editing software
Audio editing software, also called a digital audio workstation (DAW), takes the signal from the interface or USB mic and stores it as an audio file. This software allows you to record, edit, and export tracks.
7. Network hosting platform
While this is not a piece of equipment like a microphone, you will need to factor in the subscription costs to a network into your budget. Not every platform has the same features, so make sure that the platform has the features you need before signing the final contract.
Podbean’s platform has various features that will help make your podcasting venture more successful. With Podbean, you can record, edit, publish and view data analytics from the same software. Podbean also provides several methods to monetize your podcast.
8. Sound treatment for your studio
This is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial part of a podcasting equipment budget. Foam or felt sound treatment panels aren’t expensive or complex to install, but they make a world of a difference in recording.
If you have an on-site podcasting station, this will help to damper the sound of ambient noise and noisy industrial HVAC systems.
You find packs online or at the local hardware store for under $60.
9. For video podcasters
If you’re adding video to your corporate podcast, you may wonder what equipment is needed for a video podcast. In addition to everything listed above, you’ll also need a quality video camera, lighting and video editing software.
Lights, camera, software!
Video podcasting is a great tool as it provides a video layer to the powerful podcasting medium. However, it’s more expensive equipment-wise and more time-consuming to produce. You can get good quality lights online for about $50 to $150, depending on how many lights you need.
A video camera can cost $100 to $500. Some professional cameras may be more expensive, you should be able to find a quality camera in this range.
Editing software can be free or over $500. Know what you need but don’t compromise on quality.
An aesthetic backdrop
The most important thing other than a camera is a recording space! You and your background will be seen on video, so it’s best to have a nice set that isn’t distracting to viewers.
Your background doesn’t need to be incredibly fancy; however, it should be consistent. LED lights can bring life to an otherwise plain setup. Check out popular Youtubers in your niche for some ideas.
Conclusion
Starting an enterprise podcast isn’t complicated when you know exactly what you need. Podcasting isn’t easy, but a plan is the best way to ensure success.
Here at Podbean, we’ll help businesses kickstart their podcasting journey from the first episode to the hundredth episode.
Sign up for your free trial today and get the most out of your enterprise podcast.
Do you have any note about these 9? What is the most important thing that companies need to pay attention to?