The Best Podcast Starter Kit For Beginners

Think about it. What strikes you most when you listen to a podcast?

What keeps you interested enough to hear the whole thing?

Of course, the quality of the content and tone of the host matters. But more than anything, it’s the audio quality that makes sure that you don’t get distracted.

Only clear and crisp audio can keep the audience hooked on a podcast.

You can have the best content, but if the audio quality is subpar, your listeners will be instantly put off.

Issues like background noise and interference can bring down the impact of a podcast.

So if you want to step into this field and start your own podcast series, you know what to do. Get yourself high-quality podcast equipment!

The market is filled with multiple options for podcast starter gear.

A beginner might not realize it, but all have their own set of pros and cons.

Their technical specifications vary too. You need a podcast equipment kit that suits your objectives and content. And this is what we will elaborate on.

Why Give Podcasts A Try?

Before we talk about which podcast kit would be best suited to your needs, let’s discuss why you should start your podcast series.

Podcasts are undoubtedly one of the highly preferred formats used for consuming content.

Indeed, more than 30% of U.S. residents listen to podcasts. So if you want to come up with an effective content marketing strategy or put your message across, podcasts are the best option you have.

The best part about podcasts is that they are pretty engaging and fun.

You can convey such crucial information so easily. And, you can keep your audience engaged if you answer listeners’ calls during the episode, too. It’s easy to build a loyal audience on podcasts if you know what works.

Interestingly, there are no binding factors to listening to podcasts.

One can listen to them at their own convenience, and it’s not even necessary that they pay complete attention to the content. So podcasts offer a convenient way to consume information without having to take time out specifically for that purpose.

Let’s face it. Blogging is a pretty competitive field.

You need to put in quite a bit of time and effort to be heard and taken seriously on the platform. But podcasting is less competitive. If you start your podcast series now, you will not find it challenging to attract an audience. You can expand your reach.

Additionally, podcasting proves to be a cost-effective decision.

This is because production costs are lower than other formats.

You can get the best podcast kit for beginners at affordable rates. And the best part is that it’s a one-person job. You don’t need to put together a team to start your podcast series.

As long as you know your content, you can make your episodes interesting for the audience.

Podcasts offer you the perfect means to establish authority in a particular niche.

The setup wouldn’t take much of your time, and you wouldn’t even need substantial financial input. But remember, more and more people are now realizing the potential of podcasting. If you want to make the most of this opportunity, you have to start right away.

And for this, you will need to get your hands on a suitable podcast equipment kit.

Naturally, beginners wouldn’t want to invest in something overtly expensive or complicated. It’s advisable to start with something simple and then update as your podcast starts getting the desired attention.

Everything To Look For In The Best Podcast Kit

As we have already mentioned, the key to a successful podcast is crisp and clear audio. Yes, you can start your podcasting journey even on a limited budget. But you will need some vital tools to get going. Once you have the right tools, you can easily build your own recording studio at home and start your podcast series!

Everyone has a unique way of presenting their podcast. The objective of the podcast matters too. But here are some vital tools that anyone interested in podcasting will find handy.

External Microphone

A good microphone is crucial for sound recording. It’s your microphone that influences your audio quality the most. So this is something that you will need to give the most attention to in a podcasting kit. USB mics are pretty suitable for beginners as they are not only low in cost but also easy to use. If you aren’t sure if you will pursue podcasting long-term, these are a good option.

Microphone Stand & Boom Arm

Most beginners fail to realize the importance of microphone stands. But you have to admit that it’s not easy to host a podcast, holding the microphone all the while. And, microphone stands aren’t even expensive. Additionally, using a microphone stand reduces extra noise in your audio. Beginners will find flat-based microphone stands an appealing option as they are easy to use and compact too.

Shock Mount

Don’t you want your podcast audio to be clear? A shock mount helps with that as it protects your microphone from vibrations. Typically, a lot of mics are sensitive to shocks and vibrations, which affect your sound bass. Shock mounts prove to be invaluable in keeping the tone and texture of your voice.

Pop Filters

You must have noticed a disturbing sound that often comes up in audio whenever certain consonants are used. This hampers the listeners’ experience. Pop filters can deal with this issue. Placing these filters between the speaker and microphone minimizes the troublesome sound instantly.

Headphones

You can’t start your podcasting journey without a pair of headphones.

How will you monitor the audio? Headphones are also invaluable for getting rid of disturbances.

Beginners will find it beneficial to go for closed-back headphones. Find a pair that’s not only durable but affordable too. And, of course, it’s advisable to buy an extra pair for the occasional guest speakers that you will likely host in your podcasts.

Podcast Editing Software

You can’t start podcasting without the right software to tweak things.

There are plenty of options out there, some free of cost, like Audacity.

Paid ones are pretty powerful, and more often than a bit too complicated for beginners. If you want to keep things simple, a dedicated editing tool like Alitu can be of help.

