What Equipment Do You Need for a Podcast? A Full Guide

Starting a podcast is more accessible than ever. But with millions of shows competing for attention, simply having the right gear isn't enough to stand out. Your podcast equipment is the foundation for delivering professional quality and building scalable workflows that allow your show to grow.

This guide covers everything from starter podcast kits to professional studio setups.

As you explore the recommended gear for different budgets, keep in mind how these choices will impact your show's ability to scale, repurpose content, and measure results.

Pick the right gear from the get-go, and you'll be setting yourself up for a thriving podcasting future. Ready? Let’s dive in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WofSXIHFowc

Just want the highlights? In this no-fluff cheatsheet, we’ll dive into the brass tacks of creating your recording studio setup—whether you’re just starting or scaling up.

At its core, a quality podcast needs just one thing: clear audio. Everything else—video, branding, distribution—is built on this foundation.

Having the right pieces of equipment is key for capturing high-quality audio recordings. These core items represent the minimum viable podcast setup:

Your microphone is the single most important piece of podcasting equipment. There are two main types of mics to choose from:

• USB Microphones: The plug-and-play solution ideal for first podcasts or beginners just starting their own podcast. USB mics connect directly to your computer without any extra gear.
• XLR Microphones: The professional standard, XLR mics deliver superior sound quality and flexibility for multi-mic setups. However, they require an additional audio interface to connect to your computer.

Here are some recommended USB and XLR podcast microphones at different price points:

• Budget USB ($100 or less): Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, Samson Q2U
• Mid-range XLR ($250-500): Shure MV7, Electro-Voice RE20
• High-end XLR ($500+): Neumann BCM 705, Shure KSM32

No matter which mic you choose, keep in mind that proper technique, like maintaining a consistent distance and angle from the mic, has a bigger impact on sound quality than price alone.

Use a physical marker on your microphone stand or boom arm to maintain the same positioning across recording sessions.

55% of the 12+ population in the US are monthly podcast listeners.

Recording without headphones is like cooking without tasting as you go. Wearing podcast headphones allows you to monitor your microphone input in real-time to catch issues like plosives, background noise, or poor mic technique as they happen.

Closed-back, over-ear headphones are ideal for recording and editing because the sound isolation prevents audio from the headphones from bleeding into the mic. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or Sony MDR-7506 are great options under $150.

To capture and edit your shows, you'll need the right recording software. Here again, there are solid options for every level:

• Beginners: Free programs like Audacity or GarageBand are great for getting started.
• Intermediate: Pro-level digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Adobe Audition ($23/mo) or Reaper ($60 one-time) provide more advanced podcast editing features.
• Professional: Integrated platforms like Goldcast's Recording Studio combine high-quality local recording with text-based editing, plus AI-powered branding, and analytics to rapidly publish and measure your results.

A couple small accessories can make a big difference in your sound:

• Pop filters reduce plosives (harsh "p" and "b" sounds) for a cleaner, more professional vocal.
• Boom arms allow precise mic placement to maintain ideal positioning. They also reduce handling noise and vibrations from your desk.

You can get both a pop filter and boom arm for under $50 total, and we can't stress enough how much bang for your buck you get in terms of audio quality and consistency.

“You don't need a studio. You don't need a production house. You can do it as a one-person team. You need sunlight, a good story, and the ability to tap into human emotion.” — Christina Pearo, Content Manager, Slate

Choosing podcast equipment is a strategic decision based on your goals and budget, not just a shopping list. Here are some common equipment tiers to guide podcasters at different levels. We've added some of our top gear picks in each category.

If you're just getting started, focus on achieving professional sound quality with minimal investment.

Ideal for: Testing out show ideas, solo podcasting on a budget

Equipment:

• A quality USB microphone like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or Samson Q2U
• A pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
• Free recording software like Audacity or GarageBand

Limitations: Limited upgrade options, more room noise, potential for audio stuttering due to shared USB bus

Stepping up to this level allows more control over your sound, accommodates in-person interviews, and creates a more professional recording environment.

Ideal for: Regular solo and interview-based shows, building a brand presence through podcasting

Equipment:

• An XLR microphone like the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20
• An audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
• Closed-back headphones, mic stand, boom arm, and pop filter
• Recording software like Adobe Audition or Reaper for more granular editing control

Limitations: Steeper learning curve for concepts like gain staging, more potential failure points/cables to manage

Investing in high-end equipment allows you to achieve broadcast-quality audio, seamlessly record in-person or remote interviews, and establish an efficient workflow designed to scale.

