All of the podcasting statistics promise continued growth in the industry. More businesses & entrepreneurs are launching podcasts nowadays. Whether you are planning to launch a new podcast or want to develop your current one, you must consider the Best Podcast Tools You Need.
The fact is, you can get overwhelmed when it is about podcasting. After all, the more intricate something is, the more moving parts you have to handle. Files, guests, & editing your content can take lots of time, both for you & your crew. Technical hassles aren’t good either because they can disrupt your other operations. To help you, we have created a list of what we think are the must-have tools for podcasting.
Best Podcast Tools You Need
1. A Good Computer
It’s entirely possible to record podcasts or stream live audio on smartphones nowadays, but it’s quicker, easier, & usually more professional to create & stream content on a personal computer. It doesn’t matter whether you have a PC or Mac, & the majority of modern laptops & desktops are fast enough for the audio tasks required.
If you are only recording audio & processing, any laptop or modern computer will do. However, if you are trying to Livestream video or games from a PC, you need a powerful computer that lets you both play the game & run your streaming software without lag or trouble. If you plan to record or edit video, you will also want a computer with a good amount of RAM for rendering.
2. A USB Microphone
The mic is the most essential Podcast Equipment You Need. Most mics built into headphones, phones, & laptops are good enough for calls & online meetings, but they could be better for podcast stories or streams. The easiest way to improve your sound quality is with a USB microphone. These plug into your computer & allow you to record audio in surprisingly high quality, considering their ease of setup.
There are many good ones and weird, off-brand models for sale online. Avoid those. Go for popular & established brands. If you need more clarification, do a quick research on the internet to find which brands & models are hot favorites among podcasters.
3. An Audio Interface
Consider buying an audio interface if you have multiple people to record or stream at once. These external audio devices plug into a computer via a USB port & enable you to use conventional non-USB microphones. They also usually have headphone jacks, so you can listen & record.
The price of Audio interfaces starts at about $100 for one with a single channel. It offers a single input for a microphone or instrument cable. They can cost several thousand dollars for models with many inputs & other advanced features.
4. Mic Stands
To set up your microphones, you will need a well-built mic stand. But that’s not the only application of a mic stand; it will also help you to position your microphone correctly, so you don’t have to bend forward or downwards to speak into the microphone.
If you are not too picky about what kind of mic stand to get or if you have a limited budget, you can find many affordable tabletop mics stands. But if you want more flexibility, consider investing in bendable desktop boom arms. It will free up desk space & be able to swiftly position & push the microphone away without twisting any knobs or buttons. Some condenser microphones go together with their stand designed for ease of use & flexibility.
5. Headphones
Headphones act as your audio monitor. This is why you will regularly find many podcasters & even recording artists with headphones while recording. It may seem weird hearing your voice at first, but it is the best way to check your audio quality & observe any overlapping noise & jagged mic sound levels, so you don’t need to do retakes.
While some podcasters use earbuds efficiently, you may consider closed-back headphones for a professional podcast studio. This stops the sound in the earpieces from spilling out & interfering with your microphone. There are a lot of high-quality podcasting headphones at almost every price point.
6. A Pop Filter
Many microphones accompany built-in filters to help keep your sounds from popping the mic, but if yours doesn’t have one, you can consider buying a cheap pop filter that can attach to a desk or mic stand. If you are a streamer, you should place the mic further than your face or off to the side, pointed at your mouth; pop filters can sometimes block your view.
7. Memory Storage Devices
Audio producers are advised to export heavy audio files they don’t need instantly (such as old, raw materials) to external hard drives so their computers’ internal memory can continue working faster during import, audio editing, & export. But for podcasting, you may consider starting with smaller external portable hard drives & upgrade from there. USB drives are also of good use if you require to bring, share, or submit your content in person.
8. A Good Camera
The most necessary part of the live streaming gear is a good webcam. Many people also possess action cams or other more excellent photo cameras. If you have a GoPro, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, you can also use it as a webcam substitution.
Keep in mind that GoPro’s software is a bit unstable & that DSLR & mirrorless cameras aren’t always well-equipped to shoot videos for an extended period with their sensors open. You may want a camera the manufacturer recommends for long-form videos.
If you require to switch between cameras or looking for push-button controls for your stream, many cameras let you create personal controls for shooting video or streaming directly from your desk. It is one of the Best Podcast Tools You Need.
What Makes A Podcast Successful?
Many things matter to making a podcast successful, but few are more significant than finding & building your audience. Your audience is the chief reason sponsors support you, which means your listenership is finally what helps you succeed.
How do you create that listenership? Be steady, stick to the theme of your podcast, frequently ask for feedback, endorse your podcast on social media & approach the right sponsors with opportunities. The more unified & on-brand you can be from the beginning, the better. For a professional podcast, consider the Best Podcast Tools You Need.