A lot of people have asked what equipment I use for my podcasts. The good news is not much. Since you already own a laptop, all you really need is a USB Mic suitable for Podcasting and some editing software which is free. You'll also need a podcast hosting service which starts with free trials
Here is a list of everything I use to record, edit and produce my podcast.
Here is a list of everything I use to record, edit and produce my podcast.
The Laptop
I use a 2013 Macbook Air which I absolutely love. But you can start out using whatever laptop you currently own. The reason why I love my Macbook Air for Podcasting is the weight and battery life. I often record my podcasts live in a garden or on the road, so it's nice to have 12 hours of battery life.
Update: It's almost time to upgrade again as my battery now lasts 3-4 hours but Apple hasn't come out with a better Macbook Air yet, so hopefully at the end of 2016 or sometime in 2017 I'll be upgrading soon.
Update: It's almost time to upgrade again as my battery now lasts 3-4 hours but Apple hasn't come out with a better Macbook Air yet, so hopefully at the end of 2016 or sometime in 2017 I'll be upgrading soon.
Podcast USB Microphones
The main mic I use for the majority of my episodes is the portable, low cost ATR2100-USB by Audio-Technica. It is my favorite mic and perfect one one person or in a pinch, two people to share side by side. It is low cost, but high quality. Just make sure you buy a cheap $3 pop filter to use with it as it reduces the popping sounds the letter P makes.
Update: As of Episode 90 or so I've started using a mixer called the Scarlett 2i2 which lets me physically plug in two ATR-2100 mics using the XLR cable instead of USB which gives slightly better quality and is more reliable as a splitter than software.
What To Buy to Start Your Podcast:
2x ATR-2100 Mics
2x Foam Pop Filters
1x Scarlett 2i2 Mixer
Carrying Cases:
1 or 2 Padded Mic Cases
If carrying 2 mics and the mixer you can use the box the Scarlett comes in. The cases are for if you want to use the mics as USB mics which are handy if you're traveling light or just want to record through Skype you don't need two mics and the mixer during your trip.
Update: As of Episode 90 or so I've started using a mixer called the Scarlett 2i2 which lets me physically plug in two ATR-2100 mics using the XLR cable instead of USB which gives slightly better quality and is more reliable as a splitter than software.
What To Buy to Start Your Podcast:
2x ATR-2100 Mics
2x Foam Pop Filters
1x Scarlett 2i2 Mixer
Carrying Cases:
1 or 2 Padded Mic Cases
If carrying 2 mics and the mixer you can use the box the Scarlett comes in. The cases are for if you want to use the mics as USB mics which are handy if you're traveling light or just want to record through Skype you don't need two mics and the mixer during your trip.
The other mic that I sometimes use when i'm sitting across from m guest or have more than one person on the show is the Blue Yeti which is the best podcast mic on the market. If you listen to Episode 26 Saigon vs. Vietnam with Anton Kraly as a guest, it is recorded with a Yeti.
The other podcast mic I used to use for all of my episodes is the Blue Yeti
The other podcast mic I used to use for all of my episodes is the Blue Yeti
Just got myself a portable mic as well that actually sounds really good. It's tiny and it's cheap so it's perfect for always having in my backpack no matter where I go, just in case.
Software to Edit
To record and edit I use Audacity which is free. II really like their truncate silence filter. You can download it for free here. When recording over Skype, I use Piezo 2 as it records in two separate tracks unlike Skype Call Recorder. This allows me to individually edit and adjust the sound and volume for each person talking.
If you want to take an online course on how to record and edit podcasts, check out Ian Robinson's course. He's one of the producers for the Tim Ferris Podcast and definitely knows what he is talking about.
If you want to take an online course on how to record and edit podcasts, check out Ian Robinson's course. He's one of the producers for the Tim Ferris Podcast and definitely knows what he is talking about.
Podcast Hosting
I first started with Podomatic which was free, but quickly realized the limitations. It was a pain in the ass to switch over the iTunes feed. So if you are going to do a podcast, just start with the hosting the pros use, or don't start at all. I use Libsyn.
That's it! Let me know if you have any questions about getting started with your podcast.
Johnny
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