Podcasts are the evolution of talk radio. Before the Internet, talk radio required professional radio studios and expensive broadcast equipment. Now, anyone can have international syndication with a few pieces of inexpensive equipment and a wifi connection. Everyone from big businesses to high school students can share their ideas with the rest of the world. Podcasts can be accessed on our smartphones for immediate consumption. Popular series like “This American Life” and “Serial” have brought podcasts to everyday pop culture. If you have an idea and a desire to talk about it let us help you figure out the gear needed to get started. This article will provide you with entry-level options to start recording audio for podcasts.
What You Will Need
In order to record a podcast with a single voice, you will need:
- one microphone
- a device to record on ( this can be a computer, smartphone, tablet, or field recorder)
- headphones
More equipment can be added as you progress, but these are the basics, just to get started.
(We won’t dig deep into headphone options, but I would recommend a closed-back over-ear headphone or a tightly fitting pair of earbuds. This will help eliminate bleed from the headphones back into the recording microphone. Feel free to read the article: Pro Headphones Buying Guide from the Adorama Learning Center for more information on headphones.)
Choosing Your Microphone
The most important part of your podcasting signal chain is the microphone. In this article, we will concentrate on USB microphones because they do not require costly audio interfaces. When you are ready to go pro with your podcasts, you will want to look into analog microphones with XLR outputs, multi-channel audio interfaces, and outboard mixing boards. Since this article is all about getting the most bang for your buck, we’re going to focus on the options that require the least amount of gear and the least amount of cash.
Microphone Options for Computers
USB microphones convert analog sound to digital signal within the microphone itself. They can be plugged directly into a USB port of a laptop or desktop. You can use any type of audio recording software to capture and edit your podcast. Options include professional software such as Pro Tools 12 ($299) or free software such as Garageband or Audacity.
One of the most affordable USB mic options is the Samson Go Mic ($32.49). The plug-and-play Go Mic is a USB powered condenser that has its own headphone out for monitoring. It comes with a folding clip that allows for laptop screen mounting, but it can also be mounted to a traditional mic stand. Additionally, it features switchable polar patterns for added flexibility and control.
Next is the versatile Audio-Technica ATR2100USB ($70.52). This dynamic microphone looks more like a traditional handheld but offers the option of either XLR or USB output. This mic will grow with your podcast and allow you to connect it to a multi-channel interface via XLR when you are ready to record more than one voice.
One of the highest reviewed USB microphones comes in at under $130. The Blue Yeti ($129) is a USB powered small-diaphragm condenser microphone with onboard gain control and mute button. There is a built in zero-latency headphone output. The Blue Yeti features a tri-capsule array, which enables you to select from stereo, cardioid, bi-directional, and omnidirectional. Having these polar pattern options allows you to record in almost any situation. If you want to take the next step up in versatility The Yeti Pro ($249) offers an XLR output in addition to the USB. This allows you to use this microphone when you outgrow the USB system in favor of analog.
At a similar price to the Blue Yeti is the AT2020USB+ ($149). The AT2020USB+ is a large diaphragm condenser with a side-address cardioid polar pattern. It will capture more detail and nuance than a small-diaphragm condenser. Large-diaphragm is generally preferred over small-diaphragm for recording voice and spoken word. The AT2020USB+ features a zero-latency headphone output and headphone volume control. It also offers mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio.
At the top end of our USB mics is the Rode Podcaster ($229). The dynamic Podcaster features a front-address cardioid polar pattern and is designed to imitate legendary analog broadcast mics such as the EV RE-20 ($449) and the Shure SM7B ($349). Built to emulate high-end dynamic microphones, professional radio-like audio quality is the focus of the Podcaster. In addition to USB connectivity, it also features a stereo headphone output with built-in volume control. As an option, Rode offers The Procaster ($229), which features an XLR output only and has no USB.
If you already have access to a decent microphone with an XLR output then there is no need to buy a USB microphone. You can purchase a low-cost analog to digital interface. One convenient option for a single microphone is the Shure X2U ($99). The X2U plugs directly into the XLR jack of the microphone and even has +48v phantom power for condenser mics. The minimal interface features selectable mic gain, output volume, and monitor level. It outputs a simple USB cable to connect directly to your computer.
Microphone Options for SmartPhones or Tablets
All of the podcast options above assume that you already have access to a computer. Luckily you don’t have to buy a computer just for the sake of podcasting. You can record your podcast onto your smartphone or tablet using any one of the free or paid applications that are available for your device.However, not all USB microphones will connect directly to an iOS device. Many of the USB microphones mentioned above will require more power than can be provided by the lightning port. There is an easy work-around for this.
