Have you ever wonder what equipment you need to start a podcast, and how much it will cost? Have you been holding off starting a podcast because you’re pretty sure it’s not in the budget? 

Well then today’s episode is for you! 

Today I’m explaining the equipment you’ll need in order to start your podcast, and why you need it! Spoiler alert, my recommendations won’t break the bank. 

When it comes to equipment it can be super overwhelming. And I get it, with so many options out there it can make it hard to know what to choose. Just know there is no right or wrong answer. It’s kinda like the menu at Chick-fil-A, nothing you order will taste bad, but you might enjoy some of the meals more than others. So you can stop worrying you’ll choose the wrong equipment and instead focus on what’s right for you- right now. And I say right now because what might work great for you now, may not serve you well later. But more on that in the show. 

Okay, let’s not wait any longer. Let’s GO! 

Though this list isn’t exhaustive, it isn’t the bare basics either. These are the items I’ve found that have helped me achieve the best sound quality, for the best price. And they are the same pieces of equipment I recommend to my coaching clients. 

Like anything, you can spend quite a lot of money on podcasting equipment. What I recommend you do is to start small. You can always upgrade later if something isn’t working for you, or if you start making some money and want to invest in better equipment. 

But for now these items will work great. So to begin your podcast you’ll need: 

Microphone: ATR 2100 USB – Whichever microphone you choose you’ll want a multidirectional and USB output for digital recording more on microphones in a minute

Boom Arm: Attaches to a desk or table. It can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally and hold your microphone.  

Windscreen: These are foam caps that fit over the mic and help eliminate pops, clicks, hisses and breathy sounds. You can also purchase them in super fun colors. My favorites are a pink and turquoise one that match my logo. 

Pop Filter: or pop shield or pop screen is a noise protection filter for microphones, it serves to reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused.

Shock Mount: mounts to the boom arm and helps stabilize the mic from sounds- if you bump or hit the stand of mic- it absorbs the sounds. Like the name its similar to shocks on a vehicle- it absorbs any bumps to the stand. 

Headphones– you’ll want to be sure to where headphones especially when recording with a guest, but I wear them anytime I’m recording. You don’t need anything fancy here, I use my good ol’ apple earbuds but just make sure whatever pair you choose doesn’t have a mic on them. I learned that the hard way! 🙂 

Computer: compatible with a USB output

Recording Software: Garageband, Audacity or for remote guest interviews: Zoom, Skype or Zencastr – all of these are free options no they won’t cost you a thing.

Okay, now let’s get to what everyone wants to know: what mic do I recommend? 

Remember when I said to start small and then you can upgrade as you need too. Well, that’s what I did. I purchased my mic, thinking I’d upgrade to a better/badder microphone once things got rolling and here I am today still using the same one. Which one you ask, well it’s the  ATR2100. or Audio Technica 2100. Guys, this mic though she be little, she be fierce. 

Pat Flynn recommends this mic and if it’s good enough for Pat well then, it’s good enough for me. 

Here’s the thing, there are a lot, and I mean a lot of options out there. But more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. It just means more expensive. let me for a moment hoist myself up onto my soap box. The number one question I get from people is: what mic should I get?

Listen, I get it. The mic represents more than just a mic. It represents your step to launch your podcast. But my problem is when new podcasters care more about their instagram shot with said mic than they do with quality of their content or learning how to edit their show. When they’ll gladly shell out cash money for a spiffy mic but not on an editor or podcasting course. 

A microphone will not validate you or your show. But the right mic and right equipment will help you sound amazing which will in turn validate and your show. So with that I will  jump down. 

So how much will all of this cost you? I think you’ll be suprised, The ATR 2100 is $65.00 Yep you heard that right, $65. You can get the whole kit and caboodle for boom arm, mic, & pop filter off amazon for $94.99. Throw in a pack of windscreens and you’re out the door for under $100.00.

If you’ve got a bit more money to spend these are great options, I recommend the Blue Yeti these run about $100. And are terrific mics. 

There you have it all the equipment you’ll need to start your podcast, all under $100!