Ideal for: Professional-grade shows, building thought leadership and brand authority

Equipment List:

• Multiple high-end XLR mics to accommodate in-person guests and co-hosts
• An advanced audio interface or mixer like the RØDECaster Pro or Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
• Acoustic treatment for your recording space to reduce room echo and noise
• Goldcast's integrated Recording Studio platform for capturing high-quality local audio and video, text-based editing, and automated content repurposing

Limitations: Higher cost and physical footprint, requires a clear process for file management and backup processes

As platforms like YouTube and Spotify increasingly surface video content to users, having a video version of your podcast is critical. Here's what you need to know.

While video is key for engagement, keep in mind that you never want to sacrifice audio fidelity. Listeners might tolerate a grainy webcam, but muffled vocals are an instant deal-breaker.

On Spotify, over 270 million users have watched a video podcast to date.

You have several options for video podcasting cameras, each with different tradeoffs in quality, cost and complexity:

• Smartphone: Modern smartphones can capture excellent 4K video. The iPhone 14 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 are great choices if you're on a budget.
• Webcam: A dedicated webcam offers better quality than most built-in cameras. The Logitech Brio 4K and Elgato Facecam are popular picks.
• Mirrorless camera: Mirrorless cameras like the Sony A6400 or Canon M50 Mark II provide superior video quality and lens options, but require more setup and technical knowledge.
• DSLR: DSLRs like the Nikon D780 offer top-notch video, but are heavier and pricier than mirrorless cams. They're best for advanced users.

Good lighting is the easiest way to make a big impact on your video's appearance. Here are some affordable options:

• Ring light: A simple ring light like the Neewer 18-inch LED casts even, flattering light on your face.
• Softbox lighting kit: A basic softbox kit like the Fovitec StudioPRO produces soft, diffused light and allows more control over positioning. The Westcott Flex Cine Travel Kit is a higher-end, more versatile option (with a price tag to match).

For B2B podcasters, your video background is a key tool for commanding credibility. Here’s how to keep it polished and professional:

• Choose a background that isn't distracting or cluttered. A clean, simple setup keeps the focus on you.
• Incorporate subtle branding elements like your logo or brand colors to reinforce your visual identity. Avoid going overboard or making it look too "salesy."
• Consider virtual background options, but make sure the quality is high to maintain a professional appearance.

Expanding into video unlocks major opportunities to get discovered by new audiences. YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram Reels all heavily favor video content in their algorithms.

Plus, short highlight reels and micro videos can rapidly grow your reach and attract viewers back to the full episodes.

Tools like Goldcast's Content Lab make this part easy. AI quickly identifies the most engaging moments from your recordings and automatically creates shareable video clips designed and formatted for each social platform so you can maximize your distribution without the added effort.

Video framing has a big impact on how professional and authoritative you appear on camera. Here’s how to nail it:

• Position the camera at eye level. This creates a neutral, engaged perspective for the viewer. Avoid angles that are too high or too low.
• Use the rule of thirds for composition. Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Position yourself along the left or right vertical line, with your eyes along the top horizontal line. This creates a balanced, visually pleasing composition.
• Minimize "ceiling headroom." Leave enough space above your head to avoid feeling cramped, but not so much that it looks like you're sinking into the frame. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 10-20% of the vertical space above your head.
• Maintain eye contact with the lens. This creates the illusion of direct eye contact with the viewer, projecting confidence and authority. Avoid frequently looking away at your preview monitor, which breaks that connection. If you need to reference notes, consider using a teleprompter-style monitor placed just below the lens to maintain eye-line.

Even simple adjustments to your camera setup can take your videos from amateur hour to top-notch production.

“The best way to create is in conversation—by being asked questions or asking questions. That's why we're seeing this moment happen.” — Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder and CEO of Share Your Genius

B2B podcasting is as much about your digital workflow as it is about physical equipment. Here's what you need to know.

One of the biggest pain points in podcast production is recording remote guests. Recording guests remotely through general video conferencing apps like Zoom leads to subpar audio due to patchy internet and aggressive audio compression.

Platforms purpose-built for podcast hosting and recording, like SquadCast and Goldcast's Recording Studio, solve this by capturing lossless audio and video locally on each participant's device.

Editing audio has traditionally been a time-consuming process. But a new breed of text-based editing tools are making it as simple as editing a Google doc.

Here’s how it works: Your audio is automatically transcribed and the text is matched to the audio waveform. To trim out a section, just highlight the text and hit delete. The corresponding audio is removed instantly.

And the best part is, anyone can do it. This makes publishing your podcast faster, easier, and more accessible to everyone on the team.

➡️Ready to see for yourself? Try our text-based video trimmer for free.