Connect your USB microphone to a powered USB hub such as the Mobile Edge 7 Port USB Hub ($28.99). It is important that the USB hub has an A/C power adapter that plugs into the wall. This will provide the power for your USB microphone. Then use a USB to lightning converter or cable such as the Griffin USB to Lightning Cable ($16.99). Plug this cable into another port on the hub and connect the lightning end to your mobile device. This will allow the microphone to communicate with your phone or tablet while receiving power from the hub.
Since the USB hub set-up is rather cumbersome, newer microphones have been released that can be powered by your mobile device. The Rode NTUSB ($169) is a medium-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern that can plug directly into an iPhone or iPad. The NTUSB features an integrated headphone amplifier and 1/8” headphone jack for monitoring. The on-mic mix control allows you to select between mic input and source input for monitoring. The NTUSB will require a purchase of a USB to lightning converter or cable in order to connect to a mobile device.
The Apogee MiC 96k ($229) is a large-diaphragm condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern that can plug directly into an iPhone or iPad. The Apogee MiC boasts a higher sample rate than its competitors and can capture up to 96kHz. This equates to higher audio fidelity. The MiC also features adjustable gain as well as a 1/8” headphone out. Included with this purchase are a USB to lightning cable as well as a standard USB to USB cable.
If you are looking for something more portable the Zoom IQ5 ($99) or Zoom IQ6 ($99) might fit the bill. Both pocket-sized models connect directly to the iPhone or iPad via the lightning port without any cables. The IQ5 is a mid-side stereo condenser with many selectable options. The IQ6 is an XY stereo microphone with adjustable gain. The IQ5 and IQ6 both come with the easy-to-use Zoom recording app for iOS devices.
Microphone Options for Mobile Field Recorders
If you do not have a computer or a smartphone/tablet, do not fear. There is still another option for you. You can record your podcast directly to a mobile field recorder.
The standalone Zoom H1 ($99) features a built-in stereo X/Y microphone and records directly to a microSD card (comes with 2GB but can handle up to 32GB). The H1 allows you to connect an external dynamic microphone via a 1/8” input. It also features a low cut filter, built-in tripod mount, 1/8” headphone output, and accessories. The device will run for about 10 hours of use on a single AA battery.
The next step up is the Zoom H4nSP ($199). This device has all the features of the H1 but also allows for a total of four channels by adding two XLR combo jacks in addition to the built-in X/Y mic. This allows you to connect two separate analog microphones to the device. The device even includes phantom power for condenser mics. The H4nSP will run for about 11 hours on two AA batteries. The H4nSP has many other nifty features including download licenses for music production and sound editing software.
Putting It All Together
Regardless of which method you choose to record your podcast, it is important that you have good mic placement and monitor the audio signal before recording. Choose a small quiet room to record in. The rule of thumb is if you can hear background noises or an echo, so can the microphone. The microphone should be placed close to the mouth of the speaker. Record a test sample and listen back. The voice should be clear and intelligible without any noticeable distortion or muffling. If you have VU meters you should see a nice healthy green signal that gets close to but does not enter the yellow or red. It is not advised to place a mic on a table in between a group of people as it will pick up a lot of ambient noise and obscure the voices. In a pinch, an omnidirectional microphone placed in the center may be workable to capture multiple voices. If your microphone is cardioid only, everyone will have to gather on the sensitive side. Just make sure to listen to a sample first before recording the whole thing and make adjustments. If there are multiple speakers it is best to use multiple analog microphones or record multiple takes with one microphone and edit them together in your software.
Additional Accessories
Important accessories to add to your rig include pop filters. These screens mount in front of your microphone and prevent plosive pops from being recorded. These sounds occur when you say words that begin with hard “p” or “d” sounds and can be very distracting to the ear. Shock mounts can be used to isolate your microphone from any physical vibrations or sounds caused by people moving about. While some of the mentioned microphones come with small table stands, it is difficult to place them close to the speaker’s mouth. A proper boom mic stand or a table stand with a boom arm will enable you to have optimal mic placement. Lastly, acoustic panels can be used to decrease ambient noise and reflections. Soft materials such as blankets, pillows, and carpet can be used when acoustic paneling is not available.
Focus On Your Message
The most important part of a podcast is the message or story you are trying to convey to your audience. No matter how powerful your message, bad audio recordings will turn off your listeners. You don’t need the audio fidelity of the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds) or Steely Dan, but you need your recording to be pleasant to listen to. Make sure to use your ears and listen to your recordings. Experiment and make subtle changes to find the sound that works best for you.