The editing software will help clean up and fix volume levels, cut stuff out, and improve your podcast’s quality.  Here are some of the options you can consider.

Audacity

It’s one of the most popular choices among podcasters.

And why not?

It’s available free of cost and is pretty easy to learn. The best thing about this software is that you will get immense help and support as you try to navigate through it.

There are plenty of features that make it a desirable option. For one thing, it’s cross-platform. You can use it on Windows, OS, and any other platform you deep fit. It works pretty well for both beginners and advanced users.

Audacity has a clean user interface which makes it pretty easy to use too.

Key features

• Easy to use
• Free of cost
• Ample support available
• Can be used on all platforms
• Provided with all the features podcasting can need, including adjustment of volume settings and editing tracks
• Clean user interface

Pricing

It’s free for all.

Alitu

This one is a hands-off podcast editing tool with plenty to offer.

The drag-and-drop interface undoubtedly makes your job easier. Additionally, the software is enriched with a variety of features that enable you to automate your workflow.

Yes, Alitu can make your podcasting journey a whole lot easier!

This software has it all, from mixing to compression and more.

You can use it to level your audio, add intro music, and also take care of transitions. And you wouldn’t have to manage it all manually, unlike how it’s done on the other tools. Furthermore, the software integrates with Captivate.

Hence, you have the option of setting up to publish the podcast too, once you are done!

Key features

• Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
• Ample scope of automation saving time
• Handles everything related to podcast production
• Can be set to publish the podcast

Pricing

Alitu is available for a 7-day trial free of cost. If you find it a suitable choice, you can go for the monthly subscription, which starts at $28.

Pro Tools

There’s a reason that this one is considered the standard choice for podcast editing software. Indeed, it has all the features that you need to record, edit and master audio files.

Interestingly, this software can be pretty simple and complex at the same time. The free version has all the basic features, which will be perfect for beginners. And once you understand how it works, you can acquire the advanced features for an enhanced experience.

The standard version proves to be worth its money. This software works well for both beginners and pros. You can get new features added regularly as per your need without unnecessarily complicating things.

Key features

• More than 20 plugins form part of the free version
• Provided with automated features
• Users can go for pricier versions with advanced features once they get the hang of it.

Pricing

There is a free version of Pro Tools for beginners so that they can get a fair idea of how podcast editing works. The standard software costs $29.99 per month, while the more advanced one is priced at $79.99 per month.

Adobe Audition

This podcast editing software allows you to add music, fades, and so much more. Indeed, there are plenty of audio templates that form part of the software. You can easily save these templates, running them automatically as scripts.

This one’s provided with extensive features, including the likes of batch processing capabilities, among others. And if you intend to follow an established format for your podcast, this will be perfect for you.

Adobe Audition has everything that you need in editing software and more. It’s filled with features that will enable you to improve your podcast quality by a manifold.

Key features

• Provides excellent noise reduction features
• Includes options of advanced audio track restoration and compression
• Offers batch-processing capabilities

Pricing

It’s a tad bit expensive but proves to be worth it. A yearly subscription will cost around $239.88. You can also pay $20.99 per month.

Of course, none of these devices would be of much use if you don’t have a laptop or computer.

Beginners can use any standard Mac or Windows device. You will also have to learn about using software that records and edits the audio.

As a beginner, you can use free tools for this purpose.

Some Of The Best Podcast Kits For Beginners

Now you know everything that’s needed to kick-start your podcasting journey. It’s time to invest in a podcasting kit that will enable you to get your podcast going in no time. The market is filled with options, which is why it’s easy to get confused. Let’s give you some idea about the podcasting kit you can try as a beginner.

MAONO USB Microphone Kit

If you want to start your podcast series right away, this is your best shot.

The best thing about this kit is that it’s ready to use as soon as you purchase it. The kit consists of a USB mic compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

A metal shock mount, table, mounting clamp, and even a pop filter form part of the kit.

This podcast kit is designed for instant use. It has everything that a newcomer can need to start his podcasting journey. And it helps that the mic is compatible with most recording devices.

It features a professional sound chipset that enables the microphone to hold a high-resolution sampling rate of 192 kHz/24bit. It offers a smooth frequency of 30Hz-16 kHz and therefore makes sure that sound is reproduced perfectly.

A 16mm electret condenser forms part of it that produces a strong bass response. It’s provided with a USB 2.0 data port so that you can get started right away!

Key features

• Designed with professional sound chipset
• Offers smooth flat frequency response
• Compatible with a wide range of OS
• Condenser mic equipped with cardioid polar pattern
• Made for instant use
• Features adjustable boom arm
• Provided with a metal shock mount to minimize disturbances

Pricing

This podcast kit is available for around $300 and can easily be purchased online.

TONOR Pro Condenser Microphone Kit

This is quite a beginner-friendly and affordable podcast kit.

It’s provided with an XLR mic along with a scissor arm stand, pop filter, windscreen, and table clamp.

