đĄ You Donât Need Fancy Gear to Start a Podcast (Issue #653)
Don't invest too much money until you're serious about your show
Do you know how to attract even more attention for your career than simply being a guest on someone elseâs podcast?
Hosting your own show! Itâs easier than ever before, but there are a few things youâll need to get started:
Some basic equipment.
A quiet place to record.
Audio editing software.
A place to host your podcast.
And, your incredible voice, of course!
Basic equipment and setup
Letâs start with my fundamental rule for new ventures and experiments:
Do not invest a lot of money until you are consistently receiving a positive return!
I apply a lean approach to every new business or side hustle I explore. Invest minimal time, energy, and money when testing a new idea to see if it has legs. When you have a positive ROI from the venture (e.g., youâre getting some attention), you can invest a little more in growing it (e.g., services, equipment, marketing, time).
You will need some basics to record your voice. The quality wonât be good enough if you try to use your laptopâs built-in microphone or a Bluetooth headset while recording in a noisy environment.
A minimal setup:
A computer connected to the internet to record, edit, and upload the finished audio files.
Software for recording, editing, and exporting your audio. I use GarageBand (free on my MacBook Pro). Many people use Audacity, a free, open-source, cross-platform audio editing program.
A decent microphone. Itâs tempting to buy a really nice microphone, but donât do that yet. The high-end ones â like a Neumann â can be over $3K! But you can find a reasonable Shure, Rode, or Audio-Technica microphone for $100-$300. Note: Experts recommend a condenser microphone over a dynamic mic if you want true, subtle quality and a wider frequency range.
A pop filter helps reduce âplosivesâ while recording. Plosives are those hissing, lisping, and popping sounds that happen when you pronounce letters such as S, B, P, and T. You place these filters between your mouth and the mic, and they can be as cheap as $9.
A quiet space to record. I used acoustic panels and room dividers to make my office suitable for podcast recording.
Basic over-the-ear headphones to listen to your audio while editing later. You donât need to splurge on these either. You can get some for less than $50. However, donât use noise-canceling ones because they wonât give you an accurate representation of the sound.
So, creating a decent podcast setup may not be free, but it doesnât have to break the bank. Start lean and slowly ramp up your investment later.
Make sure youâre committed to your podcast before you spend too much money! Or, youâd better be getting some return on the investment (e.g., your podcast helps you get discovered and land an amazing job offer).
My setup
For example, here is the setup for my home office podcast studio (i.e., hardware, software, and spare bedroom).
I sometimes use a Shure MV7+ dynamic microphone to record directly into GarageBand and for online interviews via Zencastr. Iâm getting ready to test Riverside soon.
I also use two Audio-Technica AT2035 cardioid condenser microphones (connected via XLR audio cables to the Zoom recorder below) so my wife and I can record episodes together in the âstudio.â
I use a Zoom H6 portable recorder with my XLR microphones (since Iâve experienced glitches recording straight to local software and the cloud). Itâs been a workhorse, and I love it. But itâs discontinued, so check out their newest handheld recorders and podcast recorders.
We use pop filter screens to reduce plosives during recording.
We mounted the microphones to desks and tables using Rode PSA-1 Professional Studio Boom Arms. I tried some cheaper solutions, but they kept collapsing under the weight of the microphones.
Finally, you need to reduce noise and echo in the recording room. I put acoustic sound foam panels on my office walls and use a heavy blanket on a room divider behind me. I still need to put some more panels on the ceiling and add bass traps. Some vendors charge exorbitant prices for acoustic materials, but you can find more affordable options if you shop around.
Photo by James McKinven on Unsplash
Where and how to record
Youâll get the best audio quality from your microphone with the following tips:
Record in a quiet spot with minimal background noise. This can be in a room by yourself, in a closet, in your car if youâre using a lavalier and your smartphone, or even outside if you can find a secluded spot.
Avoid recording with hard surfaces nearby (e.g., over a desktop or in front of a computer screen). These surfaces will reflect sound, creating harsh echoes. One tip is to have something soft behind the mic, on the walls, and behind you (e.g., clothing or a blanket in a closet). This will absorb the sound rather than reflecting it, thus preventing echoes.
If you can, record your voice while standing. Standing up allows you to take deeper breaths and better control your breathing. It will maximize your vocal resonance, making your voice sound fuller.
Try to speak at a normal volume for your voice. Donât whisper or shout.
Place the microphone about 3 inches from your mouth when you are recording in your normal speaking voice. If you are going to record your singing voice, you will be farther away, depending on the volume of your voice (i.e., 6 to 9 inches). Different microphones have different sweet spots, so read the manual to learn more about yours.
Photo by Kit (formerly ConvertKit) on Unsplash
Hosting your podcast
There are so many podcast hosting solutions out there. It can be a bit overwhelming!
Youâll discover a wide range of features and subscription fees. But I think only one solution is truly free, and itâs the one Iâve been using for years now: Substack.
Yep, good olâ Substack lets you host your email newsletter, write articles, and publish a podcast for free (learn more).
Here are a few more solutions to check out (some have a basic free level):
Finally, your voice!
One last thing youâll need to figure out for your podcast is your vocal style. I wrote about that here:
Would you like to get feedback on your podcast plans from me? You can schedule a complimentary call.
Iâm Larry Cornett, an executive coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! đ Check out The Invincible Daily Journals!
I know some people would like to help support my newsletter and podcast, but donât want to commit to a monthly fee. I get it! So, I set up a âď¸ Buy Me a Coffee to let folks contribute without an ongoing financial commitment. Iâm a solopreneur, and coaching and writing are how I provide for my family. Thanks for your support!
