There’s one question every podcast host must answer when they start their podcast venture: what is the right podcast equipment? There are good podcast equipment brands and individual items that can streamline your production process and make it easier to create an exceptional show. Finding the right equipment gets you started off with your best foot forward.
Whether you’re looking to create a spooktacular Halloween podcast episode or you want scary good podcast equipment all year long, you’re in the right place! In this Mr. Thrive Media blog, we’ll walk you through eight of the best brands for podcasting equipment.
We’ll also showcase the top six pieces of equipment you need from a few select brands. Those selections come from our founder, Chaz Volk, with his years of podcast expertise backing up those choices. Read on to learn about some frighteningly fantastic podcast equipment!
8 Eerily Excellent Podcast Equipment Brands
To start, we’re going to take a look at some of the best brands for podcast equipment. Whether you’re buying your basics to start your introductory podcast episode or you’re investing in top equipment to make room for podcast business growth, we’ve got you covered. You can find the necessities of podcast production through the catalogs of these brands.
These eight brands are some classics of the digital equipment and software world. Even if you aren’t familiar with podcast equipment yet, you’ll recognize a number of these brands. There is a mix of price ranges on this list, ensuring there is something available for every budget, at every phase.
1. Shure
The Shure brand is a top option for mics, headphones, and audio support. One of the best things about the brand is the service support from the company.
2. Rode
Rode is an Australian company that specializes in headphones and mics, as well as audio interfaces and software programs. They’re top quality and well worth the investment.
3. OneOdio
OneOdio is a company based on crafting the best headphones for a tidy price. They’re on the most cost-effective end for headphones, which makes them ideal for hobby podcasters and people new to the industry, looking for something efficient and budget-friendly.
4. Logitech
Logitech is one of those technology and software names everyone knows. They offer quality, cost-effective products all across the spectrum of computer and recording equipment.
5. Razer
Razer is most notable in the tech sphere for their builds centered on gaming needs. Their attention to audio quality is precise, but the best thing about Razer is the user comfort of all their products.
6. Gator
Gator is another brand that has been around for quite some time and continues to produce consistent quality tools. Their microphone stands are some of the best for quality and price.
7. Focusrite
Focusrite keeps their focus narrowed on recording interfaces and production tools. They offer some of the best prices for interfaces and can be purchased at many easily accessible tech stores.
8. Zoom
No, we’re not talking about the Zoom you take work calls on every day. This Zoom is a top seller of interfaces and recording software. Zoom is built for musicians and the sound quality is unbeatable.
6 Terrifyling Top Tier Pieces of Podcast Equipment
Next on our compilation of scary good podcast equipment brands and individual items comes the best items you can add to your collection. These items are used in the Mr. Thrive podcast production studio, for our shows and those of our clients. We’ve tested them against other brands and models and found these are the best bang for your budget.
Most notably, these six key items are the primary podcast equipment needs for any show. Of course, you’ll also need a computer, but that’s a very personal choice. When it comes to base podcast equipment, this range from a great camera to the right lighting gives you everything you need to get started.
1. Razer 4K Ultra HD Camera
The Razer 4K Ultra HD camera is a top-quality webcam that simplifies your process of recording the video footage of your podcast. It also improves your ability to have great calls with clients, podcast guests, and industry connections.
2. Shure SM7B Microphone
The Shure SM7B microphone is one of the best microphones on the market for clear sound and user-friendly applications. It’s a pro-level mic that anyone can use! It’s a pricier option but will last for ages with consistently crisp sound.
3. HD 280 PRO Headphones
These HD 280 PRO headphones from Sennheiser are studio-quality headphones for a budget-friendly price. You can get a pair for just under $100 and expect them to last far beyond any cheaper pair of headphones.
4. Zoom F8n Recorder
The Zoom F8n field recorder is the production interface of your dreams. With editing and mixing capabilities to rival the best studios, this interface makes it easier than ever to produce top-quality podcasts with ease.
5. Gator Frameworks Stand
The Gator Frameworks stand is a staple microphone accessory. You can find different options ranging from $40 to $150, depending on where you buy it and which model you choose. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Gator brand.
6. Ring Light Lighting
The Ring Light has been popular since the rise of influencer marketing and social media platforms. There are many ring light options, but the classic is typically the best.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Podcast Equipment
There are endless questions to be asked about the best podcast equipment. From the expansive list of brands available to the most-needed individual items to start a podcast, there is always more to learn. Read on through our answers to these FAQs to get started and put together your list of required podcast equipment.
What Is the Best Equipment to Start a Podcast?
The best equipment to get your podcast started is a microphone, headphones, and some quality recording software. These are the basics of what you need to create a podcast. If you’re starting a podcast as a hobby, or you’re keeping it a small operation as a podcast for your business, you can stick with these first equipment needs.
If, however, you’re going to grow your podcast, you’ll need a few more items as time goes on. You’ll want to add more microphones, for guests and potential co-hosts. You’ll want to invest in a mixer for sound quality and editing needs. There are other things, like lighting kits, pop filters, and accessories for all this equipment, that will come in handy later on and with experience.
Do You Need Fancy Equipment For a Podcast?
No, you don’t need fancy equipment to have a successful podcast. Many podcasters make do with a laptop, some quality software, and a really good microphone. The fact of the matter is, it’s more about finding the right equipment for you than having the best, most expensive equipment.
Before you get caught up in the different types of podcasting equipment you can buy, start with a basic list of what you need. You can pull from this Mr. Thrive blog to find what is necessary to start your podcast and be able to bring in guests. As long as you have quality equipment that meets your needs, you have everything that will go into creating your podcast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast?
The cost to start a podcast can range between $100 and $5,000, depending on your intentions. If you’re starting a podcast purely as a hobby you can expect to spend between $100 and $350 for equipment and access to different podcasting spaces online.
For a professional podcast, the range jumps to anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in starting costs. These heightened costs are because, when you’re starting a podcast to create a business, you need the best of the best. You’ll want to rent or create a studio space, which costs more. You’ll want more equipment, namely mics, so you can be ready for guests. Overall, it takes more.
What Cameras Do Podcasters Use?
Some of the most common camera brands for podcasters include:
- Canon
- Kickteck
- Nikon
- Sony
- Logitech
- Panasonic
- GoPro
These are all considered some of the best classic and innovative camera brands, respectively. The best thing about these brands is that you can find them at almost any store that sells cameras. That means you’ll find a range of prices, to fit the camera to your budget without sacrificing quality.
No Tricks, Just Podcast Equipment Treats!
Decking out your podcast production space with these 16 scary good podcast equipment brands and individual items sets you up for success from the first episode.
The main fact to remember when investing in podcast equipment is, it only matters what works best for you. Whether that’s the best quality item or something with a specific function you love, your podcast equipment only needs to work for you.
No matter what equipment you’re set up with or what you have your sites set on, Mr. Thrive can work with you to produce an exemplary show. Reach out today to learn how our podcast production pros and marketing experts can help you.