Looking to start your own podcast? Gathering all of the audio equipment you’ll need to start recording and editing your first few episodes is typically the first step before embarking on such an endeavor. However, if you don’t know much about audio gear, this part can get pretty overwhelming (not to mention pricey) as there are quite a few things you’ll need to build a fully functional podcasting workspace or studio that’ll give you truly professional results. But a podcast equipment bundle or starter kit will help you get there.
Of course, you can definitely get by and capture perfectly good audio with just the basics—a good microphone, monitoring headphones, audio software, and a computer.
Whether you need a complete set of gear for a reasonably affordable price or you simply want the best podcasting equipment without having to purchase everything individually, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we list down the top three podcast packages that will help you jumpstart your podcasting career.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Podcast?
Every podcaster needs a quality microphone to get started. If your audio is unintelligible or distracting in some way, people won’t want to listen to your show. Thankfully, great-sounding microphones cost a fortune. You’ll also need a piece of gear that can record audio from that mic, or to interface the mic with your computer.
Next, you’ll need some monitoring headphones. Sure, everyone has headphones, but podcasting requires a set that delivers better quality than cheap earbuds.
Lastly, you’ll need editing software. This is vital for a high-quality podcast. You’ll want to take out all the “umms” and “ahhs” as well as any pops or clicks. It’s also wise to cut out any tangents that went on too long, jokes that didn’t land, and so on.
As you get more advanced, you can add mixers, multiple or better mics, and other gear.
Best Podcast Starter Kit & Equipment Bundle Packages
Below you’ll find the top three podcast equipment kits from Adorama’s podcasting bundles. To help you make your decision, we’ve provided details about their inclusions and why each of them can be the best podcast starter kit for you.
If you’re just starting out, our Entry Podcast Bundle will likely work great. If you’re a bit more advanced, looking for even better sound quality, or you want to record guests, check out our Intermediate and Pro bundles.
- The Entry Podcast Bundle
- The Intermediate Podcast Bundle
- The Pro Podcast Bundle
1. Best Beginner Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio-Technica Podcasting Pack
Audio-Technica is one of the most renowned names in the game, and the podcast equipment bundle they’ve put together is excellent for beginners. The kit consists of an AT2020USB condenser microphone, a pair of ATH-M20x headphones, and a boom stand for the mic.
The AT2020 microphone is one of the best budget condensers around. Many podcasters and streamers have kicked off their journey toward premium audio quality using the affordable, but reliable, AT2020. Perhaps the best part, though, is that this podcast starter kit features the USB version of the formidable condenser mic — no audio interface required. It’s as simple as plug-and-play, which makes it a perfect entry-level piece of equipment.
It should go without saying that the ATH-M20x headphones are fantastic as well. They’re favored by beginners for their price and by veterans for their trustworthy sound. You can not only monitor your voice while recording, but also mix your podcast on these headphones after recording.
Finally, the included boom arm is the most flexible way to prop up the microphone, and it’s threaded with a USB cable to keep cable management under control. Overall, this is a great value podcast starter kit that shaves cost yet cuts no corners in terms of quality.
Podcast Equipment Package Inclusions:
- Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020USB
- Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Accessories: Studio boom arm with USB cable
2. Best Intermediate Package: Focusrite Vocaster One Studio Essential Podcasting Kit
When it’s time to step up your production value, this podcast equipment bundle by Focusrite is a major leap. The package includes a Vocaster DM1 dynamic microphone, a Vocaster One audio interface, a pair of HP60v closed-back headphones, a 3m XLR cable, and a microphone clip (stand not included).
Starting with the microphone, the DM1 is a rugged dynamic microphone with a built-in metal pop filter. Dynamic microphones work well in less than ideal acoustic environments, because they are much less sensitive than condenser microphones. The DM1 can be handheld or clipped to a microphone stand for comfort and versatility.
Next, we have the HP60v closed-back headphones. Closed headphones isolate the wearer from the environment. But perhaps most importantly, they minimize bleed from the headphones getting into the microphone, keeping the recording nice and clean.
The real highlight of this podcast equipment bundle is the Vocaster One audio interface. It comes with a single XLR input and preamp with automatic gain — you’ll never have to guess whether you’ve set the preamp correctly. Other features include three vocal EQ presets controlled by an Enhance button, which cleans up your voice on the way into your recording software. There’s also camera connectivity, which sends audio from the interface to your video camera, as well as phone connectivity so you can have guests on the show, trigger sound effects or music, and more.
Podcast Equipment Package Inclusions:
- Microphone: Focusrite Vocaster DM1
- Headphones: Focusrite HP60v
- Audio Interface: Focusrite Vocaster One
- Accessories: 3m XLR cable
3. Best Advanced Podcast Starter Kit: Rode RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Console
This podcast equipment bundle by Rode offers one of the most streamlined and professional workflows on the market. The heart of the production is the RodeCaster Pro console” — a four-channel mixer with additional inputs for a Bluetooth source, a phone, and a USB source. It also includes eight programmable pads to trigger music and sound effect drops, and four headphone outputs for your talent to hear every word. The RodeCaster can be connected to a computer via USB for recording or used a standalone device recording straight to microSD.
The RodeCaster is an impressive centerpiece on its own, but the podcast bundle conveniently combines everything you’d need to launch a professional production. Every XLR input on the mixer is accounted for by four Rode PodMic condensers, each complete with its own boom stand and XLR cable.
By look and feel, this is absolutely a professional podcast equipment kit. Despite that, the RodeCaster makes set-up and recording as easy as it gets. The fact that you can record straight to a card without a computer/DAW virtually knocks down any possible barrier to entry — it also makes the whole podcast kit portable!
Podcast Equipment Package Inclusions:
- Microphone: (4) Rode PodMic
- Headphones: (4) Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Audio Interface: RodeCaster Pro
- Accessories: (4) On-Stage MBS5000 boom arms, (4) H&A Elite Pro 15’ XLR cables
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Podcast?
If you have the gear, starting a podcast costs nothing! Of course, most people don’t have mics and other recording equipment lying around.
As the above packages show, a few hundred dollars will set you up with the right equipment for a professional-sounding podcast. For a little more money, you can get higher-quality microphones that add real power and clarity to your voice, along with additional mics and mixers for recording guests or co-hosts.
Once you record and edit your podcast, you can store the audio online with several podcast hosts for free. Getting your podcast onto popular platforms like Apple and Spotify is also free.
Bottomline
And there you have it! But if these three aren’t quite what you had in mind, you can browse our other podcasting bundles for more choices. Also, for more informational guides on podcasting, check out the Adorama Learning Center (ALC).
