Start a Professional-Sounding Podcast for under $300.
By: Tyler Berg
Tags: Audio, Cheap, Podcasting, Microphone, Podcast

Do you have an interesting topic that you love talking about? Do you want to share it with others? Do you have a computer and about $250 to spend? You’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive into what tools you’ll need to make a professional-grade, high-quality podcast. I think you’ll be surprised how little it takes:

1. Microphones

You’ll need a microphone in order to capture your sweet voice. There are two styles (dynamic and condenser), as well as two different ways to plug microphones in (XLR-based, or USB-based).

Something to keep in mind about USB-based microphones is that they don’t allow you to expand later on if you decide to upgrade your podcast setup. If you do upgrade, whether that be to get better equipment, or to add more microphones for more people to join, you’ll need to buy an entirely new microphone(s). We’ll get into that.

The difference between a dynamic mic and a condenser mic is based on how they both operate. A dynamic mic doesn’t need extra power from its source to operate, while a condenser mic does. Another important difference between the two is that dynamic mics tend to be a lot less sensitive than condensers, which is a great choice especially if you are planning to record in a room that is adjacent to a nearby highway, or has a loud AC every time it turns on. However, a condenser mic, despite its higher sensitivity, can actually provide more detail and “shininess” to your voice. It really depends on your environment, and which microphone you think would sound better with your own voice.

Both dynamic and condenser microphones can be found whether you decide to buy an XLR-based mic, or a USB-based mic. A USB mic is usually more convenient, as it allows you to approach your workflow from a “plug-and-play” mindset, whereas an XLR microphone usually requires a few more pieces of gear, like an audio interface to convert the signals from the microphone into readable signals by your computer, and an XLR cable, to plug the microphone into the interface. USB microphones technically have the interface built in, which is why they are considered more convenient, and don’t need as much equipment.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great XLR condenser microphone that usually runs for about $99.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone

The RØDE PodMic is another great XLR microphone for $99, but is a dynamic microphone, and is also designed to be used specifically for podcasts and spoken word.

The BLUE Yeti microphone is super popular for those who want a USB-condenser microphone, and can usually be found for about $129.

BLUE Yeti USB Condenser Microphone

The Samson Q2U/XLR microphone is a hybrid, that allows you to plug in either by USB or XLR. It usually runs for $69.

USB microphones can, however, be more limiting, because you have access to only so many controls on the microphone itself, whereas an interface for an XLR microphone allows you to more finely adjust the input volume of the mic, set headphone levels, re-route to a set of studio monitors/speakers, etc…

It really depends on your situation. If you think you’ll expand to a larger setup later on, you would be better off getting an XLR mic. If you think you’ll stay solo, a USB mic will get the job done easily.

2. Pop Filter

No matter what microphone you choose, it will be so good at picking up sound, that it will probably be too good at picking up gusts of wind, too. That is why you should consider investing in a pop filter of some sort, whether it is foam or a mesh. They are designed to allow sound to pass, but help lower the gusts of air that are resulted from specific phonetics, like “p,” “f,” “b,” and sometimes “h.” Otherwise, you will get very loud pops in your recording due to these phonetics, which will make it hard for your listeners to stay focused on what you’re saying.

Standard Pop Filter

Depending on the mic you get, there may be a filter that comes with it automatically. If not, it is easy to find a pop filter or windscreen that will fit your microphone just fine.

Microphone Windscreens

3. Audio Interface (If Needed)

If you’re going to end up using a USB microphone, you won’t need an audio interface, so you can skip this point. But, if you are using an XLR mic, you’ll need an audio interface to connect to your computer.

Audio interfaces come in several different configurations, which can make it hard to know which one to get. The most common type of interface is a USB interface, because almost every computer has a USB port. The next thing you’ll need to determine is how many inputs/channels you need. If you’re riding solo, you may only need one. If you’re planning on getting two microphones to discuss topics with your friend, you might want two, and so on.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface

You can find a really cheap interface nowadays that comes with perfectly good electronics inside, meaning there won’t be a huge problem with electrical noise, crackling every time you move a knob, and so forth.

Here are a few recommended interfaces if you plan on using an XLR microphone:

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, $99

Focusrite Scarlett Solo, $109

Behringer U-Phoria UM2, $48

4. Headphones

You’ll need something to hear yourself and your friends while recording your podcast. A set of headphones (preferably over-the-ear and closed-back) would surely be your best bet. Closed-back headphones are preferred because they allow you to keep leak and bleed from the headphones out of the microphone you talk into. Other wise, it may be very apparent for your audience to hear what you’re hearing in your headphones, which is annoying. You can also use earbuds that seal the ear canal, but they can sometimes be more uncomfortable.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Stereo Headphones

Your headphones don’t need to be top-notch, expensive, and have the best sound quality. What they should be, however, is a set of headphones that won’t break immediately, and allow you to hear the things you need to hear properly. The most common set of headphones is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. They are closed-back, sturdy, and sound great for the price. You can usually get them for roughly $50.

5. DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

Eventually, you’ll need something to record, edit, and export your podcasts for the world to see. However, many DAWs can end up being super expensive. Fortunately, whether you’re using a Mac or PC, there’s free software you can use!

On either a PC or Mac, the most popular cross-platform DAW is Audacity. It has basic functionality, but allows the user to edit, record, and export audio easily, with as many tracks as needed. Its user-interface, however, is a little out-dated and hard to understand, but is a great free tool for anyone who needs basic functionality.

Audacity Screenshot

Apple has a native DAW you can download for free from the app store: Garageband. The benefits of using Garageband are that it is super intuitive, and uses language for anyone to understand. Apple has developed this software to be user-friendly for almost anyone, and, as mentioned before, is completely free. The only downside is that it is only available on Mac. If you have a PC, sorry!

Garageband Screenshot

Hopefully, this helps you see what options you have to create your own podcast. The next step, after you polish your podcast, is to distribute it, which will be talked about in the next article. Stay tuned!