In a saturated B2B market, a generic-looking video podcast isn't going to cut it. Unfortunately, most recording tools just don’t come with robust branding options. For modern marketing teams, the result is hours of tedious work in separate video editing software programs.

To make branding automatic, look for an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to customize your podcast's visual identity. Goldcast's Recording Studio, for example, offers features like custom logos, lower thirds, background graphics, and intro/outro clips.

With custom templates, you can deliver a branded experience your audience will remember—without bouncing between multiple programs.

Listeners trust podcast hosts for recommendations (80%) almost as much as they trust family and friends (84%).

To prove the ROI of your podcast, you need data on how it's driving engagement and conversions that ultimately lead to pipeline. Unfortunately, most standalone recording tools just don't offer that.

Choosing a podcast platform with deep analytics capabilities is key. At a minimum, track these core metrics:

• Completion rate: The percentage of listeners who finish each episode. Low completion rates can indicate issues with content, length, or production quality.
• Audience retention: Detailed graphs showing where listeners drop off within episodes. Use these insights to identify segments that need improvement or re-ordering.
• CTA click-through rate: The percentage of listeners who take a desired action, like visiting a landing page or signing up for a newsletter. This measures how effectively your podcast drives conversions.
• Clip view-through rate: For short highlight clips distributed on social media, the percentage of viewers who watch the entire clip. High view-through rates indicate strong engagement and interest.

To make sure these insights are actionable, consistently label your episodes and segments with descriptive tags (e.g. "guest-interview," "solo-monologue," "audience-q-and-a"). This allows you to map analytics data back to specific content types and formats.

Avoid vanity metrics like total downloads, which don't tell you anything about the quality of engagement. Instead, look for a platform that offers:

• Audience retention graphs to see exactly where listeners drop off
• Conversion tracking to measure registrations, subscriptions, and purchases
• Integration with your CRM and marketing automation tools to track how podcast engagement influences sales pipeline

With the right analytics, you can transform your podcast from a creative experiment into a measurable, revenue-driving channel.

Accessibility and legal compliance are crucial for any serious podcast—and your podcasting tools should make it easy to tick these boxes.

Captions and transcripts: Providing captions and transcripts is essential for accessibility and SEO. Use automated transcription tools to make the process fast and easy.

Music licensing: Obtain necessary licenses for commercial music or use royalty-free tracks to avoid legal issues. Keep documentation of all music licenses.

Guest release forms: Use release forms to set expectations and protect both you and your guests. Cover key points like content usage rights and distribution channels.

Visual design: For video content, ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) and safe text margins (10% on all sides) to maintain accessibility.

Investing in podcasting equipment isn't just a creative decision. It's a business decision. One that directly impacts your show's efficiency, brand perception, and marketing performance.

To get the most bang for your buck, you need to evaluate gear not just by the price tag, but by the long-term value it delivers. Here's how to think about podcast equipment ROI.

High-quality equipment is an investment that pays dividends every time you hit record. Why? Because it dramatically reduces the time and money you spend editing out imperfections.

Think about it:

• A $50 mic that requires hours of post-production to remove background noise and fix muddy audio...
• Or a $250 mic that captures crystal-clear sound from the start, so you can focus on crafting compelling content (instead of damage control).

In podcasting, time is money. And the right gear is a serious time-saver. A modest up-front investment in quality can easily save you thousands in editing costs down the line.

In the golden age of podcasting, there’s no room for amateur audio.

Imagine you're a B2B brand trying to establish thought leadership in your space. You've landed an interview with a high-profile guest, but the recording sounds like it was captured in a wind tunnel. How do you think that reflects on your brand's credibility and attention to detail?

On the flip side, a polished, professional production signals that you're serious about delivering value to your audience. It builds trust and authority from the moment they hit play.

Extracting maximum mileage from your podcast episodes is all about repurposing. But if your source audio and video aren't high-quality, you'll be fighting an uphill battle to create content that looks and sounds great.

Investing in equipment that produces clean, professional recordings from the start acts as a force multiplier. It enables you to quickly spin up high-quality clips for social media, YouTube, audiograms, and more—without the headache of trying to polish subpar footage.

It's tempting to delay equipment upgrades in the name of saving money. But you have to ask: what opportunities are you leaving on the table in the meantime?

Let's say you've been making do with a budget USB mic for your interview show. You have a chance to bring on a high-profile guest, but the recording ends up unusable due to audio glitches. That's a priceless opportunity down the drain—and a cost that far outweighs the price of a reliable XLR setup.

Or maybe you're churning out episodes, but the editing process is so time-consuming that you can't maintain a consistent publishing cadence. That inconsistency makes it harder to build a loyal audience.