Additionally, this kit will help improve sound isolation as the mic is equipped with a cardioid polar pattern. Hence, it’s undoubtedly one of the best kits for podcasting newcomers.

A metal shock mount is also included in the kit.

It’s provided with a 48V phantom power supply and an XLR to 3.5mm cable too. The cardioid polar pattern makes sure that the sound pickup is reduced from all sides, making it perfect for podcasting. The shock mount is pretty durable and sturdy, which makes it capable of lowering trills caused by vibration.

You won’t face much trouble setting up this kit. You will find detailed guidance in the instruction manual. So even if you don’t have enough experience handling everything, you won’t find it too complicated.

Key features

• All-in-one podcasting package with everything you need
• Features 48V phantom power supply
• Easy setup and installation
• Provided with the cardioid polar pattern, which reduces pickup of sounds
• Equipped with a durable and sturdy shock mount

Pricing

You can purchase this microphone kit for around $200.

AT2020K Microphone Pack

This is another impressive podcast kit that beginners will find worth their money.

Apart from an XRL mic and a boom arm with rotation ability, this kit also includes high-quality headphones. You also get a storage pouch with this kit which makes it easier to manage your home studio.

The microphone has a cardioid pickup with excellent audio reproduction capabilities. Hence, you won’t have to worry about ambient interference if you use this kit.

It works pretty well for vocal pickup and also allows for high SPL handling. It’s provided with a wide dynamic range with immense versatility. It features a circumaural design that’s excellent for sound isolation.

And the adjustable studio boom arm offers complete 360 degrees of rotation with stabilized joints.

Key features

• Features CM25 XLR condenser mic with mic clip
• Includes a pair of unbalanced RCA outputs,
• 48V phantom power supply
• Produces high-quality and natural audio
• Works well for vocal pickup
• Offers high SPL handling and wide dynamic range
• An adjustable studio boom arm provides full 360-degree rotation, included.

Pricing

Beginners can buy this podcasting kit at the cost of around $150.

Rode Podcasting Kit

Rode Podcasting Kit is a sound choice for beginners as it’s pretty easy to set up. Offering an end-address configuration, it works pretty well for those who want to record audio.

It’s equipped with an unparalleled A/D converter which allows the microphone to be plugged into any computer with no extra measures needed. A shock mount also forms part of the package that makes sure that your podcast isn’t interrupted due to vibration, movement, or noise.

It features a flexible two-section balanced spring design for easy positioning. This is one of the most reliable podcasting kits for beginners that makes their job easier.

Key features

• Features USB Connection
• Includes Stand Mount for stability and reduced vibration
• Provided with Cardioid Polar Pattern for clear audio

Pricing

This podcasting kit is available at the cost of $200.

The Best Mixer For Beginners

Naturally, you will need a mixer before telecasting your podcast too. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that you can consider. Here’s a couple worth your investment.

Allen & Heath ZEDI-8

This one’s a popular brand and provides very low noise along with 2-band EQ and a built-in 2-out USB interface.

The best thing about the mixer is the excellent sound quality it offers. You can use it for connecting two microphones or mono line-level signals. You don’t even need DI boxes for this purpose!

No separate interface is needed.

You can easily record and playback two channels using the USB.

The excellent build quality, along with the compact design, makes it a sound choice for beginners. You will easily be able to make it a part of your home studio.

Key features

• Produces excellent audio quality
• Provided with built-in 2 x 2 USB audio interface
• Can be used to connect two microphones
• No need for a separate interface to record and playback two channels of 24-bit/96kHz audio

Pricing

It’s available at the cost of $190.

Behringer Xenyx Q802USB

The feature of this mixer that stands out is its one-knob functionality. This makes sure that even new audio technicians can achieve the desired compression settings with ease. This makes it the perfect podcasting mixer for beginners.

It’s an analog mixer with a USB interface. Hence, you can easily connect it to the computer for editing. The audio interface capability is another feature that works in its favor. If you are on a tight budget while setting up your podcasting studio, this one will work quite well. This is because it offers you the perfect combination of a mixer and an audio interface.

This one offers input and output through a USB. 2 XLR inputs also form part of it. It’s pretty affordable too. Durability wouldn’t be a problem since the front is protected with metal.

Key features

• Easy to set up via USB on both Mac and PC
• Free audio recording and editing software
• Provided with a built-in audio interface
• Includes built-in XENYX mic preamps
• Equipped with Built-in Phantom Power (48V)
• Can accommodate both dynamic and condenser microphones
• Does not produce any noise

Pricing

The mixer is available at the cost of $80.

Get Your Podcasting Journey Started Now!

Podcasting is undoubtedly a lot of fun. However, the initial days mattered a lot. It is during this time when you can capture the attention of a loyal audience.

So, make sure that you invest in suitable tools and equipment to take you ahead in your podcasting journey.

You should have everything needed to create crisp and clear audio.

The rest of the work will be taken care of by your content.

Once people start taking notice of your podcast, there will be no stopping you!