The point is, skimping on gear doesn't happen in a vacuum. The right gear can reduce your podcast editing time by 30-50%, allowing you to maintain a steady release cadence that keeps listeners coming back for more.

We've covered a lot of gear options in this guide, from entry-level to pro-grade. Because the truth is, not every podcaster needs to rush out and buy top-of-the-line equipment on day one.

So how do you know when it's time to level up? Here are some key indicators that an upgrade is in order:

1. Your content is evolving. Maybe you started out with a solo show, but now you're bringing on more guest interviews. That trusty USB mic that worked great for monologues may not cut it for recording multiple people in the same room. As your format changes, your gear needs to keep up.
2. Your audience is growing. The more ears on your podcast, the higher the stakes. A growing audience means it's time to start thinking about upgrades that will improve production value and reinforce your credibility. After all, no one wants gear to be the reason you lose momentum.
3. Your workflow is hitting roadblocks. Are you spending more time troubleshooting equipment or fixing audio issues than you are creating content? That's a surefire sign it's time for an upgrade. The right gear should streamline your process, not bog it down.

The key is to be intentional. Evaluate your equipment regularly in the context of your growth goals. With a little bit of planning, you can avoid the headaches of unexpectedly outgrowing your gear and keep your podcast running smoothly.

If you’re a regular listener, you already know the most successful B2B podcasts aren't one-offs. They're fuel for the entire content flywheel. And with the right approach, a single episode can power dozens of assets across your marketing mix.

Here's how to transform your podcast from a single touchpoint into an evergreen content engine.

One of the biggest challenges in podcasting is the feeling of investing heavily in an episode that gets published once and then fades into the archives.

But with AI-powered repurposing tools like Content Lab, you can instantly transform a single long-form episode into dozens of other assets:

• Highlight reels for social media
• Short video clips for LinkedIn and TikTok
• Blog post and article drafts
• Key takeaways and quotes for email newsletters
• Audiograms and waveform videos for Twitter
• Transcripts and closed captions for accessibility

By automatically spinning up content in multiple formats, you can dramatically extend the reach and lifespan of every episode, without adding manual work to your plate.

Of course, repurposing content isn't very efficient if you're stitching together a dozen different tools behind the scenes. Switching from your recording software, to your editing tool, to your marketing automation platform, to your analytics dashboard...it's enough to make your head spin.

That's why forward-thinking brands are turning to unified podcast platforms like Goldcast to streamline their workflows.

Instead of cobbling together a makeshift tech stack, Goldcast provides an end-to-end solution that handles everything from recording and editing to branding, repurposing, and analytics.

With all your tools and data in one place, you can focus on creating great content, not juggling logins and exports.

When you're distributing podcast content across multiple channels, you want your audience to have a cohesive experience regardless of whether they're watching a video clip, reading a blog post, or listening to the full episode.

That's where features like Goldcast's brand kit come in. With customizable templates for intros, outros, logos, and lower thirds, you can ensure that your visual identity is reflected across all your podcast assets.

To maintain quality and consistency at scale, it's important to establish some guidelines for your podcast content. A lightweight style guide can go a long way in keeping everyone aligned and avoiding one-off deviations.

Here are some key elements to include:

• Intro and outro scripts
• Color palette and font choices
• Logo usage and placement
• Aspect ratio and sizing for video clips (e.g. 1:1 for Instagram, 16:9 for YouTube)
• Naming conventions for files and published assets
• Required calls-to-action and attribution

By documenting these standards upfront, you can empower anyone on your team to create on-brand podcast content without starting from scratch every time.

For B2B brands, a podcast isn't just a fun side project. It's a strategic investment in building authority, engagement, and pipeline. And the most successful ones that take a holistic, multi-channel approach to capturing audience mindshare.

That's where Goldcast comes in. As an all-in-one podcast platform built for the needs of B2B marketers, Goldcast empowers you to:

• Record studio-quality audio and video with ease, ensuring a polished, professional sound that reinforces your brand credibility.
• Collaborate with guests and co-hosts seamlessly, even if you're recording remotely.
• Repurpose content effortlessly. Transform long-form recordings into social media clips, blog posts, and more with just a few clicks.
• Prove the ROI of your podcast with best-in-class analytics. With integrations for popular CRMs and marketing automation platforms, you can see exactly how your podcast is driving results.
• Streamline your workflow and maintain brand consistency, with customizable templates, a centralized asset library, and intuitive publishing tools. Spend less time juggling tools and more time creating content that resonates.

Want to see Goldcast's podcast platform in action? Schedule a personalized walkthrough with our team and discover how you can streamline your workflow, repurpose content, and prove the ROI of your show.

At minimum, you'll need a quality microphone, a pair of headphones, and recording software. We recommend starting with a USB mic like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or the Samson Q2U, which provide excellent sound quality for the price. For headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a great choice.

There are a few key signs that it's time for an upgrade:

1. Your content is evolving and your current gear can't keep up (e.g. you're adding co-hosts or in-person interviews)
2. Your audience is growing and you need to improve production value to meet their expectations
3. Equipment issues are causing you to miss deadlines, lose content, or spend too much time editing
4. You're getting consistent feedback about audio quality issues like background noise or inconsistent levels

If you're experiencing any of these challenges, it's probably time to evaluate your setup and invest in some strategic upgrades.

Poor audio quality is one of the quickest ways to undermine your brand credibility. Common audio issues include:

• Excessive background noise or echo
• Inconsistent volume levels between speakers
• Distorted, muddy, or tinny sound
• Distracting mouth noises or breathing sounds

To avoid these pitfalls, invest in a quality microphone, use proper mic technique (like maintaining a consistent distance), and record in a quiet space with minimal echo. For remote interviews, make sure your guest has a decent mic setup as well.

If you're primarily doing solo episodes, a single high-quality USB mic like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x will get the job done. But if you're regularly recording with co-hosts or in-person guests, you'll need additional gear like XLR mics, a multi-channel audio interface, and headphone amplifiers so everyone can monitor their own audio. For remote interviews, you and your guest can record locally on your own USB mics for the best sound quality.

If you're serious about podcasting and want to build in room for growth, we recommend budgeting at least $500-1000 for your initial equipment purchase. This will allow you to get a versatile XLR mic (like the Shure SM7B), a quality audio interface (like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2), and a few key accessories like a boom arm and pop filter.

From there, you can add on additional mics, headphone amps, and other gear as your needs evolve. Remember, investing in quality equipment up front can save you time and money in the long run by reducing the need for constant upgrades.

A few simple accessories can make a big impact on your sound:

• Pop filters reduce plosives (harsh "p" and "b" sounds) for a cleaner, smoother vocal tone
• Boom arms allow you to position the mic precisely and reduce handling noise and vibrations from your desk
• Acoustic treatment like foam panels or sound blankets can minimize room echo and reflections for a more professional sound
• Shock mounts isolate the mic from vibrations and bumps, which is especially useful if you tend to move around a lot while recording

These extras are affordable and easy to set up, so they're a great way to level up your audio without breaking the bank.

Editing is often the most time-consuming part of podcasting. To streamline your workflow, consider these upgrades:

• A high-quality mic captures cleaner audio with less noise, reducing the need for extensive cleanup and processing
• A digital audio interface allows you to set gain levels properly for each speaker, minimizing issues with clipping or inconsistent volume
• A hardware audio mixer like the RØDECaster Pro includes built-in sound processing and effects, letting you get the sound you want without as much post-production
• A text-based editing tool like Descript or Content Lab can cut your editing time in half by letting you edit audio straight from the transcript

Remember, the less time you have to spend fixing issues in post-production, the more time you can spend creating new content.

Your podcast studio can be wherever you need it to be. Many podcasters record in a home studio most of the time, but also need the flexibility to record interviews at conferences or on the road. In this case, a travel-friendly setup might include:

• A portable USB mic like the Samson Q2U or AKG Lyra
• Collapsible isolation panel or small acoustic shield to minimize room reverb
• A tablet or laptop with recording software installed
• Closed-back headphones to monitor audio in noisy environments

With a compact mobile rig, you can maintain audio quality and consistency even when you're out of your normal recording space. Just be sure to do a test recording in each new environment to check for any unexpected noise or acoustic issues.

Livestreaming video adds some additional equipment requirements compared to audio-only podcasting. To level up for livestreaming, you may need:

• A high-quality webcam or digital camera for video capture
• Lighting equipment like a ring light or softbox lights to ensure even, flattering light on your face
• An audio interface that can handle both your XLR mic and the audio output from your camera
• A video encoder and streaming software to broadcast your video feed in real-time
• A computer with sufficient processing power and memory to handle simultaneous recording, encoding, and streaming

With the right video gear in place, you can create professional-looking livestreams that enhance your podcast content and expand your reach to new audiences.

Many podcasters use the same USB mic for Zoom calls and solo podcast recording. However, the audio demands of a podcast are higher than a typical video call. For best results, we recommend using a dedicated podcast mic if possible, especially if you're recording interviews or multi-person shows.

As for headphones, a good pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones will work well for both Zoom and podcasting. Look for headphones with good sound isolation and a neutral frequency response, like the Sony MDR-7506 or Beyerdynamic DT 770 PROs.